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GoodEye Photography + Design Blog bio picture

Welcome to the
GoodEye Photography + Design PhotoBlog!

Hey you. Yeah, you. Thanks for visiting my blog. Check here often for the latest and greatest photos by Chris Schmauch. I shoot weddings, food, architecture, families, events, models, products... well you get the point, I love it all!

Click on the "Categories" link up top to find posts related to certain types of photography. Most of my stuff is restaurant-related (architecture & food) or people-related (weddings, engagements, families, etc.)

Click the "portfolio" link to visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com, where you can order prints from over 130,000 photos in my always-expanding archive.

Oh, a little about me: I'm 32, happily married with two little girls, and am passionate about both Photography and Design (hence the business name). I'm a Nikon shooter, love both Macs and PCs, have that type of personality that gets along with anyone, am totally unflappable, and, well, I'm pretty good at what I do.

Visit often, and if you need to book me, don't hesitate to call: 408.431.4808!

P.S. Yelp me here. Facebook me here. Twitter me here.

Multi-Generational Family (Family Photography) @ Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

It’s always great to capture 3 generations in one photo shoot, especially at a fun location like Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz. It’s no easy task to coordinate four families and their schedules for one shoot, especially when they don’t all live in the area. Luckily the stars were in alignment, the weather was gorgeous, and all the kids were into getting their photos taken. I try to strike a balance of posed group shots in addition to fun candids at every family portrait session, and this was no different. Enjoy my favorite photos from their beach family shoot below!

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Looking for family photos on the beach in Santa Cruz?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Tom + Kristin = Five Awesome Kids (Family Photography) @ Seascape Beach, Aptos

OK, so there’s a lot more photos in this post than is typical for a family portrait session, but Tom and Kristin have five photogenic, fun kids that made it really hard for me to narrow them down. They live near Seascape beach in Aptos, so it was a natural choice for their family photo session this crisp November day. The weather was beautiful, and I was honored to be chosen to take what I think was their first official family portrait session. There’s almost 50 photos below, but they’re all great, so enjoy!!

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Looking for a family photos at the beach in Santa Cruz / Aptos?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Julie Z (Business Portrait Photography) @ Ocean View Park, Santa Cruz

Julie is a fantastic local CMP (Certified Massage Practitioner) working in the Santa Cruz area. She needed some updated portraits/headshots to use for her business marketing material – plus all the online profiles there are today – Yelp, LinkedIn, Facebook, industry websites, etc. It’s always good to keep your official portraits up to date. Even more important, to ensure those photos are flattering, taken with ideal lighting circumstances by a professional that knows what they’re doing. Enter: GoodEye Photography. I’m used to working with people that are shy or think they aren’t photogenic – my goal is to make you look your best. Here’s a few photos from Julie’s portrait session:

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Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Santa Cruz?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Verona + Paul (Engagement Photography) @ Panther Beach, Santa Cruz

Verona and Paul’s wedding is coming up in a few weeks, so we couldn’t put off their engagement shoot any longer! Luckily the November weather cooperated, giving us a beautiful setting at Panther Beach (where it’s usually exceptionally windy). These two have a lot of chemistry, which makes my photo-taking job so much easier. The e-session photos below are a little out of order, but please check ’em out anyway to get a sense of the romantic and positive energy I try to capture with each couple that comes to me. More to see at www.GoodEyePhotography.com – V&P, I’ll see you in a few short weeks for your big day!

Looking for engagement photographers in Santa Cruz, California?
San Francisco / Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch would love to shoot your engagement session!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

January 10, 2013 - 10:43 am Verona + Paul (Wedding Photography) @ Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Gilroy | GoodEye Photography + Design Blog - [...] Verona + Paul (Engagement Photography) @ Panther Beach, Santa Cruz [...]

Gisela, Bob and Clan (Family Photography) @ Private Residence, Santa Cruz

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Looking for a family photographer in Santa Cruz?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Susan + Colin = Jackson > Odessa (Family Photography) @ Capitola Beach

Capitola Beach is one of my favorite locations for taking family photos – kids love the beach, and everything from the colorful beach-side houses to the wooden pier make for incredible backdrops for family portraits. I met this family of four under the pier for their session, getting some formal group shots of them before the kids couldn’t keep their wiggles back any longer. Then I got some great running photos of the siblings, doing my best to wear them out for their parents as well as capturing some beautiful candid moments. Scroll down to see my favorite photos of this family, there’s some really great ones here.

