BLOG - Sheila Johnson

How to Elope in Sonoma County: A Two-Day Beltane Ranch Elopement

JUN

24

2026

How to Elope in Sonoma County: A Two-Day Beltane Ranch Elopement How to Elope in Sonoma County: A Two-Day Beltane Ranch ElopementThere is ...

JUN

04

2026

Mallory and Michaels surprise proposal ...

A Sonoma proposal story to remember The Squad Who Said Yes Before She Did: Mallory & Michael's Surprise Proposal at Viansa Winery, ...

MAY

28

2026

A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Proposal in ...

Some proposals are quiet and intimate. Some proposals are grand and beautifully planned. And then there are proposals like Calvin and Andy's — ...

APR

16

2026

What It’s Like to Work With Me for Your ...

What It’s Like to Work With Me for Your ProposalHow I Help Make Your Proposal Feel elevated, intentional, and deeply personal.Planning a ...

MAR

31

2026

Viansa Winery Proposal Guide: Why It’s ...

Viansa Winery Proposal Guide: Why It’s One of My Favorite Places to Photograph “Yes” in SonomaIf you’re dreaming of ...

FEB

06

2026

Why You Should Book Your 2026 Wine ...

A Guide for Couples Planning Their Napa or Sonoma Wedding in 2026If you’re newly engaged and planning a 2026 wedding in Sonoma County or Napa ...

FEB

02

2026

The Best Sonoma & Napa Wedding Venues ...

A Stunning Collection of Wine Country Venues Perfect for Your Dream CelebrationIf you’re newly engaged and beginning to plan your 2026 wedding ...

JAN

30

2026

The Best Private Proposal Locations in ...

There is something deeply intimate about a proposal—the moment when everything grows quiet, time slows down, and the world fades into the ...

JAN

28

2026

Senior Kendall: Sonoma County Senior ...

There’s something really special about senior year — it’s that in-between season where confidence is growing, friendships feel ...

JAN

27

2026

How to Keep Your Proposal a Surprise ...

You’ve found the one. You’ve picked the ring. You’ve been rehearsing that perfect moment in your head for weeks — maybe even ...

JAN

09

2026

Napa Valley: Romantic Places to Pop the ...

Napa Valley is known for world-class wine, sweeping vineyard views, and unforgettable experiences—but what many couples don’t realize is ...

JAN

05

2026

A Meant-to-Be Love Story: Dan & Beth’s ...

A Meant-to-Be Love Story: Dan & Beth’s Bodega Bay Proposal on the Sonoma CoastSome love stories unfold slowly, almost as if the universe is ...

NOV

17

2025

The Most Romantic Places to Propose in ...

If you’re dreaming of a proposal that feels both timeless and unforgettable, there’s truly no better place than California’s Wine ...

NOV

11

2025

A Fairytale Tower Proposal at Castello ...

A Fairytale Moment in the Heart of Napa ValleyIt’s the kind of moment that feels suspended in time — warm sunlight spilling through stone ...

NOV

05

2025

A Stunning Indian-American Wedding at ...

A Joyful Celebration of Love, Family, and Cultural TraditionsEarlier this year, Pratik and Chitra said “I do” on a breathtaking hillside ...

OCT

16

2025

Top 10 Helpful Tips for Pulling Off the ...

Top 10 Helpful Tips for Pulling Off the Perfect Surprise Beach Proposal (That Work Anywhere!)The Romance of a Sonoma Coast ProposalThere’s ...

SEP

29

2025

5 Things Every Mom Should Know During ...

5 Things Every Mom Should Know During Their Child’s Senior YearYour child’s senior year is a season you’ve dreamed about and ...

SEP

26

2025

Why You Still Need Engagement Photos — ...

Proposal Photos Capture the Moment — Engagement Photos Build the ConnectionProposal photos are all about one thing: the surprise and ...

SEP

16

2025

What to wear for Senior Portraits Style ...

