SHARE THE LOVE! Fall Family Portraits Sessions are underway!

Here are all the details on this year’s family portrait sessions! Check out the dates and book your session now!

PACKAGES

• FULL Session -

  • 50 Minute Session Fee: $575 - includes 50 high-resolution digital photographs, digital delivery, and access to an online gallery to share with family and friends.

• MINI Session -

  • 30 Minute Session Fee: $425 - includes 25 high-resolution digital photographs and access to an online gallery to share with family and friends.

WHEN?

Individual FULL sessions are open until December 10, 2023, with limited availability on weekends!

PLEASE INQUIRE to schedule your private session!

MINI Session dates that are still available are:

• October 8th - Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

• October 22 -China Beach, San Francisco

• November 4 - Redwood Regional Park, Oakland (2 SPACES LEFT)

• November 5 - Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (2 SPACES LEFT)

5 TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR FAMILY PORTRAITS!

Here are some key tips to styling your family for your family portrait session!

A frequent question I get during family portrait season is: What should we wear?

Read below to help you get started on choosing those not to “matchy-matchy” outfits for your session!

KEEP IT SIMPLE:

1. Choose solid colors over patterns or at least minimize the number of patterns you have in total! You want the photographs to focus on your expressions, your body language and the moment or feeling of the photograph. Patterns tend to draw our eyes away from those important aspects of the portrait! Having one or two patterns that are very simple (flannel, stripes or polka dots) can be fun! Just be mindful of the number of different patterns you select.

• WEAR WHAT’S COMFORTABLE

  • Make sure you can move around easily in your outfit! You will want to wear something that is easy to move around in. You will want to be playful in your family portraits so that your photographer can capture natural and sincere photographs. Don’t be afraid to wear dresses or dress shirts, just make sure you can move freely in them!

• DRESS FOR THE WEATHER/SEASON

  • This might be more difficult in the Bay Area as our weather can change pretty frequently AND layers make for a great way to get various looks all in one session! Consider wearing a lighter layer for the start of your golden hour session and bringing a coordinating vest, jacket or sweater to put on as the sun starts to set! Be sure to look up (or ask your photographer about) the weather at your exact location! Weather at the beach might be cooler than the weather in the redwoods where the wind is much less of a concern.

• GO FOR NEUTRALS

  • When choosing your colors, a very simple way to start is to pick out two neutral tones that you want to focus on. and build in some other colors with your clothing from there. Consider your backdrop, will you be at the beach? Will you be in the forest? This will help you choose colors that allow you to be the focus of the photograph within the environment.

    • Beach/Ocean scenery: navy, white, beige, light grey

    • Forests/Redwoods: dark brown, white, muted green, dark grey

  • These colors can be mixed and matched and do not have to be exact! The more neutral the colors, the more the focus is going to be on your expressions/emotions.

• ADD A POP (OF COLOR)

  • Once you have your neutrals chosen, you can decide to add a pop of color such as a yellow, orange, or blush that goes along with your outfits. Think of something that may be found in different parts of your environment. These more saturated colors may give a fun accent to your portraits!

We all need a little fresh air! SPRING WORKSHOPS ARE HERE!

The daylight is starting to last longer and we are feeling hopeful with activities opening up slowly around the Bay Area. We are excited to offer new workshops this spring that will allow students to get outside, practice their photography skills, learn new techniques and tools, and discuss the impact of photography on our lives today!

All of our programs incorporate technique with technicals skille and discussions on the societal value and impact of art on our world throughout our history to today! Check out these dates below and come check out one of our workshops to start developing your photography skills and voice!

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP:

SPRING WORKSHOPS

• APRIL 3, 2021 - PHOTOGRAPHY: HERE + NOW

  • LAKE MERRIT, OAKLAND

• APRIL 17, 2021 - HOW TO CREATIVELY COMPOSE + CAPTURE

  • PALACE OF FINE ARTS, SAN FRANCISCO

• MAY 8, 2021 - STORYTELLING THROUGH YOUR LENS

  • JACK LONDON SQUARE, OAKLAND

• MAY 22, 2021 - LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY + CLIMATE AWARENESS

  • SIBLEY VOLCANIC PRESERVE, OAKLAND
    

DETAILS:

• TWO HOUR WORKSHOP

• DROP OFF: 10 AM PICK UP: 12 PM

• CLOSE ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION WITH A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

• ONLINE EXTENDED LEARNING MATERIALS

• DISCOUNTS ON SUMMER PROGRAMS

FEES: $95 per workshop or $375 for all four

COVID PRECAUTIONS AND POLICIES

• STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES

• PHYSICAL DISTANCING OF 6 FEET OR MORE APART

• FREQUENT HAND SANITIZING

• LESS THAN TEN STUDENTS PER SESSION

• TEMPERATURE CHECK UPON ARRIVAL

SUBLEASE PRIVATE WORKING SPACE for rent in Jack London Square

As a professional photographer, I have come to love having a studio to go to in order to cultivate creativity as well as foster focus and productivity. This studio space in Jack London has been just that for me for the past three years. The modern decor and exposed brick walls give way to an industrial charm. When I first moved into the studeio, I knew I would be inspired in my work being in this environment The studio is close to the Jack London Ferry Terminal as well as many incredible cafes and restaurants near by.