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Looking for a family photographer in Capitola?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant (Portrait Photography) @ Santa Cruz

Tonight’s restaurant photography session at Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant in Santa Cruz had a few goals: portraits of both the hostess and executive chef, some evening ambiance photos, and some customer photos. Unfortunately the fog rolled in right around sunset, so the timing didn’t work out when that evening’s diners started coming in, but it’s always good to be ambitious with your goals, because shooting 50% is still better than minimalizing your expectations from the get-go. In addition to the portraits, I got some shrimp-flambé action shots in the kitchen and a plate of tacos being served. Johnny’s is a great restaurant, offering great views (when the fog allows), delicious food, courteous waitstaff and a warm, inviting ambiance. Everything is pretty photogenic too, which always helps 🙂

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Looking for an on-location restaurant/portrait photographer in the Bay Area?
San Francisco / Bay Area Commercial Food Photographer Chris Schmauch makes food look really yummy!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past food & restaurant sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant (Food Photography) @ Santa Cruz

Ah, lovely food photography. Everyone seems to think it’s the toughest thing to shoot – but those people clearly haven’t tried photographing small children at the beach who want to look at anything but the camera. Food is so well behaved, I just want to eat it up. And I do. Regularly. Just another side benefit to this type of commercial work. I specialize on bringing all my lighting and photography gear on-location, that is, to the restaurant. I’m really good at finding great places to shoot that don’t interfere with customers, and working directly with executive chefs to help ensure their plated dishes look as great as they taste. Lighting, lens focal lengths & apertures, and angle/distance to subject are all critical factors that can make or break a food photo. I’ve done it so much over the years that those decisions are mostly unconscious at this point, but it’s amazing how physically moving a plate 3 inches and changing the angle you shoot from by a few degrees can drastically impact the wow-factor for your photo. I shoot from a variety of perspectives and distances for each dish, knowing that the company’s website and marketing designers will want options for everything, depending on how the photos are to be used. It’s easy to think as a photographic print as the end-use for an image, but these days (and especially for commercial purposes), flexibility in your image portfolio is waaayyy more important. So I think as an art director, a creative director, a web designer, a chef, and of course – as a potential customer, seeing these photos in a newspaper ad, on a yelp profile, on an official restaurant website. And the results (I hope) speak for themselves.

The photos below are selected shots from a shoot this morning at Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant in Santa Cruz, California. It’s a fabulous restaurant, and if you’re in the area I encourage you to drop in for a bite (or a drink). Enjoy, and feel free to comment below.

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Looking for an on-location food photographer in the Bay Area?
San Francisco / Bay Area Commercial Food Photographer Chris Schmauch makes food look really yummy!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past food & restaurant sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Curtis Reliford (Portrait Photography) @ Aptos

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large. This portrait was shot on a landing in the stairwell of the foundation building – and I love how the multiple lights add depth and shadow. Curtis is practically a local celebrity, and can be spotted around town in his colorful pickup as he collects clothing and other items for the victims of Hurrican Katrina. I believe he drives back and forth across the country several times a year delivering his good will. Also, you probably won’t see him without his signature cowboy hat, red handkerchief and blue denim overalls. Super-nice guy, thanks for all you do Curtis! Follow his good deeds on his website: www.followyourheartactionnetwork.com/

Aptos Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Aptos?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Janet B (Portrait Photography) @ Watsonville

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large. I met Janet, a (well known and loved) retired nurse, at her home in Watsonville. I was able to get a couple great shots of her in the context of the parts of her home that are most special to her. She’s a sweet lady, and I very much enjoyed our time together.

Watsonville Portrait PhotosWatsonville Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Watsonville?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Geoff S (Business Portrait Photography) @ Watsonville

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large. THanks for your time Geoff!

Watsonville Business Portrait PhotosWatsonville Business Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Watsonville?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Jerry L (Portrait Photography) @ Aptos

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large. This portrait was shot on a landing in the stairwell of the foundation building – and I love how the multiple lights add depth and shadow. Thanks for all you do, and for your time Jerry!

Aptos Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Aptos?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Maurice C (Portrait Photography) @ Aptos

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large. This portrait was shot on a landing in the stairwell of the foundation building – and I love how the multiple lights add depth and shadow. Of course, Maurice is a great subject too!

Aptos Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Aptos?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Sheryl G (Portrait Photography) @ Watsonville

This shoot is part of a series of portraits I’m doing for the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The intent is to spotlight outstanding community members that selflessly give their time and resources to the foundation and their community at large.

I met Sheryl at her workplace and took a few portraits indoors and out in the parking lot outside. she was a lot of fun, and the photos came out great!