What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Ultimate Fall 2025 Style GuidePlanning your senior pictures is exciting—this is your moment to capture who ...

JUL

31

2025

Romantic San Francisco Engagement ...

Planning an engagement session in San Francisco? This iconic city offers endless backdrops for love stories—dramatic cliffs, golden sunsets, ...

JUL

23

2025

They're Growing Right in Front of My ...

I swear I blinked and suddenly my niece and nephews weren’t little anymore. (except for little bubba! He's never been little j/k)We were out in ...

JUL

23

2025

What to Wear for Sunflower Field Photos

A quick & beautiful style guide for golden hour sessions in bloom This quick guide is designed to help you choose flattering colors, ...

JUL

18

2025

She Knew It Was Coming Napa Proposal at ...

Some proposals are perfectly planned. Some are perfectly surprising. And then there are those that fall beautifully in between—like John and ...

JUL

14

2025

A Year Later at Doran Beach… He Asked ...

From Worship to “Will You Marry Me?” – Luke & Bella’s Faith-Filled Proposal at Doran BeachSome love stories begin with a ...

JUL

10

2025

Artist Edits By Sonoma County Family ...

Turn Your Family Portrait Into a Work of Art: Introducing Artist Edits at Studio J PhotographyThere’s something magical about a portrait ...

JUL

03

2025

The Difference Between a Wedding ...

The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Venue Coordinator—And Why You Need a PlannerAs the owner of Studio J Photography, ...

JUN

27

2025

Why July is the Best Month for Senior ...

Why July is the Best Month for Senior Portraits in Sonoma County If you're the parent of a high school senior—or a rising senior ...

JUN

14

2025

10 Ways to Stay Calm before you Propose ...

Let’s talk about something that rarely gets mentioned in all those “how to propose” guides online: what do you do with ...

JUN

02

2025

A Secret Garden Proposal at Garden ...

The Perfect Proposal Spot in Petaluma: Garden Valley RanchNestled just outside the heart of Petaluma, Garden Valley Ranch is one of Sonoma ...

MAY

31

2025

How to Plan a Picture-Perfect ...

Romantic Engagement Session at Castello de Amorosa Napa Valley Winery Photoshoot When Alexandra and Mason planned a trip from Florida to Napa ...

MAY

30

2025

What to Wear for Senior Pictures: ...

Your senior year is finally here, and your summer senior portrait session is one of the first big moments to celebrate it. The question everyone ...

MAY

16

2025

Graduation Photos in Sonoma County: How ...

Beyond the Basics: How to Make the Most of Your Cap and Gown Photoshoot(Why You Shouldn’t Treat It Like Just Another Yearbook Pic)Celebrate ...

APR

23

2025

Everything You Need to Know about ...

Winery Proposal Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know Before Popping the Question in Napa and SonomaYou’ve found the person you want to spend ...

APR

19

2025

How to Choose Your Engagement Session ...

Planning your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey. It’s a moment to slow down, soak in your love story, ...

APR

17

2025

Why Inglenook Winery Is the Perfect ...

Why Inglenook Winery Is the Perfect Place to Propose in Napa ValleyFeaturing Brigham & Carly’s Romantic Napa ProposalThinking of popping ...

APR

11

2025

How to plan a Wine Cave marriage ...

How to Plan a Romantic Wine Cave Proposal at Viansa Winery Proposing to the love of your life is one of the most important and memorable moments ...

MAR

03

2025

Senior Portraits in The Barlow - ...

Senior Portraits at The Barlow in Sebastopol, CA: A Unique Backdrop for Your PhotosSenior year is an exciting time, and what better way to capture ...

JAN

31

2025

Wedding Invitation etiquette : Sonoma ...

Wedding Invitation Etiquette: How to Politely Communicate Important Details to Your GuestsYour wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, ...

JAN

31

2025

How to Take Great Photos with a Height ...

