Woods, Wolfhounds and Wonder: My Family Photo Session

Woods, Wolfhounds and Wonder: My Family Photo Session

In a stunning autumn landscape, where the deep, rich colors of the season adorned the dense wooded forest, my family photo session unfolded like a beautiful story. As Val Westover’s wife, I was thrilled to step into this picturesque setting, accompanied by two of our beloved Irish Wolfhounds. The rustic charm of the forest, with its lush greenery and tranquil ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of my unique family portrait.

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Capturing Moments: The Art and Heart Behind Family Portraits

In a world that moves at lightning speed, where moments can slip away before we even realize they’re happening, the importance of capturing family portraits becomes ever more significant. At Val Westover Photography, we believe that every family has a unique story to tell, and our mission is to help you document those precious moments that define your journey together. 

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Generations of Love: The Enduring Legacy of Family Portraits

Generations of Love: The Enduring Legacy of Family Portraits

In a world that moves at an ever-accelerating pace, where moments slip away like grains of sand, the importance of capturing the essence of family cannot be overstated. Val Westover Photography understands this profound truth and dedicates his craft to immortalizing the love, connection, and stories shared within families. The statement "families are forever" resonates deeply within the heart of Val's work, as each portrait not only reflects the present but serves as a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

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Family Portrait Photography: Capturing Your Family's Unique Story

Family Portrait Photography: Capturing Your Family's Unique Story

Family portrait photography is a cherished tradition that allows families to capture their essence, celebrate their relationships, and create lasting memories. These photographs serve as timeless tokens of love, growth, and connection, documenting the evolution of families over the years. Continue reading to explore the significance of family portrait photography, the different styles, tips for a successful session, and how to choose the right photographer.

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Family photographer in Reno, Nevada

Family photographer in Reno, Nevada

the picturesque landscape of Reno, Nevada, where the Sierra Nevada mountains create a stunning backdrop, professional family portraits have become a cherished way to capture the essence of family bonds. Val Westover Photography specializes in creating timeless images that not only document a moment in time but also celebrate the unique stories of families.

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Reno Family Photographer: Photo of the Day

Reno Family Photographer: Photo of the Day

At Val Westover Photography, we cherish the moments that families create together, and today’s featured image beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Captured at sunset, this stunning photograph showcases a father, a mother, and their young daughter standing gracefully in a serene lake, surrounded by the enchanting glow of the setting sun.

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Best Family Photographer in Reno

Best Family Photographer in Reno

When it comes to capturing precious moments and creating timeless family portraits, Val Westover Photography stands out as the unrivaled leader in Reno, Nevada. With over 30 years of experience and a specialization in family portraits, Val Westover brings a level of expertise and artistry that is unmatched. From celebrities to families from all walks of life, Val Westover has established himself as the best photographer for capturing unforgettable family moments.

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Top 25 Key Elements Families Seek in a Professional Family Portrait

Top 25 Key Elements Families Seek in a Professional Family Portrait

In the world of professional family portraits, there are key elements that families seek to ensure a truly exceptional and meaningful experience. These elements go beyond just capturing a beautiful image. Families are looking for photographers who can create a relaxed and comfortable environment, capture genuine emotions and connections, showcase their unique personalities, and deliver stunning and timeless photographs that will be treasured for generations to come. From the choice of location and lighting to the ability to tell a story through the lens, this article explores the top 25 elements that families value when seeking a professional family portrait.

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The Power of Authenticity: Capturing Genuine Emotions in Professional Family Portraits

The Power of Authenticity: Capturing Genuine Emotions in Professional Family Portraits

Capturing genuine emotions in professional family portraits holds immense power in creating authentic and meaningful images. When families are encouraged to be themselves and express their true emotions, the resulting photographs become a reflection of their unique dynamics and relationships. These images go beyond mere poses and smiles, capturing raw and genuine moments that evoke a deep sense of connection and nostalgia. They become cherished memories that can be revisited time and again, reminding families of the love, joy, and authenticity that defines their bond.

