Sunset Family Session at Oak Grove Park – Ripon, California
There’s something so magical about summertime in Northern California—especially when it comes to photographing families. For this Oak Grove Park family session in Ripon, everything came together: wildflowers in bloom, soft golden light, and a joyful family of five that brought their full selves to the experience.
As a Bay Area family photographer, one of my favorite things is getting to explore locations beyond the big cities. Ripon, a hidden gem in California’s Central Valley, offers peaceful park settings like Oak Grove that are perfect for playful, light-filled sessions. The wildflowers were blooming in random patches across the park, adding pops of color and an unmistakable summer energy to the backdrop. It felt fresh, fun, and full of possibility.
This sweet family was made up of two loving parents and their three active boys—each one with his own vibrant personality. The brothers fueled each other’s energy with every laugh, tease, and silly face. Their connection was so easy to capture; it’s the kind of energy you don’t need to pose. It just happens. That’s the kind of vibe I live for as a photographer. When everyone is relaxed, having fun, and just being themselves it creates incredible moments for capturing.
One of my favorite parts of the session was when the family sat down on a blanket and brought out their favorite books. Yes—this crew of readers wanted to include something they love doing together, and it made for some truly heartwarming moments. As they flipped through pages and cuddled close, I snapped away quietly, capturing candid, lifestyle family photography that felt deeply personal. Moments like these tell stories that last forever.
As the sun dipped lower, painting everything in that dreamy golden glow, we carved out some time for just Mom and Dad. In that quiet moment, you could feel the connection—the history, the laughter, the deep love that started it all. These are the kinds of moments I always try to capture in my sessions: those small but powerful reminders of what makes a family strong.
Lisa, the beautiful mama at the heart of it all, absolutely radiated. Surrounded by her fun-loving, sports-playing boys and her adoring husband, she was the star of the show. You could tell her boys loved making her smile, and it was clear she’s the glue that holds it all together.
Even when the springtime “pricklies” started clinging to socks and biting ankles—nature’s way of keeping it real—this family kept smiling, laughing, and leaning into the joy of just being together.
I left this Ripon family photo session feeling so grateful. Sessions like this remind me why I love being a Northern California family photographer—to freeze time, create meaningful memories, and help families see the beauty in their own story.