When it comes to marriage proposals, every detail matters—from the ring and the location to the perfect moment when the question is asked. For ...

JAN

27

2025

Questions to Ask Yourselves When ...

Questions to Ask Yourselves When Planning Your Engagement SessionYour engagement session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a ...

JAN

24

2025

7 Tips How to get ready for your ...

How to Get Ready for Your Engagement PhotosYour engagement photos are an exciting way to celebrate this special moment and kick off your wedding ...

JAN

13

2025

The Lasting Impact of Capturing Senior ...

The Lasting Impact of Capturing Senior Year Milestones, why take Senior Portraits? When my kids were in High school, their friends parents ...

JAN

02

2025

Why Hiring a Professional Photographer ...

Your Moments Deserve More Than a SmartphoneIn the age of smartphones and social media, it’s tempting to think, “Why hire a professional ...

DEC

23

2024

Reflecting on 2024

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Memories, Milestones, and New BeginningsAs the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible ...

DEC

18

2024

The Perfect Birthday Celebration at the ...

What Do You Do When You Stay at the Four Seasons Napa with Your Besties? You Have a Photo Shoot, Of Course!When a group of lifelong friends planned a ...

DEC

17

2024

Planning your Engagement Session in St ...

A Magical Fall Engagement Session at Sequoia Grove Winery in St. Helena St. Helena in the fall is pure magic. Nestled in the heart of Napa ...

DEC

09

2024

Top 10 Things to Bring to Your Senior ...

Top 10 things to bring to your Senior Portrait Session Are you preparing for your senior portrait session in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, ...

DEC

06

2024

A Romantic Sea Ranch Engagement, sweet ...

Some love stories feel like they belong in a Hallmark movie, and Hassam & Sarah’s proposal at Sea Ranch was exactly that. Traveling from ...

DEC

05

2024

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Proposal ...

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Proposal Photographer: Top 15 FAQsPlanning a proposal is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in your ...

NOV

18

2024

Popping the question with a retro ...

Fun Marriage Proposal Idea! When it comes to proposing, a little creativity can make an unforgettable moment even more magical. One unique, ...

NOV

13

2024

An Intimate Sausalito Wedding at Christ ...

An Intimate Sausalito Wedding at Christ Church: Brandon and David’s Love Story In the picturesque town of Sausalito, California, Brandon and ...

OCT

30

2024

A Dream Proposal at Dawn Ranch, ...

Nestled in the heart of Guerneville, CA, Dawn Ranch offers a stunning, rustic backdrop that combines the beauty of towering redwoods with modern ...

OCT

26

2024

Newspaper Engagement and Wedding ...

The Newspaper-Style Wedding Program & Engagement Announcement: A Must-Have for Every Couple’s Big Day!When we were planning my son’s ...

OCT

25

2024

Fall Family Portraits in Sonoma County: ...

Why Fall is the Best Time for Family Portraits in Sonoma CountyAs the days grow cooler and the air turns crisp, Sonoma County transforms into a ...

OCT

24

2024

A Vineyard Proposal: Ryan and Olivia's ...

Napa Valley, with its picturesque landscapes and romantic vineyards, serves as the perfect backdrop for a dream proposal. Ryan and Olivia’s ...

SEP

18

2024

Beautiful Surprise Proposal at Ledson ...

A Magical Proposal at Ledson Winery: Greg and Nicole’s Engagement Story In the heart of Sonoma Valley, where rolling vineyards stretch for miles ...

SEP

16

2024

Romantic Vineyard Proposal at Harvest ...

Akshay and Silvia’s Romantic Vineyard Proposal at Harvest InnIn the world of proposals, few settings hold a candle to the rustic elegance of ...

AUG

30

2024

Full Circle: Capturing a Maternity ...

As a photographer, there are moments that remind you just how much your work is intertwined with the lives of your clients. This past week, I had the ...

