China Camp Village, San Rafael, Family Photos- Prigoff Family

China Camp State Park is a gorgeous state park in Marin County with tons of history, and fun locations to shoot at. The park is nestled along the shore of the San Pablo Bay, surrounding a historic Chinese American shrimp-fishing village and a salt marsh. The beautifully preserved old wooden buildings, beach, and surrounding nature areas make this a perfect location or family photos in Marin County. Features include an extensive intertidal salt marsh, meadow, and oak habitats. China Camp State Park occupies an area that was inhabited for thousands of years by the Coast Miwok people. The Miwok had dozens of small villages scattered throughout Marin and southern Sonoma Counties, including several settlements in the vicinity of China Camp. Though there were once more than two dozen shrimping camps like China Camp located around San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, this state park preserves the only one as a historic site, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about this important period.

After taking some holiday photos almost 1 year prior, it was so fun to see how little baby Hayes, is growing into toddler Hayes. 18 months can be a hard age to photograph, they’re too young to be bribed, and don’t understand the concept of smiling at the camera. I welcome this challenge warmly, it’s so fun to get genuine smiles and family love.

Phil and Sarah did a great job at getting the little guy to laugh and have fun, lot’s of patience and great parenting points for them! I adore the photos of Phil carrying Hayes by the boat and water, a classic father son moment at a beautiful location. When Sarah is sitting on the sand in the blanket with Hayes, you can see how natural and pure their smiles and love for another are.

Family photo sessions are such a great way to capture timeless memories. Kids grow up so darn fast, it’s so special to have fun artistic portraits of them at different ages.