There is family photographer and then there is literally, family photographer. When my cousin Justin first told me he and Tamara were expecting he didn’t hesitate to ask about doing photography. As well, I didn’t hesitate to say of course I will come to Montana to photograph the family! Visions of snow, mountains, lakes, fields and big open skies flashed into my head.

So, yes, I’m officially the family family photographer.

I totally love photographing in the Bay Area. Who wouldn’t? Five minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Marin Headlands and on and on. I love the light, the sky, the view, the beaches. Give me the opportunity for something new and I’m all about it.

I have to say first that the simplicity of movement was the best. Seeing an open field, opposite the setting sun and a big blue sky and saying “Pull over, pull over” and you actually can was just awesome. Seeing road, mountain, sky and taking the first exit where there was no traffic to get the vision I had is priceless.

Then, most thankfully, you have to appreciate the instant trust and intimacy you can get with family (or building it quickly with new clients or building it repeatedly with return clients) to get images that make you feel. My goal is for my images to speak. To make you question, ponder or escape a little bit of reality. Maybe step into them yourself.

We started big, literally, with fields and big, open skies and ended in bed with a menagerie of animals (alas, the cat would not comply) and understanding that a new human was coming into the world to this already existing family. Xavier Cruz will join loving parents, one chill cat and two dogs that likely may be miffed at sharing mom but will surely find something to protect and cuddle rather quickly.

Blog by Misti Layne