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.

Fresh 48 sessions are such a beautiful way to remember your baby’s first hours—little stretches, sleepy yawns, and the moment you realize they’re really here. I shoot these at CMPC, UCSF, Marin General, and Kaiser, and I’ll work around your recovery, whether that means gently posing you from the hospital bed or waiting until day 3 after a C-section. The session includes photos of your baby alone, being held, close-ups of tiny details, full family shots, and sibling moments too—though we keep sibling photos simple and safe. These sessions are perfect for capturing raw, emotional, real-life memories—no need to bring anything but yourselves.

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).

Family photos can be a wild ride, especially when you have an autistic child who isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea. I totally get it—my own kid has been wary of family photos, and as a family photographer, I’ve worked with so many autistic and sensitive kiddos over the years. The good news? With the right prep and approach, we can actually make this a fun and positive experience!

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!

Studio photoshoots are here! Read all about my top tips for making your studio shoot a success.

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!

When booking a maternity session, there are a few things you need to know to make them a success.