Diana Jex Photography

09/03/2026

Kids with a lot of energy? Perfect. 😂🤍

This was one of those quick, fun, wonderfully chaotic sessions at this family’s home in Petaluma—and honestly, these are my favorite.

The kids were FULL of energy, which meant we spent very little time trying to get everyone to sit still and smile. Instead, we ran, played, laughed, cuddled, and followed them wherever they wanted to go.

And that’s usually when the best photos happen.

The real smiles. The crazy hair. The little hands grabbing onto Mom and Dad. The moments when everyone is laughing because nobody can quite get the kids to cooperate. 😂

And if you’re worried your kids won’t “behave” for family photos—please don’t be. You don’t need perfectly posed children, and I definitely don’t expect them to sit still for an hour.

In fact, the energetic, silly, unpredictable sessions are some of my favorites.

My job is to keep things moving, give your kids something fun to do, and photograph your family as you actually are—not how you think you should look for photos.

So bring the wiggles. Bring the chaos. Bring the silly faces. I’ll take care of the rest. 🤍

📍 Petaluma + Sonoma County family photography
✨ Relaxed • candid • natural family sessions

Ready to document your family exactly as they are right now? I’d love to photograph you.

09/02/2026

Sometimes the best photo sessions happen when you’re willing to change the plan. 🤍

We had a beach session planned for this beautiful high school senior, but when the forecast started calling for some serious wind, we decided to switch locations. We found a beach tucked beneath the cliffs that would give us some much-needed protection—and I’m so glad we did.

The evening ended up being something out of a dream. ✨

The beach was calm and beautifully sheltered, and then the sky turned the most incredible shades of pink and blue as the sun went down. It was one of those evenings where you just want to stop and take it all in.

And I loved getting to know this sweet senior before she heads off on her next big adventure. Senior year is such a unique in-between moment—exciting, a little bittersweet, and full of what’s next.

A little senior session tip: Don’t let an imperfect forecast automatically convince you that your session needs to be canceled. Sometimes changing the location, adjusting the timing, or finding a little shelter can completely transform the experience. As your photographer, I’m always watching the weather and thinking about how we can make the most of the conditions we’re given.

If you’re a high school senior (or a parent of one!) planning senior portraits in Sonoma County, Marin County, Napa, or the North Bay, I’d love to create something that feels like you—whether that’s a beach session, open fields, a favorite local spot, or something a little more adventurous.

✨ Senior portrait sessions are now booking. Let’s make some magic before your next big adventure.

09/01/2026

Sweet baby Luisa at one. 🤍

For her one-year milestone session, we kept things simple and stayed home—no studio, no elaborate setup, just Luisa doing all the little things that make this season of life so special.

Standing up all on her own. Taking those wobbly little steps with Mom and Dad’s help. Eating blueberries. Playing with her favorite toys. Loving on her dog. And, naturally, pulling every single piece of clothing out of the drawer for Mom and Dad to put away later. 😂

These are the moments to remember.

The little routines. The favorite toys. The messy drawers. The family pet. The way your baby reaches for your hand while learning to walk. The things that seem completely ordinary right now but will mean everything someday.

That’s what I love about in-home milestone sessions. We don’t have to create the moment—I just let your baby be themselves, in the place where they’re most comfortable.

If your little one is approaching a milestone, consider documenting it at home. Come as you are, let them play, and let me capture all those wonderfully ordinary details that make this stage yours.

🤍 In-home baby milestone sessions are now booking.

Serving Petaluma, Sonoma County, Marin & the North Bay.

08/28/2026

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet families from all over the country while they’re visiting Sonoma County. 🤍

I loved spending a morning with this sweet family while they were here visiting from out of town. Their kids were so sweet and full of personality, and their parents couldn’t have been nicer. It was one of those sessions that reminded me just how lucky I am to get to know families, even if only for a short while, and document a little piece of their time together.

