Family Photos and Pregnancy Announcement at Alameda Beach
There are so many little things I love about these family photos: the location, the lighting, the filmy vibes, and of course, the sweet announcement that little Lily is going to be a big sister!
Schermerhorn Family, Party of Four!
Debbie and Evan have been part of my life for so long now. I’ve known Debbie since I was in junior high, and we’ve gone through a lot together! I stood by her side when she married Evan, and she was right by mine when Joel and I tied the knot as well.
I was lucky enough to photograph their engagement photos, their first maternity photos, and now this time around, family photos plus the announcement of a new addition to their family!
Toddler Time
Throughout the session, Debbie, Evan, and I kept joking about how the last time they did family photos, Lily was under 3 months – so those photos were a little easier to do! It’s a bit harder when that three-month-old turns into a toddler and wants to run around, eat sand, and throw herself in the water. I mean, it’s obviously ten times more fun; it’s just a whole different photoshoot.
One thing with toddlers, they bring the energy, the chaos, and honestly, some of the most emotive photos you could ever ask for. And that’s exactly what Lily did. She was in a new place and ready to be in full play mode.
Lily was ready to run, be carried, be thrown, tickled, and anything you could think of. Now, if I asked her to smile, that was off the table! But if you asked her to show us her toes, absolutely! I love kids, ha!
The reason I love this age so much is that you really get to see parents engage and interact with their kids – and it truly is so sweet.
Becoming a Big Sister
Now, another reason why this session was so sweet is that Lily is at that age where she understands that she is going to be a big sister. We had so much fun asking her to find the baby and give her little sister a kiss. She was so sweet, snuggling her mom’s tummy and proving that she’s going to be an awesome older sibling.
These are my favorite kinds of photos – your kids interacting with your baby bump, or when the new baby is here, it’s truly so magical.
The Sun Was a Paid Actor
Here’s the thing – I am always a little hesitant about my timing at the beach. Even after 6 years of photoshoots on the beach, I am always a little nervous if I got the timing right. Because the beach is so open and bright, it gets a ton of sunlight. Often, there are no mountains or trees for it to drop behind to make softer lighting, so you are really waiting for the light to drop behind the horizon to get softer lighting.
Time after time, I always worry that I start too early and that it will be too bright out. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to embrace brighter lighting. I used to only be a sunset or sunrise photographer because I always felt like that was the best lighting. But honestly, when you’re a mom, with another one on the way and you’re stuck with nap time, the best time for a photoshoot is the time where all your kids are happiest – and that usually means mid-day.
I’ve learned to embrace harsh lighting and use it as a tool, not the enemy. Throughout this gallery, you’ll see how light-filled each image is. You’ll see sun flares (which I personally love) and lots of orange hues. I feel like when you choose brighter lighting, it gives it a more nostalgic and timeless feeling.
Check out the gallery to see how these photos turned out! And of course, congrats to Evan and Debbie! Thank you for trusting me with your family photos. I can’t wait to meet your new baby girl.
Book your Family Photos!
I book family photo sessions year-round! And in California, there is no wrong time for beach photos. These pictures were taken in November in Alameda on a day where we were told there would be tons of rain. I love it when couples lean into winter beach photos, rocking warmer clothes and bare toes.
Wedding days end, newborns become toddlers, and parents become grandparents. These moments go by so fast. You deserve to live fully in them, to be present, and then relive them through imagery that tells your story. Photography is more than just a picture, it’s a way to document your history. These are the good old days. Let me help you remember them.
photos that live up to the
memories
I believe every story deserves to be seen, felt & remembered.
"I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images I live with them."
Words I Live by
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Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
Wanna know more about the girl behind the photos (and the caffeine habit)?
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I'm Shannon.
throughout the entire session."
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
and keep you laughing
