FAMILY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY

Family Lifestyle FAQ

What exactly is a Lifestyle portrait session, and will we have any posed portraits?

Lifestyle portrait sessions aim to capture genuine moments and connections in a style that doesn’t feel too forced. We’ll come up with a plan and general aesthetic that you want for your photos, and then I’ll guide and give direction for where to stand and what to do. Most of the time, you’ll be moving and interacting with your family. I encourage playing games, exploring, and lots of cuddles to elicit natural reactions.

I always plan some time for posed portraits where everyone is looking at the camera. It’s good to have those photos, and grandparents love them! ;)

What should we wear for our family photos?

That’s totally up to you! I offer as much guidance and tips as you’d like. The first thing I would say is that you need to consider what you ultimately want to do with the photos. For example, if you know you’d like to have them printed and hung on the walls of your home, think about colors that you’d like to see in your space. Then, I would consider the location. You want to coordinate colors with your background, not clash. Ultimately, though, you want to wear clothes that truly reflect the style of your family. If you’re a super casual bunch, don’t feel like you have to dress up! I want you all to be comfortable and confident in whatever you wear. For more info, see this blog post: Family Outfit Ideas.

Are you only in San Francisco or do you service the whole Bay Area?

I live in the heart of San Francisco, but I travel regularly for photo sessions all over the Bay Area. Typically up to San Rafael in the North Bay, Walnut Creek, and Danville in the East Bay, and Palo Alto and Los Gatos in the South Bay. I love exploring the Bay Area and will happily drive to new locations.

What are your favorite San Francisco Bay Area locations for family photos?

The SF Bay Area has so many beautiful location options! I often do photo shoots at the beach, and the Presidio, and I also love going to people’s homes. Every family is unique and I want them to feel comfortable and “at home,” wherever we choose to go.

My toddler/teen/husband hates taking photos. How can we make this work?

I’d say at least half of my clients have a family member who would rather go to the dentist than have their picture taken. I have different strategies that I use, depending on which family member it is. For the most part, planning a location and activity that the person enjoys is the first step. Then, it’s super important not to force posing and smiles. The more easygoing the session, the better. I’ll work with you before the session to ensure we have a solid plan that everyone will enjoy.

Here’s a blog post with some of my top tips: Tips for Dads ; Top Tips for Families

What happens if my toddler has a meltdown?

I work really hard on planning and preparation so that it doesn’t happen in the first place, but we all know that toddlers can be unpredictable! I’ve worked with kids for many years as a nanny, so I understand when it happens and how to help. The best thing to do is simply give your child some time. Bring along their favorite snack and a toy, take some time to cuddle with them, and then we’ll start back slowly. If for some reason there’s no coming back, then we’ll find another date for a reshoot.