If you’re visiting Sonoma County for a family vacation, consider adding family photos to your trip! You don’t need a big plan or a special occasion. Some of my favorite sessions are simply families exploring a beautiful location together, playing with their kids, and enjoying the evening.

✨ A tip for families visiting Sonoma County: Don’t automatically reschedule your photo session because the morning is foggy or overcast! Some of the most beautiful, soft, and atmospheric photos can happen on foggy days. The light is gentle and even, and the fog can create a really beautiful, dreamy feel—especially here in Wine Country and along the Sonoma Coast.

And if you’re not familiar with the area, don’t worry about finding the perfect location. I’m happy to recommend Sonoma County family photography locations based on your family, the time of year, the weather, and the kind of photos you’re envisioning.

Sometimes the conditions you weren’t expecting end up creating some of your favorite photographs. 🤍

📍 Sonoma County • Petaluma • Santa Rosa • Napa Valley • Marin County

📷 Sonoma County Family Photographer

08/28/2026

Fall family photos coming up? Capture that cozy autumn glow with effortless styling. Read my simple guide for outfit palettes, layering tips, and how to coordinate everyone without being too matchy: https://wix.to/iM56Ad2

Perfect for couples, kids, and multigenerational shoots — make your photos timeless.

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos: A Simple Guide to Styling Your FamilyFall is one of my favorite times of year for family photos. The warm light, changing leaves, cozy textures, and earthy colors create the perfect backdrop for photos that feel timeless and connected.But if there’s one questio...

08/26/2026

There’s something so special about getting to photograph a family through different seasons of life. 🤍

I photographed this sweet family for their first maternity session and then their newborn session, and now they’re expecting baby #2! Getting to see their family grow is such an honor.

We wandered through the redwoods in Northern Santa Rosa, and their little boy was absolutely the sweetest—curious, playful, and so happy exploring the forest. I have a feeling he’s going to be the best big brother. 🌲✨

So grateful to be invited back to document another beautiful chapter for this family. 🤍

08/24/2026

Some places hold a little piece of us. 🤍

This Santa Rosa location is one of those places for this family. It’s where their daughter grew up, and now, years later, she brings her own children back here every year.

I love when a family chooses a location that means something to them. Because years from now, these photographs won’t just remind them of what everyone looked like—they’ll bring them right back to this place, this season of life, and all the memories held here.

That’s one of my favorite things about photography: a meaningful location can make an already special photograph mean even more.

So when you’re planning your next family session, think beyond just a pretty backdrop. Is there a place your family loves? A backyard, a favorite park, a beach, a family home, somewhere filled with memories?

Let’s photograph your family there. 🤍

Ready to create photos that feel like your family and hold a little more meaning? Fall dates are booking now.

08/20/2026

Families, seniors & fall minis are now booking 🍂

Hi friends, Just a quick fall photo reminder! Fall is officially booking up, and if you've been thinking, “We really need to get family photos done this year,” now is the time to grab a date. Whether you're looking for a full family session, maternity photos, or senior portraits, I’d love to p...

08/20/2026

A foggy, breezy evening in Bodega Bay made for the dreamiest family session. 🤍

There was something so romantic and intimate about the way the fog rolled in—softening the landscape and creating the most beautiful, dramatic light. Add in a sweet little girl and her parents, and we had all the ingredients for a session full of connection, movement, and those in-between moments I love so much.

Bodega Bay really showed off for this one. 🌊✨

08/19/2026

Preparing for an at-home family photo session? This new blog from Diana Jex Photography has simple, stylish tips — color palettes, textures, kids’ outfit ideas, and where to shop for relaxed backyard and indoor shoots. Perfect for capturing everyday moments with beautiful, timeless results. Read more: https://wix.to/dTDrz1y

Wondering what to wear for family photos at home? Get simple styling tips for relaxed backyard and indoor family sessions, including color palettes, textures, kids' outfits, and where to shop.