AUG

30

2024

Maternity Session Checklist

Checklist for Expecting Mothers: Preparing for Your Studio Maternity Shoot Preparing for your studio maternity shoot is essential to ensure you ...

AUG

30

2024

Top Ten Tips for Getting the Best ...

Top Ten Tips for Getting the Best Modeling Headshots by Sheila Johnson of Studio J Photography1. Choose the Right Photographer Your modeling ...

AUG

27

2024

A surprise proposal at Viansa Winery in ...

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Viansa Winery stands as a beacon of romance and unforgettable memories. It was here, amidst rolling ...

JUL

30

2024

Style Guide Fall

It's That time of year again! No not pumpkin latte season! (Although I might be obsessed) its Family photo season!Yay one of my favorites!Now for the ...

JUL

22

2024

Creating an exceptional Maternity ...

Nothing is more flattering then this......over the past five years, I have had the distinct pleasure of capturing the milestones of this wonderful ...

JUN

23

2024

Roche Winery & Vineyard Proposal

Studio J Photography your trusted Sonoma County proposal photographer Are you planning you proposal in Napa or Sonoma Wine country? Roche ...

JUN

06

2024

What to do with your engagement photos!

Engagement photos are more than just a milestone in your journey to the big day. They are a beautiful, tangible reminder of the love and excitement ...

MAY

31

2024

Sonoma County Elopement

A Love That Blossoms: An Intimate Elopement in Sonoma CountyLove knows no age, and there's something profoundly beautiful about a couple who decides ...

MAY

30

2024

The Magic of First Looks

The Magic of First Looks: Creating Unforgettable Wedding MemoriesOne of the most enchanting moments of a wedding day is the first look. This intimate ...

MAY

29

2024

The Importance of Booking Your Senior ...

The Perfect Time for Perfect Shots Graduating high school is a significant milestone in a young person’s life, marking the end of one ...

MAY

23

2024

Create Unforgettable Memories with ...

As Sonoma County’s most trusted senior portrait photographer, Studio J Photography recently had the pleasure of capturing Izzie’s senior ...

MAY

23

2024

Collage Cap N Gown Sessions

Why You Shouldn't Skip Your Cap and Gown Photoshoot Graduation is a significant milestone in any student's life, marking the culmination of ...

APR

22

2024

Dorm Room Essentials

Hello!Sheila here. Mother of five, now young adults, a high school senior photographer, and a seasoned veteran in the art of juggling life's many ...

APR

12

2024

Senior Session Booking Process

Ready to book? Wonder what comes next? 1. Pick the session that best fits your needs. Each session has a predetermined amount of time, ...

APR

02

2024

Prepping for your senior shoot

Preparing for a senior photo shoot is all about planning and personalization to ensure the session captures the essence of the student's personality ...

APR

02

2024

Showcasing Your Personality During Your ...

As a high school senior, you are at a pivotal moment in your life, standing on the cusp of adulthood, filled with dreams, aspirations, and a unique ...

APR

02

2024

Northern California's Sonoma/Napa Wine ...

In the heart of Sonoma, amidst the rolling vineyards of Northern California's wine country, Victor's meticulously planned surprise proposal to Edith ...

FEB

23

2024

Embracing Timeless Beauty: Senior ...

Bodega Bay, with its rugged coastline and pristine beaches, offers an idyllic backdrop for senior portraits that exude natural beauty and ...

FEB

23

2024

Preserving Memories: Renzo's Senior ...

As a professional photographer, every session brings a unique story to capture through the lens. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Renzo, ...

FEB

23

2024

Memories in Motion: Maizie's Senior ...

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you the enchanting story of Maizie's senior portrait session at the stunning Bodega Bay Dunes Beach in Northern ...

JAN

31

2024

3 essential tips for rocking your ...

Title: 3 Essential Tips for Rocking Your Senior Portrait Session Dress to Express – Your Outfit Matters 👗👔 Your outfit is like the cover ...

