Oakland Family Docmentary Photographer

It's that time of year again!!

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It's that time of year again! Time to book your holiday storytelling session. This year I'm doing things a little differently. Because I am so passionate about capturing the beauty in the unique rhythm and rituals of your family, I am only offering in-home sessions this holiday season. And don't worry, we will get a nice posed photograph suitable for holiday cards and all that good stuff. Here are some FAQs that you may be wondering about:

Tell me again, why are you only offering in-home sessions?

The short answer is: your home is where your story is.  There is no more perfect a backdrop than the home that your family has made together.  These are where your memories are made. The paint on the walls, the furniture in the dining room, the kids art posted on the fridge are all beautiful details that are uniquely yours. Five, ten, twenty years from now when you look at the photos from your session, your marvel at how small the children once were and chubbiness of their cheeks and toes, but you'll also notice your old beloved cat snoozing in the background or the art on the walls or the glider you used to sit in each day to nurse.  Another reason I prefer to shoot in your home is that this where your family, especially your children, are most comfortable. They feel safest there, and because of that, they are usually much more open to being photographed than outside at a park in the middle of the fall. In your home, I photograph your family on your terms.

You call yourself a documentary photographer.  How does that work when photographing families?

I follow the action. It's really as simple as that. I don't pose you (unless it's for the holiday card shot I mentioned above). When I come into your home, I get to know you and your children. I get down on the floor with them and play. And as I start build trust and comfort, I begin to photograph them doing what they do-play, laugh, cuddle, and even cry at times. I don't direct you, unless you need a little help getting an activity going.  My job is to stay out of your way and capture you doing what you do as a family. 

But my house is a mess!

You might already know what I'm about to say.  Your stuff is part of the story.  And don't worry, you and your family will be the stars of the show, not your stuff. I have a few camera tricks that I use to minimize any distractions in the photos.  But at the end of the day, your house is lived in and I fully expect it to look that way. And your stuff provides texture and color to the pallet. 

When are you scheduling sessions and how much do they cost?

I am scheduling sessions from September through December. Most session openings are during daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays, but I can also work to make a few weekday sessions work.

Sessions are $350. That includes the session fee, a web gallery of fully- edited story,  and 5 high res images. Other packages are available should want to purchase a few additional images or your full story. 

Ok! I'm ready to book. How do we make that happen?

Awesome! Just click the "Contact" link above and drop me a quick line to let me know you'd like to further explore booking a session. I will then send you pricing info and brief questionnaire that will help me get to know you better and plan for your session. I look forward to it!


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In-Home Holiday Sessions Are Here!

It's that time of year again! Time to book your holiday storytelling session. This year I'm doing things a little differently. Because I am so passionate about capturing the beauty in the unique rhythm and rituals of your family, I am only offering in-home sessions this holiday season. And don't worry, we will get a nice posed photograph suitable for holiday cards and all that good stuff. Here are some FAQs that you may be wondering about:

Tell me again, why are you only offering in-home sessions?

The short answer is: your home is where your story is.  There is no more perfect a backdrop than the home that your family has made together.  These are where your memories are made. The paint on the walls, the furniture in the dining room, the kids art posted on the fridge are all beautiful details that are uniquely yours. Five, ten, twenty years from now when you look at the photos from your session, your marvel at how small the children once were and chubbiness of their cheeks and toes, but you'll also notice your old beloved cat snoozing in the background or the art on the walls or the glider you used to sit in each day to nurse.  Another reason I prefer to shoot in your home is that this where your family, especially your children, are most comfortable. They feel safest there, and because of that, they are usually much more open to being photographed than outside at a park in the middle of the fall. In your home, I photograph your family on your terms.

You call yourself a documentary photographer.  How does that work when photographing families?

I follow the action. It's really as simple as that. I don't pose you (unless it's for the holiday card shot I mentioned above). When I come into your home, I get to know you and your children. I get down on the floor with them and play. And as I start build trust and comfort, I begin to photograph them doing what they do-play, laugh, cuddle, and even cry at times. I don't direct you, unless you need a little help getting an activity going.  My job is to stay out of your way and capture you doing what you do as a family. 

But my house is a mess!

You might already know what I'm about to say.  Your stuff is part of the story.  And don't worry, you and your family will be the stars of the show, not your stuff. I have a few camera tricks that I use to minimize any distractions in the photos.  But at the end of the day, your house is lived in and I fully expect it to look that way. And your stuff provides texture and color to the pallet. 

When are you scheduling sessions and how much do they cost?

I am scheduling sessions from October 15th through Dec 15th. Most session openings are during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday, but I can also work to make a weekday session work for a few clients. 

Sessions are $350. That includes the session fee, a web gallery of fully- edited story,  and 5 high res images. Other packages are available should want to purchase a few additional images or your full story. 

Ok! I'm ready to book. How do we make that happen?

Awesome! Just click the "Contact" link above and drop me a quick line to let me know you'd like to further explore booking a session. I will then send you pricing info and brief questionnaire that will help me get to know you better and plan for your session. I look forward to it!

Fresh 48- Baby Dean (Oakland/SF Bay Area Newborn Photographer)

I walked into the hospital room about 12 hours after the birth of little Baby Dean. I was immediately struck by the air of excitement in the room. ln addition to the parents and baby, there were grandparents, nurses, and the delivering obstetrician. Everyone was joyful-lots of smiles, laughter and hugs. While the adults talked and the parents got a chance to ask the doctor the myriad of questions new parents ask, I had a chance to get some alone time with the master of ceremonies, Baby Dean himself. While he slept peacefully in his bassinet, I photographed him from every angle (without actually moving him :) The nurse then came over to check his vitals and I witnessed the gentle, yet confidant way in which handled and examined him. 

Soon after, everyone left the room and it was just me and the new family of three. I simply left them alone to cuddle with the baby and begin a beautiful lifelong relationship. I love photographing families from the perspective of a "fly on the wall". This is when the true emotion unfolds. And this is why I am called to this art-form. 

It is an honor and privilege to photograph new beginnings such as these. 

Mommy and Me Session- Oakland Family Documentary Photographer

Back in February (yes, I am long overdue in blogging this session), I traveled down to my "second home", Los Angeles, for a long weekend. Although it doesn't happen often, it's always so good to get back there. So many memories and a handful of my most cherished friends, make it a special place from me. While I was there, I had a chance to see a few of those friends.  One of them was my dear friend, Jenifer. We've been close since our freshman year of college. We've been through  all the ups and downs of adulthood, and our friendship has lasted throughout it all. I was honored to be able to photograph her and her beautiful son. Her mom also makes an appearance, as well! I had a blast and I hope that they too. 

S and W Family (Lake Temescal)- Oakland Family Photographer

I have been so lucky to work so many amazing families in the last few months. It's been a busy time, but an exhilarated one because I've been doing what I love which is hang-out with awesome people and make pictures. Unfortunately, that's left little time for blogging :(  But here I am, back to showcase one of my favorite families ever! You've been them on the blog before, and you'll see them again in the coming weeks.  They were one of my very first clients and have been so loyal over the years. I don't do many outdoor family photography sessions these days, but I had a great time getting outside with this bunch!



this week in pictures 07.18.14