Where do I start with the Torrez family?

I met Paul and Heather at my sister-in-law’s house when I was first married and the only thing I remember about them was that Heather was in medical school and Paul would always be talking about being an “O.G. vato” from California. I can still hear the voice he would say it in.

Now they have a homestead acreage and 3 beautiful kids.

I was thrilled when I pulled up to their farm near River Road in Wimberley to photograph their family. I had no idea what I was about to see, but everything was a dream. There were baby animals everywhere, homemade bug houses, a gorgeous green house, a beautiful fenced in garden and this adorable boy with a nose bleed.

We wandered around their property and I ewwed and ahhhd over the farm animals and puppies. It was like a life out of a fairy tale.

They took me on a golf cart ride down to the end of their country road and they showed me a beautiful view of the Texas hills. I knew exactly where I wanted them to stand… but Jude, their middle child, wasn’t having any of it.

I knew I could eventually win him over to give me some smiles and boy was I happy when he did!! I always appreciate when I have a kid who isn’t into the photo session because it becomes my challenge to win them over and showcase who they really are behind their pretense.

*Mission accomplished*

Paul is a fishing river guide in the area and took me down to their private river access and I was in HEAVEN. The water is my favorite. I could swim, kayak, snorkel, boogie board or be on a boat forever and never grow tired of it. So when we got down to this gorgeous section of the river in Wimberley I just couldn’t take it all in. I was so excited.

I stepped in without my shoes knowing that if I slipped and my camera fell in that it would be one expensive shot… but I was willing to risk it. That mossy slime wouldn’t stop me from getting splashed by Nico!

Jude finally let me know he trusted me when he invited me to come and take his photo while he was sinking in “quicksand” at the edge of the river.

I had such a wonderful time photographing the Torrez family and seeing all of the wonderful diversity of their lives out on their land. I am so grateful that God held the rain off until the very end, too!