About Alyse Panitz
My Story
When I was a teenager in Memphis, TN, I started babysitting to make extra cash for the mall. I had no idea at the time that I was carving the path for my life as an artist and shaping who I am today. I've been privileged to continue working with children in my adult years as a nanny, becoming an extension of their families during some of their most formative years. I absolutely love kids, and my life has been much richer (and much more fun!) because of them. Each child and family has taught me invaluable lessons, and I am most grateful for how they have focused my perspective on life. I have learned to see the beauty and wonder that exists in even the most mundane and trying days, and I'm passionate about capturing those little moments so they can be treasured for years to come.
Since earning my BA in photography in 2008, I’ve photographed countless families and couples in the San Francisco Bay Area and all over the California Coast. Thank you to everyone who steps in front of my lens and opens their heart.
Photo credit: Jeanie Horton
My Loves
I fell in love with California in 2004 when I made the trek to Santa Barbara to earn my BA in photography at Brooks Institute of Photography. While living there, I met and fell in love with my neighbor, Kevin. In 2008 we moved to San Francisco and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. We love this city and will never grow tired of its endless beauty. We got married at San Francisco City Hall in 2015 and added this fluff ball, Charlie, to our family during the pandemic. He’s a Havanese and he’s completely stolen our hearts.
Life as a nanny
The little guy with me is Adam. I cared for him as his nanny from when he was just a baby into his pre-teen years. I have no idea how the years passed so quickly, but he continues to be my biggest inspiration and one of the greatest joys in my life.
My love for SF City Hall
For nearly 14 years I’ve looked out of my apartment window to a view of the City Hall dome, and it continues to delight me every night with its colorful lights. But it wasn’t until I started photographing weddings there that I developed my true love and appreciation for the building. The Beaux-Arts architecture is truly magnificent, but what I love even more is the buzz in the air from all the excited couples getting married. Whether it’s a quiet Tuesday morning or a busy Friday afternoon, you feel the energy and know that something special is always happening.
My husband and I got married at SF City Hall in 2015. Prior to that, we had been planning a big wedding for 150 of our friends and family. The day before sending out our Save the Dates, we decided to forego the big party in lieu of a much simpler plan. We had our immediate family join us at City Hall for the ceremony and a beautiful dinner at Wayfare Tavern. It was perfect.
photo credit: Michael Keeney