A Fall Family Session in the Mountains with Bear the Pup
There’s something extra special about photographing another photographer’s family — it’s one of the biggest compliments I could ever receive. When someone who knows the ins and outs of lighting, posing, and storytelling asks me to capture their people? I don’t take it lightly.
This sweet session was for a fellow photographer I met years ago (somehow neither of us can remember exactly where — classic creative brain energy 😂). She’s a beautiful mom, a creative soul, and the kind of person who just lights up a room. Her husband is a hardworking guy, and together they’ve raised two absolutely amazing teenagers.
When she picked the mountains above Yucaipa, California for their family photo session, I knew it was going to be magic. This spot is one of my hidden gems — it has a year-round creek, pine trees, and that peaceful mountain energy that feels like a deep breath. The fall weather can be unpredictable, but we totally lucked out with a cool but comfy day in the 50s.
Mom is obsessed with the mountains (seriously, her happy place), and she showed up with the perfect styling — warm fall tones, textures, and patterns that just worked beautifully with the scenery. She even had her hair and makeup professionally done, and oh my gosh… she looked STUNNING. A total natural in front of the camera — no surprise there!
But let me tell you about the real star of the show… Bear. 🐾
Bear is their golden retriever — part lover boy, part wild child, and 100% adored by his family. He’s still got that playful puppy energy and was living his best life out in nature. He’s also mom’s right-hand buddy while she edits and works from home — her little shadow and sidekick.
This whole session felt so full of life and love. The kind where laughter flows easily and the photos feel like them. It's such an honor to document families in every season, but when it’s someone who lives behind the lens too? That makes it extra meaningful.
If you’re dreaming of a mountain family session in Yucaipa or anywhere in the Inland Empire, I’d love to help you plan something beautiful — fur babies totally welcome. 🌲📸🐶
With love & grace,
Heidi
