35mm Film Photography
Wedding Portraits In Northern California
My favorite weddings are the ones that fully reflect how the couple wants to celebrate their marriage and in the sequence that feels most like them.
For their wedding portraits, Nicole & Tay wore the same outfits that they said their vows in.
That’s what elopements make room for. Not the optics of tradition, but connection.
Spring in Humboldt is wildly vibrant but it’s also unpredictable. Portraits this time of year mean leaning into what the weather offers, a sudden mist rolling through the trees, light that shifts constantly, a burst of spring blooms that weren’t there the day before. There’s a softness to the air itself. It asks for flexibility, sure. Layers, maybe a clear umbrella, a touch of patience. But what it gives in return is texture and intimacy. The photos feel like a scene you wandered into and decided to stay awhile. Despite your very cold toes.
Some of my favorite images have come from these unexpected spring pockets. Wind lifting a veil or jacket just right. The kind of sky that makes everything feel a little more cinematic. It’s not always tidy, but that’s the beauty of it. If you’re open to the elements, the environment tends to meet you there. Not polished, but alive. And those are the photos that linger.
Planning Your Spring Portraits in Northern California
Layer with Intention
Think textures over bulk. A wool wrap, a linen jacket, something that moves but holds warmth. Spring air here can change in a heartbeat, and layers help you stay comfortable without distracting from the moment.
Trust the Light
Overcast skies are a gift in disguise. They soften everything, especially in the forest, where the canopy catches sun in unpredictable ways. Let go of chasing golden hour and lean into the light as it is.
Footwear That Grounds You
This isn’t the time for stilettos. Think boots you can climb a mossy path in or shoes that won’t mind a little sand. You’ll move more freely, and that ease always shows up in the photos.
Embrace the Elements
A clear umbrella can be beautiful, and a little wind can bring a dress or jacket to life. Let the weather shape the mood. It adds emotion, movement, and texture.
Let Go of the Script
Spring in Humboldt asks for flexibility. Trust the plan, but trust the pivot more. The best portraits often come in the unscripted shifts – in the unexpected glimmer of light, the way your person reaches for your hand when the wind picks up, the moment the rain pauses and everything hushes.