A Glowing Mother-Son Holiday Session at the Redlands Christmas Tree Farm


There are sessions that leave you smiling the whole way home — and this one was exactly that kind of day.


This beautiful mother and her sweet son have been in front of my lens for years, and photographing them again at the Christmas tree farm near Redlands, CA this season brought a flood of emotions.


Our story goes back to 2017. I was still fairly new to photography, and Instagram was a very different place — a little more organic, a little easier to connect. That’s where she found me. She reached out and then traveled several cities away just to do a session with me. I remember being so surprised and so honored. I couldn’t believe someone would make that effort just to shoot with me.


Her son was just a tiny baby when we met. From the very beginning, I could feel the depth of her love for him — it radiated from her. She’s a quiet, confident mother. Steady. Strong. Graceful. The kind of love she gives is the kind that doesn’t have to shout to be felt — it’s in her eyes when she looks at him and in the way she smiles just watching him be.


We’ve had so many sessions together over the years. When I took a break from my business, she was one of the first to book with me when I came back. That meant more than I can put into words. Seeing them again after that time apart — it felt like no time had passed, except her little boy wasn’t so little anymore. My heart ached for the years I missed, but it felt so good to have them back in front of my camera.


This session at the Redlands Christmas tree farm was everything I love about photographing families. The light that evening? Absolute perfection. It always is here — soft, warm, golden. It poured through the pine trees like something from a dream.


Mom styled them beautifully, as she always does. Her dress was vivid and flowing — the perfect contrast to the deep greens of the trees — and her hair caught the light like spun gold. Her son, with his beautiful brown eyes and easy, handsome smile, held her hand, cuddled close, and ran freely through the trees as the sun dipped low.


I couldn’t stop clicking the shutter. Every glance, every laugh, every little moment — I had to catch them all. I said “just one more” more times than I care to admit (and they never complained). We stayed until the very last bit of golden light faded behind the trees.


As I packed up my gear and walked back to my car, I felt it in my bones — we’d made something special. Sessions like this are the heart of what I do. This is what keeps me coming back, year after year.


Editing this one was like stepping into a dream — every frame, a little piece of holiday magic.

If you’re looking for holiday mini sessions in the Inland Empire or Christmas tree farm photos near Redlands, CA, this location is such a gem. And I’d love nothing more than to help you capture memories that make your heart feel full. Info for tree farm mini sessions goes out Set. 1st. Subscribe to my email list here to get first dibs on booking your session with me.


With love & grace,

Heidi



Mother and child standing among evergreen trees at a Christmas tree farm during golden hour.
A family photoshoot set in a golden-lit wooded path during sunset, featuring warm autumn colors and natural poses.
A child in plaid shirt shows affection outdoors among evergreen trees during golden hour.
Family walks together through evergreen trees at golden hour with mountains in background.
Young boy with teddy bear reaches up to touch branches at Christmas tree farm during sunset.
Couple embracing among pine trees at sunset with warm golden light filtering through branches.
Candid outdoor family portraits captured along a tree-lined path with beautiful golden hour lighting.
A tender moment between two people sharing affection on a dirt path at golden hour with trees in the background.
Parent and child in coordinating red outfits pose on dirt road during sunset.
People walk among evergreen trees at a Christmas tree farm during golden sunset hour on a dirt path.
Mother and child sharing a playful moment among evergreen trees at sunset in a Christmas tree farm.
Person in plaid shirt stands near red wall while glowing sunlight illuminates the background in a warm outdoor setting.
Close-up view of casual plaid shirt and jeans while walking through autumn forest path.
Red-haired figure poses against golden sunlit evergreen trees during sunset photo session.
Mother and child share tender moment in autumn forest during golden hour photography session.

Ready to book your own magical holiday session?


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