Every year around Thanksgiving, I open up a special day just for extended family sessions in San Francisco. Families travel from near and far to be together, and it’s always the perfect opportunity to document everyone. Recently, I photographed a family who gathered from across the country for their summer holiday, and their session was full of laughter, hugs, and those fleeting little moments you can’t plan.

When we think of in-home photography, we think of the chaos and fun that comes with multiple kids of all ages, or the tranquil moments of a newborn session. In this post, I’m giving the case for in-home even if your baby is a little older, between 3 mo and 2 years.

When clients want a natural, timeless setting for their family or maternity session, I often suggest this eucalyptus grove in San Rafael. It’s one of my favorite spots and easily one of the best Bay Area photoshoot location options. Tall trees, open paths, and a clean, neutral background make it work for any outfit style whether you go casual or more dressed up.

We had one person in this family moving across the country, and it was the perfect excuse to get everyone together. Grandparents, siblings, a baby—the whole crew. We did an extended session outdoors in San Francisco, then followed it up with a studio shoot and a kid’s portrait session. (Yes, you get a discount when you book more than one!) I made sure to photograph all the different combinations of people—from multi-generational portraits to those little one-on-one moments that mean so much. These kinds of sessions are always such a joyful way to celebrate your people before life scatters everyone again.

Not every kid walks into a photo session ready to perform—and that’s completely okay. Some of my favorite photos have come from sessions with shy kids who just needed time, space, and a little playful energy from their parents to feel safe and seen. In this post, I’m sharing my go-to family photo tips for camera shy kids, including how I let parents lead the way, how we ease in slowly (with tricks like letting your child take a photo on my camera!), and why full sessions are best for letting shy kids truly shine. If you do choose a mini, the studio is a cozy, low-pressure option that works beautifully.

Thinking about bringing your dog to your family photo session? I totally get it—they’re part of the family! In this post, I’m sharing what to expect in a dog-friendly photoshoot, with tips for both indoor and outdoor sessions, how to set your pup up for success, and what to consider based on their personality. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping things fun, safe, and stress-free for everyone (fur included).

Get top extended family photoshoot tips for a smooth session! Share who’s attending, prep grandparents, note mobility concerns, and expect more posed shots. Fill out a pre-shoot questionnaire to capture every combination.

You know I love a good photoshoot tip around here, and today I'm giving you 5 lesser known tips that can take your family photos to the next level!

One of my most asked questions is what should we wear for our family or newborn photoshoot. Today I’m here with my top family photo outfit tips!