Shannon Montez Photography Blog » San Jose's Family and Child Photographer, Shannon Montez, captures all aspects of family life: Families, newborns, children, babies, high school seniors, and weddings.

Tomorrow (Thursday) I’m participating in a panel discussion for the PPGBA (Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area)… They’re calling it a Diva Panel, and it’s a bunch of women who are photographers talking about the photography/woman thing. I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve ever been anywhere near being associated with the word “diva”. And I don’t think I’m comfortable with the word “diva” at any time for any reason, ha ha.

But anyway…

I think it will be fun and I was flattered and excited when they asked me to participate. I’m the “crazy family life/successful business/trying to balance it all” angle.  I don’t know that I’ve mastered my life in any way, I’m probably more an example of “what not to do” at times, but I HAVE learned a lot about life and business in this journey! I always love it when people get together to share what they know and help each other along the way. While I walk into it feeling nervous, I walk out of it feeling really happy and excited and inspired. So, tomorrow should be lots fun.

Of course, while I’m here, I’ve got to post pictures! I’ve got a really special place in my heart for families. Even my weddings/engagements I consider to be “family” photography because it’s really just the first family photos they ever take. It’s all people who love each other and devote their lives to each other and stand by each other and sacrifice for each other. Seriously, what could be more beautiful?

Here’s an awesome family welcoming a new member. Such a magical time, I always feel so honored to be there to witness it.

Time to post a recent session! I’m so proud of all the entries I’ve made in the past month (and still have a ton to share), but I want to change the need to even “catch up” by posting images as they happen.

So here goes…

A sweet baby. Love them!

Yummy little rolls.

I’m not really sure what this bowl is meant to be used for, but to me, it seems perfect for little babies!

I love the interaction in these two shots.

Sweet little family.

These are my sweet neighbors. Please keep them in your prayers… Their youngest son, Teddy, is having brain surgery this week (Wednesday) to determine if a tumor discovered in his brain is cancerous or not. Obviously we’re hoping for some good news after the surgery, but even surgery itself is very scary. Teddy (and his brother and father and friends) shaved their heads today to prepare for the upcoming surgery. We wanted to take some family pictures before their new haircuts, so last week we headed to a local park to do just that!

A totally beautiful family in one of my favorite places…

I know I’ve said this before, but I really love my job! There is nothing more beautiful than people who love each other. And I’ve had the good fortunate of coming across some of the most amazing, loving people in the world.

This images speaks childhood. Happiness on the playground. Love.

Check out this sweet face!

Love this shot. I think it illustrates life so well. Each kid doing their own thing. Parents holding hands, in this crazy ride called life together…

Father and son. Totally acting like a father and son.

I had SO much fun with these guys! They made me so comfortable from the first moment I met them and they just have an amazing little family. They were in the process of moving from San Jose, so we met at their home and shot around their neighborhood. I love that I gave them a fun souvenir for their time here in San Jose!

Just the kids…

Or the whole family… I can’t decide which one I love more.

The bubble. I love it! This sweetie made me so baby hungry it hurt! This age just melts me… so so happy and sweet and squishy.

The lashes… (I die…)

His brothers are just as cute, though!

I’m pretty sure if I bit him, he would taste like marshmallows. (I didn’t try, tempted though I was…)

Look at those beautiful eyes.

Grabbing those toes. Why do they do that? Isn’t it cute?

Baby rolls and creases and dimples just make me smile.

With mama, who has immensely enjoyed the last few months with this long-awaited sweetie pie.

aaaand…. a relaxed family portrait.

Kathy was actually one of my earliest clients, several years ago. It’s been so much fun to see her girls grow! And now, Kathy has found Rob and they’re in the process of blending their families. This session was a combined family and engagement session. I love this location, it was an accidental find,  next to the park where we were supposed to have our session. Love it. Love them.

What is it about a daddy/daughter pic that makes me melt?

HOT.

I got the opportunity to swap sessions with my delightful friend and fellow photographer, Alison Beachem of Photography by Alison.

SO FUN!! Not only did I have a great time shooting her family, I got the huge benefit of finally having amazing images of my own family! It made me realize what a COOL job I have, if my clients feel the way I did after viewing the images she took.

Alison has a terrific family. I think you can tell, just by viewing the images!

A quiet moment with the baby of the family…

I don’t even have to tell you they are from San Diego. Can’t you just see it in the blonde surfer perfection…

I think this might be the order of who runs the family…

My favorite shot of the day:

Thanks Alison, for letting me play and for the incredible gift you gave me!

A moment of silence for Courtney and Toby. Toddler twins and a newborn.

They are amazing parents with a lot on their plate right now!

You know these girls are trouble. That’s the beauty of twins! (when you’re not the parent, ha ha)

A trouble-making team that makes trouble really cutely. (I know… cutely isn’t a word, but I’m using it anyway… adorably would also work, but where’s the creativity in that?)

What… you don’t believe me?

And their sweet, sweet baby sister.

I love this moment as a mother… sweet passed-out baby with the back of their neck all waiting to be kissed… good stuff.

Salene and Dave.  We went to their ranch up in the mountains for this session. I *loved* it. We had so much fun! This session was a combined engagement and family session, because we incorporated Salene’s two sweet  children into some of the shots. I love how even the dog (who was one of the coolest dogs ever, by the way!) is in this shot:

I think I shared this one before:

When we first drove past this tree, there were a ton of cows sitting under it, so we didn’t go there right away (plus, the sun was a bit too high). I thought it was great having to work around the residents! The wedding was also held up at the ranch. I loved it! But that’s a story for another time…