Watsonville Business Portrait PhotosWatsonville Business Portrait Photos

Looking for a business portrait/headshot photographer in Watsonville?
Bay Area Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure you look your best!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Lindsey + Nic (Wedding Photography) @ Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, San Jose

I’ve seen some high-fives in my day, buit Nic and Lindsey make an art form out of it. They showed me how they do it at their Vasona Park engagement session, and of course had to follow up with a jumping high-five on their wedding day. Scroll down for more, or jump to www.GoodEyePhotography.com to browse all 1000+ photos.

The wedding day started out with the getting ready stuff at the Courtyard Marriott in Campbell. Each bridesmaid got a custom-monogrammed silk robe as their gift – nice!

Hidden inside the groomsens’ gift bags were some warm bottles of Natural Ice – so I was obliged to capture them all taking to one knee and pounding the awful alcoholic beverage! I think the bridesmaids were more than happy to stick to mimosas. Check out Lindsey’s gorgeous hair – I think her funny faces add magnetic personality to her natural, stunning looks.

Don’t cry bridesmaid! It just sets off a chain reaction and then the makeup ladies will be pissed…. also, a sweet moment with mom putting on the garter – shows how close these two are!

Check out the vintage Rolls from Elegant Journey. Isn’t Lindsey’s expression through the car’s window adorable? She looks so excited! Also, I love the bottom black and white shot of the ring bearer. Such dramatic edge lighting.

All eyes on the bride as she walks down the aisle with her proud daddy… a slight disturbance near the altar… Nic runs up and takes his place at the last moment! I guess he didn’t get the heads up about the ceremony starting! Good ice breaker for the beginning of the ceremony, and classic Lindsey-and-Nic fare.

There’s that high five to seal the deal. Who needs a kiss anyways?Bridal Party Portraits - Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos

On to the formals at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. This tree made for a great backdrop to the azure blue sky. This is a big bridal party, but tons of fun and open to my ideas.Bride and Groom Portraits - Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos

What a great looking couple, here’s some nicely-lit shots of the two of them in front of the Rolls Royce and The Tree. Also, getting funky with the bridesmaids!Bride and Groom Portraits - Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos

Lindsey and Nic showing off their stuff on the fairway. Check out that jump! Bride and Groom Portraits - Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos

I asked some golfers that drove up in their cart if I could borrow a club, ball and tee. They were super nice and obliged for that money shot above.

Really neat room for the reception inside Cinnabar Hills – cool lighting and shape. Here’s the opening toasts.

Time for the party to begin – I love candid shots. Check out those two toddlers dancing together. I almost died from cuteness overload.

Now this was a first – Sharkie (mascot for the San Jose Sharks pro hockey team) made a surprise entrance behind the bride and groom. Nic had planned it ahead of time (Sharkie is their buddy), and Lindsey was clearly surprised! Sharkie showed Nic some moves on the dance floor with his new wife, and really kicked off the mood of the evening.

Some really touching first dances with mom and dad, and Sharkie stuck around for the cake cutting. Lindsey isn’t afraid to lick Nic’s tasty frosting-covered face!

A successful garter and bouquet toss. One of the guests shows his ridiculously awesome flexibility on the dance floor – how does he get back up from that position? Crazy!Dancing - Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos

So that’s what suspenders are for! So much fun dancing. Check out the beautiful rings I put in the bouquet. Also the big artboard that the guests signed as a keepsake for the couple. Fantastic, fun wedding!

Getting married in San Jose, California?
Bay Area Destination Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your big day! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Lauren + Graham (Post-Wedding Bridal Photography) @ Santa Cruz

Sometimes the wedding day just get a little too busy, too crazy, and there’s just not enough time to get those beautiful bride and groom portraits. Lauren’s dad has a beautiful property in the Santa Cruz mountains, replete with lush garden “rooms,” redwoods, vines and even an odd antique bed frame thrown in there. We wanted to take our time exploring the property without 100+ guests roaming the grounds, so we picked this beautiful October day to do so. Lauren got a new bouquet made up, put on the dress (see they *can* be used more than once!!), and Graham did likewise (donning a suit, not a dress).  We had a lot of fun with this post-wedding bridal session, and I hope the photos prove it. My favorite part was near the end of the session – we were under an apple tree and inspiration struck me. I ran back to the main house and asked Lauren’s dad for one of his rubber snakes he keeps on the roof (do you have to ask?). Anyways, we did a little Adam and Eve temptation shoot with the apple and snake; very evil, and very good. Here’s my faves from the session, you can check more at www.GoodEyePhotography.com.