As I am shifting gears for the moment and unable to use this space for the next several months, I am looking for someone to sublease the studio and benefit from the quiet, safe escape during this time! It is perfect for an individual seeking to have a space outside of their home to work from!

THE STUDIO:

• Two large opposing desks for computer or creative work/sketching/drafting/drawing

• Cozy couch and coffee table for meetings, reading, laptop work, etc.

• Dedicated shelving for storage

• Kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave, tea kettle, french press and dishware

• Cabinet in kitchenette for storing those snack time essentials

• Lots of natural light and plants for a natural and earthy modern environment.

PERKS AND ACCESS:

• 24 Hour access Monday through Friday to private studio in Jack London Square

• Calm, quiet environment to co-work, take client phone calls and be productive!

• High-speed WiFi access

• 4 Days a month of private studio time (scheduled using the shared studio calendar.)

• Shelving and storage in the studio space for office supplies and personal items

• Coffee/tea for those much needed pick me up moments!

• Community and collaboration with other creatives!

RENT: $420/month

AVAILABLE August 16, 2021

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO APPLY!

FALL FAMILY PORTRAITS for 2020 (Mini Sessions Start Now!)

This fall our world looks much different than in past years and it is still important to take a moment to create meaningful memories with your family to cherish your time together!  Although we have gone through so much this year, one thing I have taken away from all of the hardships is the opportunity to slow down and to remember what really matters in our lives: family and community. 

This year I am offering portraits sessions at a discounted rate to make these opportunities more accessible to more families here in California.  I will also be offering BIPOC families and LGBTQ+ families a flexible fee session so that we can continue to provide more equal opportunities for those individuals and families in our community. 

Please take a look at the details below and fill out the form so that we can find a time to create some wonderful memories with your family to bring a little joy to this year!

During our socially distant portrait session, we will have time to walk together and capture casual and meaningful interactions between the members of your family as well as individual photos of each family member! This can be such a beautiful way to watch everyone grow as time continues to fly in our lives!

• 30 Minute Session Fee: $200 - includes 25 high-resolution digital photographs and access to an online gallery to share with family and friends.

• 60 Minute Session Fee: $475 - includes 50 high-resolution digital photographs, digital delivery and access to an online gallery to share with family and friends.

Details & Availability

• Afternoons & evenings on weekdays!

• Mornings and midday on weekends!

• Available by appointment from October 14 - December 11

• One week turn around

• Discounts applied for referrals

USE THE FORM BELOW TO RESERVE A TIME! Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis!

KEEP THE TRADITION GOING!

As many do, I still get so excited about fall because of the chill in the air, the colors changing and of course the traditions of getting together with friends and family. I also get elated thinking about seeing all of my families that I have continued to photograph throughout the years! So I am opening up my books for a few dates this fall to continue this tradition!  Why not start this for your family this year?

During our 60-minute portrait session we will have time to walk together and capture casual and meaningful interactions between the members of your family as well as individual photos of each family member! This can be such a beautiful way to watch everyone grow as time continues to fly in our lives!

60 Minute Session Fee: $475 - includes 15 high resolution digital photographs, digital delivery and access to online gallery to share with family and friends.

Dates Available

• September 29

• October 12

• November 3 (Limited space available)

• Additional evenings available during weekdays upon scheduling.  

USE THE FORM BELOW TO RESERVE A TIME! Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Each date is limited to 4 sessions.

Is it the holidays yet? Can we do family portraits yet? YES! NEW DATES NOW OPEN!!!!

This is exactly the time of year when I am reminded of the family and friends that we have in our lives that we may not see often but make sure to keep in touch with as the holidays and yearly celebrations begin. We take more time to travel, visit and reminisce with people that mean so much to our history, our present and our future.

I have to admit I am not one of the rare photographers that like having their photograph taken, but this year while I was home over Labor Day weekend I had a change of heart. My mom hired a professional photographer like myself to do family portraits. Aside from feeling awkward at first in front of the camera, I wanted to be behind it. I wanted to be the one capturing those moments of laughter with my family, like the silly faces that my nephews make when they are just about done with having their 200th photograph taken. As the early evening went on, I found myself so appreciative of our photographer because she allowed me to be a part of the process. I was able to be captured the same way that I capture people while I am doing a family portrait session, it was really wonderful.

So I came back even more excited to get started this fall! I am looking forward to capturing those meaningful, silly and candid moments between families in the Bay Area in the next few months!

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP:

MINI FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSIONS: Perfect for all families, 30 minute session, 25 high resolution digital photographs, and 25 low resolution digital photographs (web ready, easy for sharing!)

FEE: $295 (includes everything above!)

NEW DATES AVAILABLE!!!

• SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2018

  REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK, Oakland

  1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

• SUNDAY DECEMBER 2, 2018

  TILDEN REGIONAL PARK, BERKELEY

• 1:00 to 4:00 PM

• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

  LAND’S END, San Francisco

  2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• SUNDAY OCTOBER 14, 2018

  REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK, Oakland

  2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

ALSO AVAILABLE:

CUSTOM FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSIONS: Please email me to inquire about alternative dates and times regarding full family portrait sessions! We can chat about where you’d like to be photographed and customize a family portrait session that fits your needs!

NEW SPRING WORKSHOPS!

There is nothing like the spring and the incredible changes that happen during the spring season when everything comes alive again!  Personally, my excitement to get out in nature and see the beauty it has to offer grows exponentially! 

This spring I am offering two workshops with two opportunities to learn a variety of skills within photography.  Aside from the basics, we will be learning about capturing two different subjects and the ways they can be photographed in both similar and radically different ways.  

WORKSHOP DATES AND DESCRIPTION:

PORTRAITURE & POST PROCESSING

April 28, 2018 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM

Location: Oakland, CA

This four hour workshop will be held in a studio where we will focus on capturing creative and strong portraits.  The workshop will help students see the relationship between how we use our camera and how we see our subject matter.  Then we will learn how to process those images in the digital darkroom to develop stunning imagery with creative editing tools.  

NATURE, LANDSCAPES & LIGHT

May 12, 2018 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM

Location: Lands End, San Francisco, CA

This four hour workshop held at Lands End, will be an incredible opportunity to be in nature at the perfect time of day to notice the change of light towards the end of the day.  Students will focus on using their cameras to adapt to different lighting situations and capture beautiful images of a natural gem in the Bay Area.  

These workshops are limited to ten students per session and are FREE to students who are registered for Photo Camp I or Photo Camp II this summer! Make sure you reserve your spot now! 

Why I Love Teaching Photography

As a photographer I am elated when I get to share my thoughts, ideas and experience in photography with a captive audience.  Whether that is meeting someone on the street with a camera in hand and chatting about the beautiful light streaking between the leaves and branches of the trees or demonstrating the effects aperture adjustments can have on an image with my students, I adore and revel in these moments of a new discovery.  There is something so rewarding about witnessing their knowledge of photography develop through those moments. 

Last summer during Teen Photo Camp, we ventured to several places throughout the Bay Area where we told stories with our cameras about the world we were seeing and experiencing.  We photographed at Lands End with a stop at Sutro Baths for sunset, conducted self portraits in a studio and practiced story telling through documentary photography in the Mission. The teens were challenged with using manual settings on their cameras and in turn were able to master different aspects of photography like aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation.  We learned how to overcome difficult shooting situations and troubleshoot when the images did not look the way we intended.  I witnessed the improvement they each made with these slight adjustments and their confidence with a camera grow.  

The week of Teen Photo Camp is always so inspiring to my work and a great way for me to remind myself of what I should think about in my photography.  We all notice different parts of the environment and space we occupy and I thoroughly enjoy getting to see the fresh perspectives of my students as they learn and grow during the course of the week.  

I am excited to announce that I am going to be offering four weeks of Photo Camp this summer for teens! There will be new adventures, challenges and inspiration to experience together during both Photo Camp I and the second edition for those with some photography experience, Photo Camp II.   Check out the dates below and register your teen for camp this summer now!

SUMMER 2018 DATES: 

PHOTO CAMP I (for beginners and intermediate photographers)

• June 11 - 15 from 9 AM to 4 PM

• July 9 - 13 from 9 AM to 4 PM

PHOTO CAMP II (for prior attendees or intermediate photographers)

• July 23 - 27 from 9 AM to 4 PM

• August 6 - 10 from 9 AM to 4 PM

I look forward to having these camps again this summer and seeing you all there! 

L'ésprit vieux de Paris (the old soul of Paris)

I am still in my mind just coming back from a trip to France I took recently with a good friend.  We spent more of our time in the south of France (post to come another time) and a few days in Paris.  

I am always trying to figure out how to live in Paris.  Part of my heart stays in the beautiful old charming city year round.  It's a photographer (professional or hobbyist's) dream. There is something about the way the light moves and changes and creates a soft glow on any subject.  It's incredible. 

Here are some of the many photos I took during just the two days I carried my camera with me.  I walked many many miles each day trying to stay out of the metro so I could take it all in.  See everything that I possibly could while I was there.  

In August along the Champs-Elysées

Parisian light. 

The iconic. And toujours incroyable. 

From the Pont des Arts (my favorite spot in Paris. 

Pont Neuf et Paris Plages

Reading for hours in the Jardin du Luxembourg

My love. Ladurée

Caramel buerre salé (yes, that is a large macaron)

Sacre Coeur with the ever cute Montmartre neighborhood to follow.  

The incredibly cute and wonderful artists of Montmartre.

Still searching for the perfect place for mine. 

Jean Pierre a former graphic artist turned illustrator *artwork above

Playing the sounds of old Paris.  "La vie en rose"

Maybe here back at the Pont des Arts?

À plus tard, Paris. 

Don't worry I am coming back Paris.  Very soon actually.  In fact I will see you in one week from today.  And stay tuned friends, my plan may include finding my friends above to revisit and soak in as much of the old soul as I can get.  Ciao!