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

Holly and Brian’s Maternity Session at Del Valle

real stories

Embracing New Beginnings: Holly and Brian’s Del Valle Maternity Session

Set among Del Valle’s rolling hills and towering oaks, Holly and Brian’s maternity session was truly enchanting. Holly, a middle school teacher and a passionate ballerina, and Brian, an Apple employee with a flair for woodworking, have a story as distinctive as their path to becoming parents.

Holly’s transition into motherhood is a dance of grace and strength, reflecting her ballet background. Brian combines his creativity and tech skills as he excitedly prepares to be a dad. Together, they eagerly await their first child, lovingly referred to as Baby Musubi during our photo session.

Choosing the Perfect Backdrop: Del Valle’s Natural Beauty

Holly initially envisioned celebrating her pregnancy in their backyard, set against the backdrop of a lovingly handcrafted crib by Brian. Yet, as many expectant parents learn, such preparations often need more time, and the crib wasn’t quite ready. So, we turned to the beautiful Del Valle for their maternity photoshoot, a place that resonates with Holly’s South Bay upbringing and echoes the picturesque foothills of her childhood.

Del Valle’s tranquil and scenic landscape, featuring ancient oaks and rolling hills, wonderfully mirrored the natural beauty and excitement surrounding Holly and Brian’s journey to parenthood. Each photograph we took there was imbued with their love and anticipation for Baby Musubi, crafting lasting memories in this serene East Bay location.

Holly and Brian's tender moment under Del Valle's oak tree
Maternity session capturing the beauty of Del Valle's landscape
Holly and Brian's tender moment under Del Valle's oak tree
Maternity session capturing the beauty of Del Valle's landscape
Maternity session capturing the beauty of Del Valle's landscape
Maternity session capturing the beauty of Del Valle's landscape
Maternity session capturing the beauty of Del Valle's landscape
Brian and Holly's laughter echoing through Del Valle's hills
Brian and Holly's laughter echoing through Del Valle's hills
Anticipating Baby Musubi in the serene setting of Del Valle
Anticipating Baby Musubi in the serene setting of Del Valle

Capturing Your Maternity Moments in the East Bay

If you’re in the East Bay and want to capture your maternity journey’s beauty, choose Del Valle for its stunning backdrop. Whether awaiting your first child or documenting another milestone, I would be honored to join and enhance your journey. Together, let’s create beautiful memories in the serene landscapes of Del Valle.

I’m looking forward to meeting Baby Musubi and capturing more beautiful moments for their family. Interested in a maternity session of your own? Reach out to me for a maternity photoshoot that celebrates your unique story!

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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