20 Years of Friendship, Photos, and Christmas Memories - Redlands, CA
Golden Light, Rainy Forecasts, and a Little Dog Named Meeko
Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite spots to shoot every year, this sweet little Christmas tree farm just outside of Redlands, CA. It’s a family-owned place that still grows their own trees right there on the land. It’s charming, cozy, and every time I walk onto the property, I swear the light feels just a little bit more magical than anywhere else in the Inland Empire.
I say it every year, but there really is something special about that golden light that filters through the trees. You’d never guess it’s tucked away just a few minutes outside the city, it honestly feels like stepping into a little hidden holiday postcard.
This year, one of my longtime clients and close friends reached out to book a mommy and me session here. Just her, her sweet son, and their adorable (and tiny!) pup Meeko. I’ve known this mama for over 20 years, and the fact that she continues to trust me with her family’s memories year after year is something I never take for granted. I know how busy life gets, especially for the mamas juggling work, school, and everything in between. So carving out time for something like this is never lost on me.
Now, leading up to our session, the weather was not playing nice. It had been gloomy, gray, and full-on rainy the day before, and I was mentally preparing myself to reschedule. But by some small miracle (thank you, SoCal skies), the clouds parted, the sun peeked through, and we ended up with that dreamy golden glow this tree farm is known for. Seriously, it was perfect.
We laughed through the whole session. This mama is always down for whatever weird direction I throw out and she just rolls with it. She makes capturing those candid, real, joy-filled moments so easy. We got the giggles, the snuggles, and all the sweet in-between shots I live for.
Christmas tree farm minis are some of my most requested photo sessions every year, and I totally get why. They're short and sweet (perfect for busy families), and you walk away with timeless images that feel like your family, not just stiff, posed holiday cards. Whether it’s just you and your kids, the whole crew, or a fur baby in tow. These sessions are cozy, fun, and filled with so much joy.
If you’ve been thinking about doing one of these, just a heads up, spots go fast. I only open a limited number of sessions each year, and the best way to snag a spot is by being on my email list. That’s where I drop all the details first. The email for this year’s Christmas tree farm mini sessions will go out on September 1st, so make sure you're on it if this is something you want to do.
And hey, if you’re just dreaming of golden light, pine trees, and a little moment of calm and joy in the middle of the chaos? I got you.
With love & grace,
Heidi
Your favorite Inland Empire family photographer 📸
Serving Redlands, Yucaipa, Beaumont, and beyond
P.S. Want early access to book Christmas Tree Farm Minis? Join the email list—no pressure, no spam, just the good stuff when it drops.
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