JAN

19

2024

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your ...

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Dream Wedding Photographer, Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and it's ...

JAN

01

2024

Sonoma County Court House Wedding

A Romantic Sonoma County Wedding: From Sonoma County court house to Paradise Ridge WineryNestled in the heart of California’s wine ...

DEC

14

2023

Grab Your Romantic Toolkit, It's ...

Imagine a picturesque vineyard, rolling hills, and the love of your life by your side. What better setting to pop the question than in a beautiful ...

DEC

08

2023

The Secret to an Unforgettable ...

The Secret to an Unforgettable Proposal: Why a Premium Photographer Makes All the Difference When it comes to one of life's most significant ...

NOV

22

2023

Capturing Memories: Lily's Senior ...

Every photograph tells a story, and every story is unique. As a professional high school senior photographer, I have had the privilege of witnessing ...

OCT

23

2023

Capturing Timeless Memories: The Annual ...

Every fall, as the leaves begin their vivid transformation and the air hints at the crispness of the approaching winter, there's a tradition I hold ...

OCT

20

2023

Landmark Vineyards, Santa Rosa Ca, ...

Nathan and Vanessa: A Magical Engagement at Landmark Vineyard Love stories are as unique as the individuals who craft them. Every turn, every ...

OCT

05

2023

Wine Country Marriage Proposal at ...

Pasquale, Victoria and her parents all came to Viansa WInery on a cool Sonoma Saturday morning for what Victoria thought was just a wine tasting. ...

SEP

29

2023

Marriage Proposal at Harvest Inn St ...

Marriage Proposal At Harvest Inn St. Helena Ca, MIke and Mischa had traveled all the way from New York for some hiking in beautiful Mammoth Lake ...

AUG

18

2023

10 year Anniversary/Proposal Comstock ...

Comstock Wines Proposal Gentlemen listen up! Love stories come in all shapes and sizes, each one unique and captivating in its own way. As a ...

AUG

01

2023

The Ultimate Best Friend Photoshoot

As a leading high school portrait photographer in Northern California, I've been privileged to capture countless memories that last a lifetime. Among ...

JUN

27

2023

High School Senior portraits in the ...

Senior year is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated and cherished. As you prepare to step into a new chapter of your life, capturing the ...

JUN

01

2023

A Captivating Engagement at ...

A Napa Valley Proposal Nestled in the heart of St. Helena, California, lies a hidden gem that radiates charm and captures the essence of ...

APR

30

2023

5 epic engagement locations in Sonoma ...

Congratulations!Did you just make one of the biggest decisions of your life? Ready to make the next one? This one should be easy, let’s see if ...

MAR

21

2023

Northern California a Destination ...

Why Northern California is the Ultimate Wedding Destination,Are you dreaming of an unforgettable wedding experience in a picturesque location? Look ...

MAR

17

2023

Jack London State Park {Family ...

I had the great pleasure of photographing my gorgeous cousin and her sweet little family at Jack London State park in Glenn Ellen, ...

MAR

17

2023

Rotary - My rookie sketch!

Today was the day! I gave my rookie sketch at Rotary. Being a fairly new member I had no idea what one looked like :) Also I am terrified to speak in ...

FEB

06

2023

The Best Time To Schedule Your ...

One of the biggest questions that I get as photographer is "When is the best time to take our portraits?" If your curious to here is a month by month ...

FEB

01

2023

January 2023

How are those new 2023 New Years resolutions going? Great I hope!Mine are off to a slow start! Ive just returned from a week long conference in ...

DEC

30

2022

2022 Wedding Season

Wow what a year! 2022 was a record wedding season here in Sonoma County! I had the honor of being a part of 35 weddings! 35 different love ...

DEC

30

2022

Top Northern California Wedding Venues

Looking to tie the knot in Sonoma County? Have you found your perfect Northern California Wedding Venue to say I do? If Wine country is at the top on ...