family
Family photo session | Rachel, Danny, Flora + Shasta
I enjoyed getting swept up in the morning routine of Rachel, Danny, Flora and their doggy Shasta’s lives as they prepared for their day. As a photographer whose intention is to capture quiet moments of intimacy it was a delight to get a peek into this creative family’s routine. They welcomed me in as they were starting to prepare breakfast.
Danny and Rachel own and run California Native Landscapes a multi-faceted business that encompasses a native plant nursery in Mill Valley, landscaping design services, and a gem shop. I delight in the artistry and creativity with which Danny and Rachel curate the spaces they live and work in. Their nursery is a maze of curated native species plants, found-object sculptures, rock collections and totems. You can feel their creativity in every element of the space and their thoughtfulness and care in the selection of plants for sale that are appropriate for the local climate. Their instagram channel mirrors that care and provides followers with educational snippets on native flora and unique gemstones that can be purchased from their shop.
They woke up early to welcome me into their San Rafael home. Flora helps Rachel with breakfast as Danny toured me through the house, garage and yard.
Danny’s excitement for ‘things’ is infectious. When I’m around him I feel like I did as a boy; the exhilaration of finding a rock with a beautiful vein of quartz running through it, brushing my hands through a tin full of coins collected from my grandparent’s laundromat, beach-combing and catching the glint of something shiny.
As he tours me through, it’s clear that every object has been placed with care and that each treasure has a story that goes with it. I love how stoked Danny is for all of it!
After the tour I get to witness a family kitchen dance party before Danny leaves for his morning surf session.
Rachel and Flora spend the rest of their morning exploring the garden and looking at their honey bees.
I admire Rachel and Danny’s Montessori approach to parenting Flora. Encouraging and providing space and trust for Flora’s independence in every way possible. I resonate with their connection, care and wonder at nature in all its forms. Documenting their day and sharing their story is a privilege that I am very grateful to have.
If you are a photo producer, art director, magazine editor, or a creative family looking for a professional photographer in the Central Coast of California, I would love to collaborate with you to create beautiful images that capture the emotion and magic of everyday moments. Please reach out today to introduce yourself [here’s my contact info], I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
