Tonya Edwards | Oroville Photography | fall river in winter sharing new years resolutions

Musings for an Inspired New Year | My New Years Resolution

Tonya Edwards January 1, 2018

I will do everything I can this year to learn to really listen to my own heart and to face my fears with a brave face.

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A Beautiful Life | In-Home Family Session Oroville CA

There is beauty in the life you’re living right now.

Even if it doesn’t look like what you imagined.

Even if it isn’t following the timeline you planned.

Even if it doesn’t look like what you see out in the world.

Big Family Big Love | Oroville CA Family Photography

Extended Family Session | The P Family

Summer seems to be the time of year when many families plan reunions. Generations gather together and create the kind of memories that aren’t easily forgotten. Hopefully, someone is there capturing these memories, whether it’s Aunt June who always carries a camera, the phone that lives in everyone’s pocket, or maybe even someone you’ve hired to help capture the moments you’re living.

Is a Mini Session Right For Me?

There is a lot of talk about “mini sessions” in the world of family photos. One of my most frequently asked questions is, “Are you going to do mini sessions?” It usually sounds like the best kind of deal, and who doesn’t love a good deal? I do offer mini sessions occasionally, and I do think mini sessions are great, IF they fit your photo expectations. But there are also times when a mini session isn’t going to meet those expectations.

Tonya Edwards | Oroville Photographer | mother and baby girl laying on bed in natural window light in black and white

Her First Baby | Portraits of Motherhood

A camera doesn’t see flaws. A camera sees truth. The truth is, you are beautiful, you are loved, you are worthy. The truth is you have experienced life, overcome obstacles, and soldiered on. You are intelligent, witty, kind, strong, soft, determined, fluid, and a hundred other gifts that make you “beautiful.” It’s okay to honor that. In fact, I encourage it.

Tonya Edwards | Oroville Photographer | mother son and daughter sitting in long green grass under a tree snuggling

Mama of Two | Portraits of Motherhood

When I photograph you with your children, what I hope to create is proof. Proof of the love you feel. Proof of all the good things that come with being a mother. Proof that even if children are melting or you sometimes feel sad and heavy, what you have is really, really good.

Mama and Her Boys | Portraits of Motherhood

I would love to share these motherhood sessions that meant so much to me, and since they are so different, I’m going to share them in separate blog posts.

This is part one of three of my Portraits of Motherhood series.

How To Have a Low Stress Photo Session With Your Children

Family photos, especially with little ones (or the occasional uncooperative husband) can be stressful. There is clothing to coordinate, a location to choose, not to mention all the heads of hair to comb and matching shoes to find. But these aren’t just photos. They’re memories captured. So, let’s make them good memories. Here are four simple things to keep in mind to relieve some of the stress of your next family session.

Why I Photograph Mothers and Families | Oroville Photographer

When there is an entire world out there with limitless possibilities…landscapes, macro, street photography, food, travel, weddings…Why families? Why mothers?

Portraits of Motherhood | Oroville Photographer

You see, I’m also a big hearted romantic. I know that even on the days when my mom bun is a mile high, there are moments that feel like magic. And I know that every mother, fashionista or not, looks her best when she is surrounded by love.

Meet Everly | A Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Oroville Newborn Photographer

The first few days with a new baby can feel like a dream. You are feeling so many things, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This time can seem a little foggy, mostly wonderful, and certainly worth remembering.

When Photography Became More Than Just Making Beautiful Images | Oroville Photographer

“We are making photographs to understand what our lives mean to us.” - I clearly remember the first time “the light” urged me to take a photo. I was in a PICU room on the seventh floor of UC Davis Medical Center where my baby girl was fighting for her life. {Spoiler alert: She’s now a perfectly healthy six year old.}

Winter Baby Bump | Oroville Maternity Photography

If there is one thing I have learned over the last few years of capturing life with my camera, it is that you must capture the moments whenever you can. If an opportunity arises to capture something special, you shouldn't wait until the conditions are ideal. If you do, you might miss the opportunity completely.

Musings for an Inspired New Year | My New Years Resolution

I will do everything I can this year to learn to really listen to my own heart and to face my fears with a brave face.

Keeping It Simple for a Fun Family Session | Oroville and Butte County Family Photographer

Family photo sessions should be fun, relaxed, and an important part of making family memories. I assure you, it's easy with a simple plan and some helpful tips.

A Mother Daughter Moment | Oroville Photographer

The mother daughter relationship is something special. Take the time to capture those special moments.

What to Wear to Your Family Photo Session and Why It Doesn't Really Matter | Oroville Photographer

Take the stress out of picking clothes for your family photo session with easy tips and a laid-back approach.

Cherry Family Golden Hour Lifestyle Session | Oroville Family Photographer

"Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Kurt Vonnegut

Alves Family In Home Lifestyle Session | NorCal Family Photographer

Life with little ones can feel like a sprint and a marathon at the same time. Elbow deep in diapers and finger foods and naps, it's easy to overlook the beauty in raising babies and preschoolers. But that beauty is there, I promise, and someday, you're going to want to remember those sticky fingers and slobbery kisses.

Oroville Lifestyle Family Photographer: My Vision

Somewhere along the way, I realized that photographs are not just a record of how people and things look at any given time. They are portal to a memory, and to the exact emotions one was feeling while that image was created. Photographs are so important, and creating them in a genuine, honest way is what is most important to me.