Looking for engagement photographers in Santa Cruz, California?
San Francisco / Bay Area Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch would love to shoot your engagement session!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

January 17, 2013 - 4:33 pm Lauren + Graham (Wedding Photography) @ Private Residence, Santa Cruz, California | GoodEye Photography + Design Blog - [...] Lauren + Graham (Post-Wedding Bridal Photography) @ Santa Cruz [...]

Michelle + Tom = Pearson > Collette (Family Photography) @ Capitola Beach

This is a fun, short family photography session taken at Capitola Beach. Michelle told me she really only wanted one photo, but of course you know this isn’t my style. Let’s have options, baby! These guys have tons of personality and I thoroughly enjoyed spending this evening with them. Here’s some of my favorite photos from the shoot, enjoy!

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Looking for a family photographer in Capitola?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Kelly + Ryan (Wedding Photography) @ Dancing Deer Farm, Templeton, California

Kelly + Ryan = Sexy Awesomeness. I met with Kelly last year about her unconventional wedding plans, and we ended up talking for a couple hours about her vision for her big day, and we really connected. The next time we met was for their Panther Beach engagement session, which was fun, sexy and a little crazy. There was rock-climbing and acroyoga involved – I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Let’s just say I ended up with about twice as many “keepers” as I’m used to for that type of session. Fast forward to October 13, 2012 and it’s W-Day at Dancing Deer Farm in Templeton, California (Disclaimer: the deer here do not, in fact, dance – to any form of music as far as I can tell). Scroll on for more, or visit www.GoodEyePhotography.com for all 1,000+ photos.

Kelly and her ladies getting ready in the “Hacienda” which is a house on the property. I found some cool farm props to shoot jewelry with.

Different colors for each bridesmaid? Check. Bride’s cowgirl boots? Check. Playing teeth-tug-o-war with the garter? Check, check, check!

This is a cool play on the “First Look” – usually I stage it so the groom will turn around at my signal so he can check out his bride before the ceremony. However, the blindfold wasn’t allowed to come off Ryan – the first look was all for Kelly, and I gotta tell ya, it really added to the suspense and intimacy. It’s a cool option if one person wants to see beforehand, and the other wants to wait til the ceremony. 

The guests encircled the bride and groom for the standing ceremony. Ryan is excited to finally lay his eyes on his bride!

Sealed with a dipping kiss! It was quite windy outside, but we got a bunch of formal portraits done anyway. Still diggin’ all those colors.

You can see the property in the background – it really is quite beautiful and rustic.

The food was provided by KunFusion Kulinary – delicious asian fare disguised as a taco truck!

The decorations were all made by Kelly and friends the night before – I think they did a great job!

A romantic moment outside the barn – and some speeches.

Some parent/offspring dances and then Kelly and Ryan show off their rehearsed ballroom dance moves!

Gettin’ funky on the dance floor. I see some past wedding clients as guests…

Hey Ryan, the garter is down. There. This may take a while…

I’m always looking for creative ways to show off the rings. Like these?

I love love love the custom pint glasses they made – I’ve got one in my cabinet now. Plust the fingerprint tree is super-cute. Kelly closed the evening with a special song she sung just for Ryan. She was nervous about performing, and it was a “maybe I’ll do it” addition to the itinerary. I’m so glad she did, it brought tears to Ryan’s eyes (and others!). So special.

Planning a wedding at Dancing Deer Farm in Templeton?
Bay Area Destination Wedding Photographer Chris Schmauch wants to shoot your big day! (831) 216-6210

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past weddings, check our romantic engagement sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Chandra + Jason = Ahnise > Sterling (Family Photography) @ Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

There are so many amazing locations in the Santa Cruz area to shoot, and Chandra and Jason found they really connect with Wilder Ranch, a collection of old houses, barns and fields comprising the farming property of the Wilder family. It’s now a historical preserve and part of the State Park system. Most people come to the Santa Cruz area for beach-like photos, but if you’re even a little bit “country,” you’ll appreciate all that Wilder Ranch has to offer. The grounds are well maintained, but there’s still plenty of weathered wood walls, rustic horse stalls, old-style wooden fencing, and general feeling of Americana to satisfy the most discerning inner-cowboy. I met Chandra, Jason and their adorable kids Ahnise and Sterling in the Wilder Ranch parking lot. As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for interesting locations, trying hard to find new spots even at locations I’m intimately familiar with from past shoots. The weather, the lighting, the time of year, and of course your subject are all dynamic elements that make each photo session completely unique. The family of four were all happy to participate, and do everything they could to ensure great photos – definitely a god-send compared to temperamental toddlers! We had an enjoyable time exploring all that Wilder has to offer – enjoy a selection of my favorites below.

