Golden Light & Gentle Moments: A Family Portrait in the Hills

There is something profoundly poetic about family life when it’s held in the soft glow of golden hour. This session, set among the sun-drenched hills, was a celebration of simple, tender connection.

Every once in a while, an image stops you in your tracks, not for its grandeur, but for its honesty. That’s exactly what happened when I first came across this session by Amanda Deanne Photography. Her work caught my eye with its quiet warmth and gentle storytelling. There’s a softness to the way she sees, and a reverence for the in-between moments that so often go unnoticed.

The light was honeyed and low, casting everything in a nostalgic glow. The family moves with such ease – laughing, holding hands, simply being together. Their bond appears palpable, and Amanda captured it all with a grace that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

The little one’s curiosity, the way the mother instinctively gathered him close, the father’s grounding presence, even the family pup joyfully weaving through the tall grass; each detail came together so harmoniously.

I was especially drawn to the styling: natural tones, soft florals, and textures that echoed the landscape. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most powerful portraits are the ones that feel lived-in and real.

And of course, the family pup, tail wagging, adding joy and authenticity to this already heartfelt session.

This session is not just beautiful, it’s soulful. Amanda Deanne has an eye for light, yes, but more than that, she has a heart for people; and it shows in every frame.

This is the magic of photography: the ability to pause time, to honour the now. Because these moments, fleeting as they are, become the stories we carry stitched lovingly into the fabric of our lives.

---

Amanda Deanne

Amanda Deanne is a natural light photographer based in Fresno, California, specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraiture. Her work is characterized by soft, timeless imagery that captures the authentic connections and tender moments of family life. She offers a luxury experience tailored to mothers who cherish the art of memories, providing heirloom-quality artwork for families to treasure and pass down through generations. 

Words and curation by editor Lisa Christoffel