The Tawney Family holds a special place in my heart. They first contacted me a couple of years ago looking for a photographer who could do both family and newborn photos as they were expecting. Our first session together was for their spring baby announcement. Later that year summer I photographed their maternity session followed by their daughter’s newborn session that fall. Last year was my last session with them before I moved to Germany. We began with a family session and ended with their daughter’s first birthday photos.
Each session was at a different location so for their family session I wanted yet another session to give them variety. I photographed this session at Empire Ranch in Sonoita. It was early September and everything was still green, but with their beautiful fall outfit choices and some fallen leaves, we had a touch of fall. We began in a wooded area with a stream not far from the ranch. The sun was high and the trees offered us some soft light diffusion. Since babies are much more interested in walking, crawling, and exploring their surroundings, my goal was candid photos.
As the sun got closer to the horizon, everyone changed clothes and we drove to another nearby location to catch the sunset. It was a beautiful late summer evening, warm with soft, warm sunlight. I photographed the Tawney family walking, loving each other, and playing with their daughter. Once the sun had set we set up the cake smash session. Fall colors with a feminine feel. Pale pink and orange with cream, a small colorful bundt cake, and a pumpkin topper. Most people opt for studio cake smash sessions, but I love the simplicity and beauty of an outdoor cake smash. I am forever blessed to have photographed their family.
The Photos: The Tawney Family
