I'm Sara

I'm an Oakland lifestyle photographer specializing in authentic newborn and family photography. With 15 years in early childhood special education, I bring a patient, relationship-based approach to every session.

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Hi There - 

Get In Touch

mom dad and boy sitting on bench in Bay Area park laughing and blowing bubbles as they interact with each other

 

Every family has its own dynamic — the way your kids interact, the way you move through a day together, the small habits and rhythms that are specific to you. That’s what I’m trying to capture.

My Background and How It Shapes the Work

I spent 15 years in early childhood special education before moving into photography. That background shapes how I work with kids — reading their energy, knowing when to engage and when to step back, adjusting when something isn’t working without making it a big deal.

Kids tend to relax when they don’t feel like they’re being managed. That’s the approach I take into every session.

Dad holding daughter in a park and snuggling her close while she laughs

dad and 5-year-old daughter looking at each other dancing with their tongues out

an older and baby sister laying on their stomachs on a bed reading together

Connection Over Posing

The photos that tend to mean the most aren’t the ones where everyone is looking at the camera. They’re the ones where something real is happening — a look between siblings, a parent reacting to something their child did, a baby who just noticed something across the room.

Getting there means slowing down and letting things unfold naturally. That’s how I approach every session.

mom holding new baby in the hospital and smiling at him as he gazes at her

newborn hand wrapped around mom's finger at home

pregnant woman standing in the woods with her husband touching her baby bump as husband leans over to kiss her

What That Looks Like in a Session

That approach shows up in how sessions actually unfold. There’s no set script. We follow your kids’ energy, adjust as needed, and let the interactions happen naturally rather than trying to control them. You can see examples of this in my family portfolio and newborn portfolio.

How Sessions Actually Work

Before we meet, I’ll send a questionnaire and we’ll have a call to talk through what matters most to you and what to expect. For in-home sessions, you can also share photos of your space so I can think about light and flow ahead of time.

On the day, I follow your family’s lead rather than a predetermined plan. Every session looks different because every family is different.

two sisters leaning over bassinet looking at newborn brother at San Francisco hospital

two moms holding preschool girl and baby smiling and interacting with each other at home in their backyard

parents standing in a park holding their two children upside down as the kids both laugh

reflection image in mirror with parents standing by window with dad holding newborn and mom kissing baby

Words from Bay Area Families

  • “Sara is warm, friendly, and knew how to put us at ease and feel comfortable during our session. Her natural talent combined with the time and energy she put into our photos really shines through in the final images.”
  • “Sara was absolutely wonderful with our baby. I especially noticed how she’s incredibly respectful and treated our baby with such kindness and care.”
  • “Sara went above and beyond to ensure that our experience was nothing short of amazing and we are thrilled with the results! Her genuine interest in understanding our vision and expectations made us feel valued and confident in our choice. We are absolutely in love with the photos Sara took. Each image tells a story, and they will undoubtedly become cherished memories for our family.”

close up of a boy leaning over his newborn sister with his hands up as if he's about to touch her gently

Work Together

If you’re looking for a family and newborn photographer in the Bay Area — Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Alameda, or beyond — I’d love to hear about your family. Learn more about family photography sessions and newborn photography sessions, or get in touch to start planning.

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