Capturing Country Life: Family Portraits on the Dabadie Hay Ranch
There’s something extra special about photographing a family on their own land. For the Dabadie family, their 2.5-acre property in Galt isn’t just where they live—it’s where they work, grow, and make memories together. When Melissa reached out to plan their family portraits, she had a clear vision: capture their family’s roots, lifestyle, and the legacy they’re building through their livestock hay and feed commodities business.
This session was filled with heartfelt touches, from the haystack setups to the denim quilt she lovingly made early in her marriage. Every photo tells a part of their story—and it was an honor to bring that story to life.
At-Home Family Portraits with Heart
We kicked things off right outside the family’s home, capturing traditional portraits on the front porch. Everyone looked sharp in jeans and boots, with plenty of natural smiles and a relaxed, joyful energy that comes from being photographed in a space that feels like home.
Their two Labradors, Butter and Barley, added that perfect dose of happy chaos—posing sweetly in their red and blue bandanas and clearly loving every minute of being part of the family fun.
Haystacks, Trucks & A Family Business Legacy
Melissa’s vision for including their hay business came to life beautifully with the tall stacks of hay bales as the perfect backdrop. We arranged several groupings on and around the hay—some playful, some classic—and made sure to feature both of their trucks. The bright red flatbed with fresh hay and Juliana’s blue pickup added color and character while anchoring the session in the family’s day-to-day lifestyle.
One meaningful detail was the set of matching company-logo ball caps they wore for a few images, tying the portraits directly to the business they pour so much into.
The Quilt, the Dogs, and Golden Hour Glow
The denim quilt Melissa made early in her marriage added a sweet, nostalgic layer to this already sentimental session. We used it as a backdrop for a few shots and also included it in more candid poses with the kids. As the golden hour light filtered through the trees, it wrapped the whole session in a soft, golden warmth.
Butter and Barley were troopers the entire time and even sat proudly for their own portraits—those bandanas were just the cutest detail! They’re clearly more than pets… they’re part of the crew.
Portraits with Purpose—For Business and Keepsakes
One thing I loved about this session was how purposeful it was. These photos weren’t just for the family’s living room walls (though they’ll look amazing printed and framed!)—they’ll also be used across their business website. We made sure to get a variety of images: relaxed poses, individuals, parent/kid pairings, and a few detail shots that show off the lifestyle behind the feed business.
It’s always rewarding to photograph a session that’s both personal and practical, and I’m so glad the Dabadies will have this collection to reflect their life and work so beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This session checked all the boxes: meaningful location, thoughtful details, great light, and a family full of love and laughter. I’m so thankful they trusted me to document it all.
If you’re dreaming of a session on your own property, let’s chat. Whether you’ve got acreage, a backyard garden, or just a front porch full of memories—I’d love to help tell your story.
To see other family photo sessions see below:
