As an East Bay family photographer, I consider it an honor to be invited into a family’s home. My goal is to make families feel at ease and enjoy the experience. I focus on capturing each person’s unique personality and the special connections they share. Before sessions I always spend some time getting to know families through questionnaires and pre-session phone calls. I also like to spend time with families before the session really starts. This helps everyone warm up to the camera and feel more relaxed, especially the children.

Having a prior connection with a family makes the session even more meaningful. I met this wonderful family of five, including their dog Samurai, through a mutual friend after moving to Oakland. Our boys will start elementary school together soon, so this session felt extra special. It was more than just a family photo session; it was a chance to connect with new friends.

We had so much fun during the session. We played family board games, read books, played with favorite toys, and shared plenty of tickles. The kids loved turning Dad into a human jungle gym! Outside, the fun continued with sidewalk chalk, hide and seek, soccer, and wagon rides. These activities brought out the kids’ personalities. They also allowed me to capture genuine, joyful moments. We even took a quick visit to the house they’re remodeling before their move. This was a fun detour to capture moments in their new home before it was finished.

The session flowed naturally as I followed the children’s lead. This kept all family members engaged and connected. As an East Bay family photographer, I cherish the chance to document these real and heartfelt moments. I hope these photos will soon hang on the walls of their new home. I want them to serve as cherished memories that bring smiles for years to come.