Planning family photo sessions can feel overwhelming, whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or a cherished yearly tradition. Cleo and her family have been clients of mine since 2021. As their Stockton and Lodi family photographer, it has been an absolute pleasure capturing how their family grows and changes each year. The fun challenge with loyal repeat clients is keeping every session fresh and new. For 2026, Cleo wanted to shoot in a location we hadn’t visited before, with one special request: flowers!  I love flower farm family photos so I was definitely excited with this opportunity!

Here are the 4 simple steps we took to plan the Tans’ flower farm family photos in Lodi, CA and how we created an album they love.

1. Choose the Photo Session Vibe and Location

Understanding a family’s vision is key to bringing their dream gallery to life. During our initial planning call, I asked Cleo questions like, “Are we going for casual or dressy?” and “Do we want an outdoor or an indoor location?” to refine her ideas. Armed with her direction, I set out to custom-plan their session.

Jessie’s Grove Winery and its on-site partner, Oak Grove Flower Farm Company, offered the ideal setting. Even into the middle of October, when most local blossoms have faded, their flower fields were vibrant and lush. As an added autumn bonus, Jessie’s Grove featured festive pumpkin displays across the grounds, letting us capture both colorful flower field portraits and cozy fall harvest photos in a single session.

2. Coordinate and Finalize Outfits

Once your session vibe is locked in, styling becomes much easier. For family sessions, I always recommend choosing one “anchor outfit” to pull a color palette from, or selecting one to two primary colors to distribute across everyone’s wardrobe. Cleo chose an elevated “cleaned-up casual” theme using deep blues and forest greens. Pairing classic denim with refined tops and a floral dress created a timeless, coordinated look that complemented the rich colors of the flower farm without competing with the background.

3. Help Everyone Feel Relaxed and Comfortable

The best family photos happen when everyone is relaxed, comfortable, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. To ensure session day feels effortless, I provide an in-home styling and planning consultation before we ever step in front of the camera.

Meeting beforehand allows me to finalize outfits and get to know the family—especially the kids—making me a familiar face rather than a stranger on photoshoot day. It also helps me build a customized shot list and gentle posing prompts tailored specifically to your family dynamic and the unique spots at the venue.

4. Guide You Through Selection and Custom Album Design

My job doesn’t end when I turn off my camera. A few days after our shoot, I met with Cleo for an Ordering Appointment to help her narrow down the gallery and select her absolute favorites. I have a soft spot for this part of the process because seeing which images truly connect with my clients is deeply satisfying as an artist.

Cleo selected a collection of images to fill an album that I custom-designed for their family. I am always so excited for delivery day, when parents can hold their tangible memories and enjoy flipping through their latest family album together!

Book Your Lodi and Stockton Family Photo Session

Are you dreaming of your own flower farm family photos or looking for an experienced Lodi and Stockton family photographer to capture your family’s milestones? Whether you want to explore the vineyards, flower fields, or scenic spots across San Joaquin County, I’d love to help you plan an effortless, unforgettable session.

Contact me here to schedule your complimentary consultation and let’s start planning your family’s next photo session!