I’ve heard it said that you can never go home. But while photographing the Zehnder family, I came within three blocks of the place.
Their youngest daughter had been born just a few months before. With that wonderful addition to the family, the Zehnders entered the glorious and exhausting Three Kid Club. You know, the club for people with three children. This was cause for celebration…and for some new family portraits, so they gave me a call.
Since they live in my old hometown, I figured this might be a great time to revisit my old stomping grounds instead of taking the family out to my photography spots on the other side of Sacramento. The lure of home must have been particularly strong that day, as I suggested a spot not more than a quarter-mile from my childhood home. Fortunately, the Zehnders are a flexible crew, and Amanda and Tyler didn’t bat an eye when I suggested that we meet at the railroad tracks.
Running around in nice clothes on loose granite? Sure! Carrying around an infant on high-traffic railroad tracks? Why not! Playing around concrete and rebar? You betcha!
So we met there at the rails late on a Sunday. Their casual and calm demeanor meant that everyone was up for anything. I hardly had to coax any hugs and kisses out of this bunch. The affection flows freely with the Zehnder clan. The last of this winter afternoon faded into sunset as I followed this lively and loving family around with my camera.
Why not take a peek at how we ended our day with the photos below?
Many thanks to the Zehnder family for letting me capture their wonderful family in action!





















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