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Introducing Our Extraordinary Radiant Light Portrait Photo Sessions

Introducing Our Extraordinary Radiant Light Portrait Photo Sessions

Introducing Our Extraordinary Radient Light Portrait Photo Sessions - Our radiant light portrait sessions are a testament to the power of light and creativity. With the combination of Val Westover’s mastery of the use of light and creative vision, we are able to create a uniquely captivating and artistic atmosphere for your portraits.

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A Story About The McAllister Family Portrait Session

A Story About The McAllister Family Portrait Session

A Story About The McAllister Family Portrait Session - The McAllister family had always been close, but as the years went by, their busy lives seemed to pull them in different directions. So, when they decided to schedule a family portrait session, it was a chance to reconnect and create new memories together. The day of the photo shoot was a beautiful sunny day, and they had chosen a picturesque park with majestic trees, lush green grass and rustic bridges . As they arrived, they immediately felt a sense of peace and calmness wash over them.

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Family Portrait of the Day - Dana Point, California

Family Portrait of the Day - Dana Point, California

Dana Point, California

I’m fortunate to get to see the Baird family every year. We update their family portrait each year at the beach. This year, they broke tradition and used the Dana Point Harbor instead of Laguna Beach. With the golden light of the sun hitting the cliffs and water behind them, they outdid themselves again with another beautiful family portrait.

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The Coulston Family Portrait - Dana Point, CA

The Coulston Family Portrait - Dana Point, CA

We don’t remember days, we remember moments. It’s one thing to have a family portrait, but it’s pretty special when you can bring the extended family to join in on capturing important memories. The Coulston’s are the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Their expressions captured are a reflection of just how kind and awesome they are.
Pines Park in Dana Point, CA is one of the locations that we use for family portrait sessions for those who want a green lush backdrop

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Top 5 Family Portrait Outdoor Locations - Orange County

Top 5 Family Portrait Outdoor Locations - Orange County

When it comes time to update your family portraits, one of the most important things to consider is location. The location you choose will become the backdrop to portraits of you and your family that will most likely be seen for generations to come.

According to our family portrait clients, here are the top 5 most desired Orange County outdoor family portrait locations.

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Rustic, the New Formal Family Portrait

Rustic, the New Formal Family Portrait

If you’re looking for an alternative to the studio, the beach, or the manicured parks for your next family portrait, consider using a rustic outdoor location. With indigenous plants, ancient trees and untouched landscape, these rustic backdrops can be found in almost every Orange County, California and Reno, Nevada city.

The Chang family portraits are such a great example of adding formal to a rustic backdrop. By keeping it simple with light colored clothing, their family portrait pops from the wild, untamed wilderness backdrop. It has turned their beautiful family portrait into an elegant piece of art that can be displayed in the finest room of their home.

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The Jacob's Family Portraits at the Beach - Laguna Beach, CA

The Jacob's Family Portraits at the Beach - Laguna Beach, CA

One of the most rewarding parts of my job as a family portrait photographer, is watching my clients children grow up over the years. Kelly Jacobs and her crew of guys always pull off a great photo session. I don’t know how she does it though, because it’s not like the old days were she would just show up for her family portrait session with all of the kids in one car. Nope, with boys of all ages, they now come to their photo session in several cars, all coming from different directions.

The Jacob’s most resent family portrait session was at the beach in Laguna Beach, CA. Kelly (“Super Mom”) did a spectacular job in making sure that each of her boy’s shirts matched her dress. The soft light created

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The Hayden Family Makes A Splash With The Ultimate Family Portrait Session

The Hayden Family Makes A Splash With The Ultimate Family Portrait Session

Every time that we update the Hayden’s family portrait, we use their beautiful home and we always end up with amazing accomplishments.

Lori Hayden had three things that she was hoping to accomplish for this years portrait session. Her son’s high school senior portraits, update a special moment with her daughter and her horse (taken ten years ago,) as well as an update of their family portrait. So, my goal was to pack three photo sessions into one.

I was so eager to share this experience, so you get to see their family portraits straight out of camera.

We started with Charlie’s high school senior pictures. Here are a few of his mom’s favorites. Charlie is such a great person. Besides being super handsome, he is really down to earth and loves his fa

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