teenage girl laughing on dad's shoulders family session sf bay area russian creek cazadero

Family Photos

In the Heart of the Redwoods

March 31, 2016

bLOG CATEGORIEs + Search

Nestled in the heart of the redwoods just shy of the Russian River is a little magical town called Cazadero. Here, you’ll find a 100 year old General Store and the town’s beloved baker, Mark, and his beautiful children. They have this spark about them. They’re a photographer’s dream. What’s not to love? They live each day to the fullest with wonder and respect. Just their intimate connection with each other is golden, but don’t take my word for it. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

And if you’re ever up in that neck of the woods, I highly recommend that you stop by Raymond’s Bakery (named after Mark’s father) and grab a bite to eat. Their artisanal breads and baked goods are simply worth the drive. The bakery also provides comfortable lodging with the open woodlands and the Austin Creek at your doorstep. It will be the best thing that you ever did for yourself.

About Me

Real people are my favorite.

It's why I appointed myself the family documentarian early on, carefully recording life unfolding, and learning along the way how much I love visual storytelling. I picked up my first professional camera when my child was born, knowing those early years were dawning and full of change — and I never looked back. I can't imagine doing anything else.

I'm a maximalist in every sense: all-in on a project or power napping, rarely anything in between. A little weird and impressively clumsy, with absolutely zero shame dancing in public. I live in Alameda (aka the Midwest of the Bay Area) with my husband, my teen, and a menagerie of animals. Fair warning: I bring my outdated 90s dance moves to every session.

My upbringing taught me to find beauty where others see ordinary. Motherhood only deepened that instinct, and I've been known to cry at the drop of a hat. Kleenex is a standing item on my packing list for newborn sessions.

I'm awkward at small talk and large groups are where I go quiet — which is exactly why you'll never find me working weddings or large events, and why you will find me completely at home in yours. I work best in the intimate, the real, and the messy.

I invest deeply in the people I work with and pour my whole heart into every session. Walking away with friendships after a session is always a major bonus — and it's the reason I love my job as much as I do.

WORK WITH ME

©Carmen dunham Photography 2026

branding by Bella Maven 

|
|

x