About a month ago, I received an email from a local photographer looking for some photos of herself. I’ve mentioned it before, but I feel like I have to say it again. I love shooting other photographers. Not only is it flattering, but it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a chance for me to learn and observe someone else who does what I do. And in the end, I hope to make a new friend! (Andrea, those drinks are calling!)

What I loved most though, was that Andrea brought along not only her husband, but her adorable dog Sydney. Since we decided to meet in the hills of Livermore – I couldn’t have been more excited for ANYTHING on four legs that could sniff out snakes. ((shudder)) I don’t do snakes.

Andrea, thank you again for spending the afternoon with me. You are fabulous.

Seriously, aren’t they cute!?

We got rained out of our first attempt at shooting Madison’s 1 year portraits, but luckily, we came up with an even better, and even more fun location for the make-up session.  Canyon Creek Ranch.  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. (And I’m holding myself accountable for taking Grayson there when he is old enough to get on a horse!)

I had a lot of fun with you guys, so thank you Renee and Jason, for being willing to follow me and my crazy antics. I think the photos we got were worth every mud covered shoe!

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To book a family session with Meg, please email Meg@megsextonphotography.com

Sheila contacted me a few months ago to set up a shoot when she was back in California for the Thanksgiving holiday.  (Can you tell I’m behind on my blogging!?)  She has a close family and they all wanted to take pictures.  It was a blast.  And, thanks to Sheila, I now have a lovely new location in Palo Alto.

Thank you all for braving the cold with me!

Isn’t she just a ham?  I’m CONVINCED this one is going places.  With a personality as big as hers, she’s bound to succeed!

And above that, I’m thankful that everyone around me has encouraged me to find the strength to change my future. It wasn’t so long ago that I was LONGING to start my own business. I spent a good deal of time wondering how the photographers I admired found the courage to pick up their cameras and just do it and aching to do it myself. I couldn’t be where I am today without the love of those around me. I feel blessed to be walking down the road that I have chosen. And I can only hope that I can continue to grow in my craft.

Since I’m all mushy and this post very quickly turn into a warm and fuzzy sob-fest, I’ll just go ahead and post some of my favorites from a recent family session.

Emily contacted me when she was traveling to California from the East Coast. She’s a photographer herself and wanted some family photos now that her little guy is getting bigger. I’m always incredibly flattered when other photographers choose me to capture their families, and I always get a little nervous. (It’s a lot of pressure when a client knows as much about the technicalities of a shoot as I do!) But of course Emily and her husband were complete sweet hearts and it was a blast to talk shop during a shoot. And the best part was that they pretty much posed themselves.

We spent the morning wandering around the Stanford University Campus and had a blast playing around and getting completely lost. Thank you Steve Jobs for putting maps in all of our iphones. I’m not sure anyone could function on that campus without one. It’s huge!

Thank you J family for spending some time with me on your trip. I enjoyed finally getting to meet you and little Topher.

To book a session with Meg, please contact meg@megsextonphotography.com

I was lucky enough to get a SECOND chance to shoot little miss Charlotte right after her first birthday.  She has always been a doll and now that she’s all over the place, I’m pretty sure she’s even cuter.  She’s so curious!  And happy to get into anything she could find.

Thank you D family for letting me drag you around San Francisco – and even braving the Chinatown grounds!  I had a blast.

This family was so much fun to capture. (And the drove all the way down from Vacaville to see me!) We spent some time wandering around Hap MaGee Park in Danville and just found some of the most fun little niches to photograph.  Dad kept joking about his inability to relax in front of the camera, but I think, just maybe, that we made it happen. And just like I promised, he’s on the website.

Thank you again for letting me spend some time with you guys.  And congratulations on your new home!

Thank you Grayson for reminding me why it is that I love taking photos. Thank you for pushing me to always remember that a lifetime is full of todays and that every one is worth remembering.

Jessica and her little family were just too cute. AND they were troopers. They trekked all the way to a junky railroad drop off to indulge my interest in a little teal shack. I made them wade though random rubbage and weeds and Jessica is horribly afraid of snakes! She didn’t complain once.

Thank you W family for spending a Saturday with me.

And Lucas was a doll. So sweet, sleepy, and lovable. He may have been a little late, but I’m sure Mama thinks he was worth every minute of it!

Thank you S family for letting me capture your family