As a Bay Area photographer, I focus on capturing genuine moments by incorporating play and connection into family photography. Play naturally brings out children’s joy and energy, which makes it the perfect way to frame a family photo session. When children play, they reveal their truest selves, and this creates the foundation for capturing authentic, connected moments that define your family.

I spent over 15 years as an early childhood special educator, where I trained in play and relationship-based approaches. These taught me the value of slowing down, following a child’s lead, and seeing what brings them joy. When children are happy, parents are generally happy. These moments are often fleeting—ones you can’t always capture yourself—but they’re the ones that will mean the most when you look back on your family’s story.

Why Play Matters

Play is essential for young children—it helps them explore the world and build relationships. Each stage of your child’s development, from their favorite toys to the ways they interact, shows who they are at that moment. Documenting these milestones creates a living history for your family and brings joyful memories into focus.

Capturing Everyday Moments

Home is Where Many Special Moments Happen

Home is where your family feels most comfortable, making it a perfect place to capture those special moments. Whether it’s reading a book, baking together, or playing in the backyard, everyday activities are filled with beautiful memories waiting to be preserved.

Family Adventures

Family Adventures Strengthen Bonds and Create New Opportunities for Connection

The Bay Area is full of opportunities for fun family adventures that can tell your unique story. Whether it’s a trip to a playground, a beach day, or a hike in the woods, these activities offer a chance to create and capture meaningful moments together. Think about what makes your family happiest and let’s build your session around that.

Supporting Play and Engagement During Sessions

Children are happiest when they are free to play and explore. The structure of these family photo sessions provides opportunities to simply let kids be kids. Participating in things that make them happy means they’ll also remain more engaged. This also allows for capturing a wide range of emotions from joy to curiosity and more.

Here’s how we can make the most of our time together:

Allow Your Children to Be Themselves

Some children have boundless energy, while others may be a little more reserved. My goal is always to help your children feel at ease, whether that means taking breaks or channeling their energy into fun, creative moments.

Follow Your Child’s Lead

While we’ll have a loose structure, I always leave room for your child to guide our activities. By following their lead, we’ll capture those spontaneous, authentic moments that make your family unique.

Everyone Has to Be Willing to Play

Your children will reflect your comfort and playfulness. By being playful and silly, you encourage your child to do the same, leading to genuine, connected moments.

Let’s Create Lasting Memories

Every session is an opportunity to create lasting memories. My goal is to capture the true essence of your family through play and connection. Let’s create a session that’s all about your family—filled with laughter, play, and the special connections that make your story unique. I’d love to help you capture these moments, so you can cherish them for years to come.