what is it about that light-filled, dreamy look that speaks to me so deeply? And how do I actually create it? I get these questions a lot, so I thought I’d finally spill some of my secrets for creating light and airy images!
Light and Airy Photography: My Creative Process
From the very beginning of my photography journey, I’ve been drawn to a dreamy, light and airy aesthetic. There’s something about how that dreamy glow makes people stand out—their connections, emotions, and genuine moments take center stage while the soft, bright background enhances rather than competes with them. It wasn’t a conscious choice at first; but I just naturally gravitated toward creating images that felt full of light and air.
So, what is it about that light-filled, dreamy look that speaks to me so deeply? And how do I actually create it? I get these questions a lot, so I thought I’d finally spill some of my secrets for achieving the light and airy look!
Chasing that perfect Bay Area light
If you’ve followed me for a while, you may have noticed I’m absolutely obsessed with light (like most photographers). My husband teases me because I’ll literally gasp when we’re out running errands and I spot gorgeous light streaming through trees! And the disappointment of spotting a wonderful wildflower backdrop with perfect lighting being on an unusable patch on the side of freeways is a story for another day! 🙁
The truth is, about 50% of creating that light and airy look happens before I even pick up my camera. It’s all about timing and location.
Golden hour is my jam—that dreamy hour before sunset when everything glows. But here’s the thing about being a photographer in the Bay Area: our light is TRICKY! The Peninsula might be bathed in gorgeous sunshine while San Jose is experiencing a completely different weather pattern. I’ve literally driven from sun-drenched South Bay to a cloudy session in Palo Alto, all within 30 minutes!
Over the years, I’ve built a mental map of where to find the best light at different times and seasons. Those rolling hills at Rancho San Antonio? Perfect for late afternoon in summer when the light filters through in the most magical way. The Rose Garden in San Jose creates the most beautiful light in spring when everything’s in bloom.
It’s not just what you see, but what you don’t see in these light and airy images
Something I realized early on is that creating light and airy images isn’t just about what’s in the frame—it’s about what isn’t. I’m constantly looking for clean backgrounds and uncluttered spaces that give my subjects room to be the absolute focus.
During sessions, you’ll catch me doing some pretty funny things—crouching super low in the grass at Shoreline Park, balancing on rocks or climbing up multiple stairs at Guadalupe Oak Grove—all to find angles where I can place families against the sky or water. These antics help me create the dreamy, floating feeling in images that’s become my signature.
Getting real moments with playful posing
I have always gravitated towards capturing natural interactions between families rather than just creating a gallery of perfect poses. Most of my clients are looking to preserve the perfect moments and not just capture the perfect poses! I gently guide my clients with posing and prompting all throughout the session – ranging from playing some silly games with the kids keeping them engaged to a family tickle fight, to get them whispering some sweet notes in their ears! These prompts help create genuine interactions between families that photograph beautifully and feel natural. And these are the images my clients treasure most, and love to browse in their albums.
The secret sauce to light and airy images: wardrobe choices
Can I tell you one of the biggest factors in creating that light and airy look? It’s what you’re wearing! This is why I’m probably a little (okay, a lot) obsessive about helping my clients with wardrobe. Dark clothing absorbs light, while light clothing reflects it. It’s simple physics, but it makes a HUGE difference in the final feel of your images.
When families coordinate in soft neutrals or gentle pastels, it helps to create visual harmony. This helps to keep the focus on faces and connections rather than distracting outfits. Sometimes clients worry that choosing light colors will feel boring. But I promise—the resulting images feel timeless and fresh in a way that trendy outfits never will!
Behind the computer screen
What happens after our session is just as important as what happens during it! I don’t go overboard with editing, and keep things as natural and authentic as possible. I have learnt to capture how I want my final images to be – almost straight out of camera. At the editing table, each image gets individual attention, I’m super picky about skin tones looking natural and colors being consistent throughout your gallery. I do some subtle adjustments that most people would never consciously notice, but that collectively create the feeling and signature look in the images.
From pixels to prints
Seeing my clients’ faces when they see their images for the first time at their reveal session brings me a lot of joy. But what really gets me excited is helping them turn these digital files into tangible treasures.
Light and airy images look absolutely stunning as large wall prints. There’s something about them that makes spaces feel bigger and brighter. My own family photos are a daily reminder for me of the love, joy, and growth we share. Also, there’s something magical about watching my toddler’s face light up when he spots our family portraits – pointing excitedly to each face, proudly naming “Mama” and “Papa,” and connecting with his own story unfolding on our walls. These simple moments of recognition have shown me the special way people treasure seeing themselves and their loved ones in photographs they can actually touch, not just tucked away in our phones.
If my approach to photography resonates with you, I’d absolutely love to create some stunning photographs for your family. The Peninsula and South Bay give us the perfect backdrop—all I need is you!
Have questions about creating your own light and airy family portraits? I’m currently booking family and maternity sessions throughout the South Bay, San Jose and Peninsula areas and would love to chat about your vision!
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Time moves quickly - today's toddler giggles become tomorrow's graduation memories before we know it.
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