Wilder Ranch family photos

The family of four standing on the path that leads to the Wilder Ranch buildingsWilder Ranch family photos

Aww, adoring children hahaWilder Ranch family photos

Not shown: $5 bribes to each for physical contact (j/k!) Wilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photos
Wilder Ranch family photos

Nice portrait of Chandra, Jason and kids under one of the large trees on the front yard of Wilder RanchWilder Ranch family photosKids can’t help but climb these trees. I say go for it!
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Awesome wall of distressed woodWilder Ranch family photos

Ewwww, kisssiinnnggg….Wilder Ranch family photos

Nicely framed shot of the family in this open horse stall inside one of the Wilder Ranch barnsWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photos

Cute shot of father and son showing off their horns

Wilder Ranch family photosThe kids catch and hold “Blossom,” one of Wilder Ranch’s farm kitties – she’s used to it, though. I’m sure she earns her keep catching pests all day.Wilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photos

I love this spot – neat fence, green grass, and neat background. Wilder Ranch family photos

Another lovely portrait of the family of fourWilder Ranch family photos

One of my favorites – I love the dynamic pose, the lighting and the textured background. Everything is in perfect balance here.Wilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photos

This is part of a bike path that runs under the highway – often bikes will come tearing down so I have to be ready to move everyone quickly!!Wilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photosWilder Ranch family photos

Ahnise is a lovely girl, I love this shot of herWilder Ranch family photos

Sterling clearly has tons of personality, so I consider this natural smile a personal triumph.Wilder Ranch family photos

Jason looking confident – a CEO portrait if I ever saw one.Wilder Ranch family photos

Chandra looking great – and maybe a little relieved that her kids were well-behaved after the family portrait session?

 

Looking for a family photographer in Santa Cruz?
San Francisco / Bay Area Family Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.

Breanna (Newborn Photography) @ San Jose, California

Monica and Danny found me online, and although I don’t shoot a ton of newborn portraits every year, I consider each job I take on a blessing. If you work with a newborn that’s only a couple weeks old, they are really pose-able, and sleep through practically anything as long as their environment is really warm and comfortable. I think Breanna was about six weeks old when we took her portraits, so getting her to sleep was a challenge, and any complicated posing just wasn’t going to happen. But we weren’t trying to be Anne Geddes here, we just wanted to get some great photos that capture this moment in the new family’s lives, and to that end, we were successful. We tried a variety of outfits, accessories, and bedding materials, and shot exclusively on mom & dad’s bed. We had the heater going – to the point of being uncomfortable for adults – but nice and cozy for Breanna, who did, after a time, fall asleep. Enjoy this selection of my favorite newborn photos from our San Jose session below, feel free to comment.

San Jose Newborn Photos

Breanna looking adorable in B&W, shot from above

San Jose Newborn Photos

Aww, look at that smile! (or is it gas?)

San Jose Newborn Photos

Itty bitty tootsie toes

San Jose Newborn Photos

a pensive moment

San Jose Newborn Photos

Sleeping newborn? Check. Really big flower headband? Check.

San Jose Newborn Photos

More tootsies

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We brought the dog into the photos at the point – I really love this shot. Love seeing the mothering instinct in other animals. It’s like she knows this is her little hairless sister, and has to be really careful!

San Jose Newborn Photos

The dog is like, “Are we good? Am I being OK?” So cute.

San Jose Newborn PhotosSan Jose Newborn Photos

Breanna gets a new headband

San Jose Newborn Photos

Mom and dad cradle Breanna

San Jose Newborn Photos

“We made this!!”

San Jose Newborn Photos

The family of four. Pup can’t get enough of that new-baby smell.

San Jose Newborn Photos

Precious moment where Breanna opens her eyes to admire her daddy.

San Jose Newborn Photos

Daddy gives Breanna a kiss

San Jose Newborn PhotosSan Jose Newborn Photos

Mother and daughter

Looking for a newborn baby photographer in the Bay Area?
San Francisco / Bay Area Portrait Photographer Chris Schmauch makes sure your family looks great!
Call (831) 216-6210 for serious inquiries only.

If you haven’t already, feel free to review our portfolio site, browse past family portrait sessions, follow our business on Facebook (like us while you’re at it!), or read our awesome Yelp reviews.