The Year Max Made the Nice List

Every now and then, a session sticks in my memory for the best reasons and this one from Christmas 2018 is definitely on that list. I had been photographing this sweet family for a little while by then, so when they booked one of my holiday sessions at the local tree farm just outside Redlands, I was already excited. But this year, they brought along someone new: their pup, Max. Let me just say, I love when families include their pets in photos. Your dog is part of your crew, so why not let them be part of your memories, too?


Dogs at Sessions? Absolutely

Max was still pretty young at the time, full of energy and personality. He wasn’t wild, but definitely had that spirited, slightly unpredictable puppy vibe. Luckily, I usually carry a little squeaky toy in my gear bag to grab the attention of toddlers and it works just as well for dogs. Max’s ears perked right up every time. Mom styled the whole family beautifully for a tree farm vibe-cozy, coordinated, and not overly matchy. The girls looked so sweet in their holiday outfits, and we got a bunch of heart-melting shots of them playing and snuggling with their parents. Then it was Max’s moment.


The Shot I Almost Missed

We got him into a few photos with the family, and he was doing great—goofy expressions, tail wagging, stealing the spotlight in the best way. After a few takes, Dad had him sit off to the side so we could grab some shots of just the humans. But Max had other plans. Just as I was about to lift my camera again, I looked up and there he was, planted right in front of me, sitting like he knew exactly what he was doing. I didn’t even have time to move. I just hoped my camera would find focus, and thank goodness it did. I got the perfect surprise shot of Max, front and center, looking proud and totally unbothered. Like, “Excuse me, I wasn’t finished yet.” It still makes me laugh.


A Tree Farm Session to Remember

There was something extra special about this session. Maybe it was the crisp December air, or the way the trees looked in that soft afternoon light, or how this family always shows up with so much heart and joy, but it all just worked. Throw in a dog with a big personality and a perfectly timed photo bomb, and honestly? It’s one I’ll never forget. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not to bring your dog to a session, let this be your sign. I’m always here for the chaos, the cuddles, and everything in between.


Want to stay in the loop for future holiday sessions at the tree farm or other seasonal favorites? The best way is to hop on my email list. That’s where all my session info drops first. Booking for Christmas Tree Farm Sessions go live via my email list on September 1st! Hope to see you and your crew—furry members included.


With love & grace,

Heidi



A group sits together on a blanket outdoors among pine trees at sunset with their chocolate Labrador retriever.
People sitting on a colorful blanket for a family photoshoot in a wooded outdoor setting during golden hour.
A white dress sits atop a plaid blanket surrounded by evergreen trees in a rustic outdoor setting.
A family embraces in matching white outfits during a golden hour photoshoot among evergreen trees.
A series of outdoor portraits taken in a natural setting with golden sunlight filtering through trees in the background.
A series of six outdoor portraits with a golden sunset backdrop taken in a natural outdoor setting.
Two young girls in white dresses laughing and embracing while sitting outdoors in a natural setting.
Two friends sharing a joyful moment while sitting on a picnic blanket outdoors in warm lighting.
Two children in white dresses laugh together while sitting on a plaid blanket outdoors with evergreen trees in background.
Two children in white dresses sit on blankets with a brown dog at a Christmas tree farm during golden hour.
Two people and a brown dog relax together on a plaid blanket outdoors on a fall day.
Couple lying together on blanket in autumn outdoors with plaid accents and natural setting during photoshoot.
A happy chocolate Labrador sits on a plaid blanket outdoors with companions enjoying a sunny afternoon.
Two children in white dresses hold hands while walking together through an evergreen forest at sunset.
Two children in matching white dresses walk through a rustic pine tree forest during a sunny afternoon photo session.
A chocolate Labrador retriever wearing an orange collar rests peacefully on rustic ground in warm outdoor lighting.
Children walking along a dirt path between rows of pine trees during a rustic outdoor photo shoot.
Happy chocolate brown Labrador puppy with pink tongue resting on dirt ground in outdoor setting.
Brown dog with orange collar sits at Christmas tree farm while people relax on blanket in background.
A group sits on a blanket with a large brown dog among pine trees in an outdoor setting.
People sit together on a blanket outdoors among evergreen trees for a cozy family portrait session.