latest on the blog
That one Friday when they eloped in downtown Oakland
This sweet couple chose Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland for their elopement, surrounded by their parents and closest friends on a perfect warm spring day. Here's a look at their vows, their portraits, and the sweet surprises along the way.
Fall Dates Are Filling Fast, and Why August Is the Right Time to Plan Your Q4
Fall is our busiest season, and the calendar fills up early. Here's what's currently available for family portraits and Q4 branding sessions, plus why August is the month to lock in your date. Fall snuck up on the calendar again this year, and if you've been thinking about booking a session, this is your sign to stop thinking and start scheduling. Between family portraits and Q4 branding work, our fall calendar tends to fill up faster than any other season, and I'd rather you get the date and the light you want than settle for whatever is left in October.
Fall Outdoor Session Dates
It might feel early to think about October, but the best fall light books up fast. Here's why now is the time to grab your early fall outdoor session date.
Why We Love Photographing Families with Their New Dog
A family session that turned into a floor pile with the new puppy, and why we think every dog deserves a real portrait session, not just phone pics.
Baby Cat Portraits Are Officially My New Favorite Thing | GVP Studios Sacramento
Maine Coon kitten portraits Sacramento, baby cat photos studio, pet bonding photography Sacramento, Fourth of July pet portraits, Sacramento pet photographer studio session, kitten portrait session Sacramento, cat portraits midtown Sacramento, new kitten photos Sacramento
Summer Mini Sessions at Black Miner's Bar, Folsom
Mini sessions are coming to Black Miner's Bar on July 31st. One evening, two beautiful backdrops, and a fast, easy way to get real summer photos of your family or a quick senior portrait update.
Chasing the Coast: Bay Area Travel Sessions
Sometimes the best light isn't in your own backyard, it's an hour and a half away. Here's why we're heading to the Bay Area for coastal family and portrait sessions this summer.
A Morning in the Backyard: An At-Home Family Photography Session
Sometimes the best backdrop for family photos isn't a park or a studio, it's the backyard you already spend every weekend in. Here's how one at-home family session came together, pool photos and all.
Oceans, Sunsets, and a Summer Sale
July at GVP Studios means chasing cooler light along the coast, Folsom mini and sunset sessions, opening up early fall booking before the calendar fills, running a summer wall art sale to get your home ready for hosting season, and knocking out school portraits and headshots before the back to school rush hits.
Napa Mini Sessions: A Single Day in Wine Country Light
One day, one location, and some of the best light of the year. Here's what to expect from our September 19th Napa mini sessions, plus our favorite spots across wine country.
Old Folsom Portrait Sessions
Folsom at golden hour is one of the most beautiful portrait settings in the Sacramento area — and we know every corner of it. Discover our favorite sunset session locations, from Old Town's historic streetscapes to the American River at Black Miners Bar.
Spring Sessions Are Filling Fast — Sacramento's Favorite Season for Photography Is Here
May in the Sacramento Valley is one of those windows that opens quietly and closes before you realize it. The hills are still green, the lavender is in bloom, and the evening light lingers just long enough to make everything look like it was meant to be photographed. At GVP Studios, this is our favorite season to be behind the camera — and right now, we are fully in it.
How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding (and Why It Always Makes for the Best Photos)
Your dog was there through all of it: the late-night talking stages, the proposal, every lazy Sunday since. So why shouldn't they be there on your wedding day? At GVP Studios, we've photographed some truly wonderful four-legged wedding guests, and we can tell you without hesitation that it's always, always worth it. Here's how to pull it off.
What Makes Elopements and Intimate Weddings Kinda Great
Intimate weddings are having a moment — and for good reason. At GVP Studios, we've had the honor of photographing some of the most heartfelt, beautifully personal celebrations imaginable, and many of them have had fewer than 30 guests. Here's why we absolutely love them, and why they might be the best decision you ever make.
April Happenings at GVP Studios
From full-circle senior portraits at the UC Davis Arboretum to high-energy branding at the Kimpton Sawyer, March was a whirlwind of storytelling. Join us in April as we head to the botanical gardens for our Spring Mini-Sessions.
Favorite Perks in and around the Studio
More than just a place to shoot, GVP Studios is a hub for high-vibe creativity. Ritual Wellness House and expert styling by Lisa Massey. From our lush, year-round Mediterranean courtyard to the rich urban textures and iconic park views just steps away, we’ve gathered the ultimate local benefits to ensure you feel as inspired as you look.
Amenities of the Studio: The Experience
Ever wondered what it takes to get that perfect, unflustered shot? At GVP Studios, we’ve mastered the art of the stress-free session. Take a peek behind the scenes of our Midtown Sacramento studio and see how we combine expert planning with luxury styling to bring your unique vision to life.
The Art of the New Season: From Studio Sanctuaries to Spring Blooms
There is a quiet, rhythmic beauty in the way Sacramento transitions from the cozy, inward-focused winter months into the vibrant awakening of spring. At GVP Studios, our Midtown loft has been a winter sanctuary for soft newborn snuggles and intimate maternity sessions—but as the first hints of pink appear on the trees outside, we find ourselves looking toward the horizon.
From the mustard fields of Northern California to the delicate canopy of cherry blossoms, spring is a season of renewal and growth. Whether you are joining us for a sun-drenched outdoor session or a Mother’s Day celebration in the studio, our goal remains the same: to create a seamless, celebratory experience that turns your "right now" into a lasting work of art.
Why Blossom Season Is Perfect for Sacramento Outdoor Portraits
If you’re searching for Sacramento senior portraits that feel light, timeless, and elevated, blossom season is one of the most beautiful times of year to schedule your session. Cherry blossom and flowering trees across Sacramento create a soft, glowing backdrop that makes spring senior photos unforgettable.
Stop Hoarding Memories: Why Printed Photography Is an Investment in Your Happiness
Your phone is full of memories, but when was the last time you actually felt one? At GVP Studios, we believe photography should live on your walls, not in your camera roll. Discover our “daily dopamine hit” philosophy and why printed photography is an investment in happiness.
Get on the list.
Be the first to find out about the latest promotions, sales, and mini sessions.