Norcal Hills Dreamy Maternity Session

Erik and Sauli and wonderful people and I am honored to call them friends. After chaos ensued in Venezuela, they opted to move to northern California where they had family ties. They left their jobs as ophthalmologists and began a successful catering service called Pilon Kitchen, serving traditional (and mouthwatering) Venezuelan cuisine.
A week prior to this photoshoot, I had gone on a family hike one Sunday morning to a mountain that lies on the west side of our little city. As the morning light fell through the trees, the fall colors and golden grass were so stunning, my camera was calling to me desperately. I thought, “I need someone brave to hike this trail so we can take some epic photos…and we need to do it before the rain hits!”
I called Sauli the next day. I was already going to do her maternity photos, but in that moment it all came together. “We NEED to do your photos on the west hill! Will you and Erik hike with me? Please?” Of course, she said yes! We spent the week brainstorming dresses and looks and when Saturday rolled around, we packed up our gear and changes of clothes and started up the trail. We made four wardrobe changes (she even changed her makeup—photographer’s dream when client’s are so invested!!) and they trusted me each time I said, “Okay, stop! Right here!” We timed it perfectly to get up to the top part of the hill just as the harsh sun was beginning to drop behind the horizon, leaving that even growly perfection behind and allowing us to capture the city below us!
We captured some epic shots, just like I had hoped! Can I just also point out that is sure helps when your subject has model looks and is most photogenic! It was worth the trek and the sore arms and legs the next day!—So very worth it!