A Golden Hour Adventure with the Schmid Family | Elk Grove Family Photographer, Jack Hill Park
A Sweet Sunset Session with the Schmid Family
There’s something so magical about photographing families in golden hour light—especially when there’s a giggling baby involved. I had the absolute joy of photographing the Schmid family—Cortney, Jax, and their 11-month-old son Oliver—at Jack Hill Park in Elk Grove. It was one of those sessions that just felt like sunshine and smiles the whole way through.
Cortney mentioned in their questionnaire that they were hoping for more interactive, candid moments rather than traditional posed shots, and we made sure to lean into that. From the moment we started, Oliver’s cheerful personality lit up every frame. He was so happy, full of joy, and gave us the biggest smiles—even more so thanks to his best little buddy who came along to help behind the scenes! (A little secret weapon for giggles always goes a long way.)
We spent the session walking through fields sprinkled with purple wildflowers, capturing the in-between moments that truly tell a family's story—like Jax swinging Oliver in the air, Cortney sharing nose kisses with her sweet boy, and the family laughing together during little tickle breaks. These are the moments that matter.
The golden light filtering through the trees gave us that soft, glowing backdrop, and the Schmid family’s pastel outfits popped so beautifully against it. Cortney’s peach cardigan and Jax’s soft blue shirt were perfect, and little Oliver in his mint polo? Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
From crate-sitting giggles to family cuddles on the trail, this session was packed with love, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. I’m so glad I got to help this family freeze this sweet season with their almost-one-year-old.
To see other family sessions see below:
