Family Photo Session | Ojai, California
- LoLo Spencer
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Will, Shannon, and their adorable two-year-old son Christopher recently returned to Ventura County for a very special reason: their first ever professional family portrait session.
Though they now call Portland, Oregon home, Shannon grew up in Ventura County and has deep family roots here, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing such meaningful moments.
With so many beautiful natural locations to choose from, they were drawn to the stunning scenery of Ojai, a place known for its peaceful charm and breathtaking landscapes. The setting created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for this fun, connected family.
Will, a Portland based attorney, and Shannon, an executive at Nike World Headquarters, share a close and adoring bond with Christopher, who is a bright, curious little boy keenly interested in everything around him. Their devotion to each other was clear throughout the session, creating an effortless warmth that filled every frame.
A Heartfelt Family Photo Session in Ojai
Christopher is also remarkable in another way. He was born with a congenital heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) with a Ventricular Septal Defect VSD, a condition that affects thousands of babies each year. At just six days old, he underwent successful heart surgery performed by the incredible pediatric cardiac team at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Though he has already faced many medical treatments and ongoing follow-ups, you would never know it from his joyful spirit. His love of life is contagious, and his strength is inspiring
Being in front of the camera for the first time can feel a bit daunting, and the Stablers were no exception. But with gentle guidance, they quickly warmed up to the experience. Before long, they were naturals, laughing, playing, and fully absorbed in their joyful connection.
As the session unfolded, it became less about posing and more about capturing genuine moments of love and playfulness. I was simply along for the ride, documenting their unique story and the way they enjoyed their time together in this beautiful place. It was pure joy capturing this sweetest trio for their first ever family photo session!
Scroll down to see how the Stabler family enjoyed their beautiful day in Ojai ...
I hope this family’s session brings you some inspiration as you consider your own family photography plans. As a Southern California family photographer serving Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, I’m here to help you create timeless, meaningful images that celebrate your unique story, whether you’re local or visiting from afar.
If you’re thinking about planning a session or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out and let’s start planning your next family adventure.
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COMING UP in the next post: Modern Legacy: Downtown L.A. Family Photo Session
About the Author
Laurie “LoLo” Spencer is a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Southern California, specializing in emotive, natural-light photography for families, couples, maternity, and newborns. With over nine years of experience, Laurie brings a warm, relaxed approach to every session—capturing heartfelt moments that reflect connection, love, and the beauty of everyday life.
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