I'm a family and wedding photographer in Pleasanton, California. I serve couples and families of all backgrounds across the SF Bay Area. 

Meet Charlie Dawn

Embrace the Charm of Fall in the East Bay: Fremont Mini Sessions

real stories

Imagine it’s a crisp October day in California. Throughout the week, temperatures have been soaring to the 80s and 90s across the Bay Area. Then, as if on cue, Saturday night brings a shift. By Sunday morning, we’re greeted with a cool 65 degrees and the gentle patter of rain.

As a Bay Area local, I have a soft spot for our rare rainy days. They’re a delightful excuse for a cozy day spent indoors. But, as a photographer, rain on a day packed with back-to-back mini sessions? That’s a bit less delightful, especially when there’s no simple way to reschedule five different families.

Rain or Shine, the Camera Clicks On

Come Sunday at 8 AM, I found myself in a flurry of texts, reaching out to see if my families were up for embracing a dash of rain in their photos. Despite a brief spell of light rain, which had me armed with umbrellas and garbage bags (just in case!), we didn’t need them at all!

Rain might not be the friendliest weather for photoshoots, but it does come with a silver lining—those overcast skies are a dream for capturing beautifully even skin tones without the hassle of dodging odd shadows from the trees or buildings.

A Big Thank You to My Fremont Families

A big shout-out to all the families who braved the weather! Your adventurous spirits paid off, and I’m thrilled with the beautiful moments we captured together.

And hey, if you’re feeling inspired, there’s still time to capture your family’s memories this fall! Don’t let the chance for those perfect overcast portraits slip away. Reach out, book your session, and let’s create some autumn magic together!

Couple and baby girl smiling together during Fremont fall mini session
Couple and baby girl smiling together during Fremont fall mini session
Couple and baby girl smiling together during Fremont fall mini session
Parents holding their child for the family photos in Fremont park
Parents holding their child for the family photos in Fremont park
Parents holding their child for the family photos in Fremont park
Grandparents showing love to their grandchild and laughing under cloudy Fremont skies
Grandparents showing love to their grandchild and laughing under cloudy Fremont skies
Grandparents showing love to their grandchild and laughing under cloudy Fremont skies
Children playing with parents at Fremont photo shoot
Children playing with parents at Fremont photo shoot
Children playing with parents at Fremont photo shoot
Family smiling together during Fremont fall mini session
Family smiling together during Fremont fall mini session
Family smiling together during Fremont fall mini session

Ready to capture your family’s fall moments? There’s still time to book your mini session! Let’s make the most of this season’s unique charm. Contact me today!

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.

Bruce Gilden

"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

Let's Connect

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)?

Then let's connect! 

I'm Shannon.

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