FAMILY
PORTRAITS

Wear something that feels comfortable and feels like you. That’s the biggest thing! These photographs are about remembering your family as you are right now, so nobody needs to show up looking like a completely different version of themselves.

For the family, think coordinating, not matching. Choose colors that work well together rather than putting everyone in the same outfit (unless that’s your jam!). Solid colors, simple patterns, different textures, and layers always photograph really well.

Try to avoid large logos, super busy patterns, or anything that might distract from the people in the photograph.

Most importantly, make sure everyone is comfortable and feels good in what they’re wearing. It’s definitely okay to bring options, and if you’re not sure what works together, send me some photos beforehand and I’m happy to weigh in!

Family portraits are really cool because you can technically take them anywhere!

The two most common choices are:

1) A beautiful location like a park, beach, mountains or,

2) Your own home!

I do recommend if you’d like to shoot at your own home, the best photos work when the home is clean and ideally has at least a nice front or backyard. We can do “lifestyle” type shots inside your home that are always fun if you have a cute & clean kitchen, living room, or bedroom we can use.

I will help you determine the best location to shoot and if you want to use your home if it will be suitable for the type of photos you are hoping to make.

Yes, if the location requires a photography permit, we need to have one.

Some parks, beaches, gardens, historic properties, and other locations require permits or photography fees.

I’ll help you figure out what’s required when we choose your location, and any permit or location fees are added to your session cost. There are also plenty of great locations that don’t require one and I’m happy to recommend those as well!

For outdoor family portraits, the best light is usually in the hour or two before sunset. The light is softer, warmer, and generally just more flattering.

That said, every location and every family is different. If you have little ones who absolutely fall apart after 6pm, beautiful light isn’t going to save us! We’ll find a time that gives us great photographs and works for your family.

First, they’re kids. I don’t expect them to stand perfectly still, look at the camera, and smile on command for an hour.

Some of my favorite photographs happen when we let kids be kids. We’ll play, move around, take breaks when we need them, and work with whatever personalities show up that day. Don’t stress about getting perfect behavior. Come ready to have some fun together and I’ll take care of the rest.

I’m a HUGE dog person, so Absolutely! Dogs are family too, and I’m always happy to include them in your family portraits.

Just let me know ahead of time so we can choose a location that allows dogs. I also recommend bringing a leash, treats, water, and someone who can help with your pup when we want to take a few photographs without them.

I’m based in Glendora and photograph families throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Southern California.

Your session pricing includes locations within 20 miles of Glendora.

If you want to head to the mountains, spend an evening at the beach, wander through the desert, or photograph your family somewhere that means something to you I’m totally up for it! Travel throughout Southern California is available for an additional fee and that fee will cover my time to travel to and from the session and any expenses like gas or parking.

My regular family portrait sessions are designed for one immediate family or household. If you want to bring grandparents, siblings, cousins, or the whole crew, I’d love to photograph everyone and we can work that out and book you for one of the !

Larger and extended family sessions usually need a little more time so we can photograph the entire group along with smaller combinations of everyone. Send me an inquiry with how many people you’re thinking and I’ll help you choose the right session (typically for these large sessions we would book the 90-minute session).

Yes, and I really hope you do something with your photographs besides letting them live on your phone or computer!

You can order professional prints and wall art directly from your private gallery. Everything is produced through White House Custom Colour, one of the country’s leading professional photo labs, and shipped directly to your home.

Whether you want a few prints for the grandparents or a giant family portrait over the fireplace, I’ve got you covered.

Yes! I offer a shorter 30-min family portrait session that’s perfect when you want some updated photographs without committing to a full hour.

These sessions are available in Glendora and at locations throughout the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. They’re great for smaller families, holiday cards, updated portraits, or just because it’s been way too long since everyone got in front of the camera together.

If you want more variety, multiple outfits, or a larger group, one of my full family sessions will probably be a better fit.

Southern California usually makes this one pretty easy on us, but occasionally the weather decides not to cooperate.

If rain, high winds, extreme heat, wildfire conditions, or anything else is going to make your outdoor family session miserable or unsafe, we’ll talk and figure out the best option. That might mean adjusting our time, changing locations, or rescheduling for another day.

I’d much rather move the session than force everyone through bad conditions just because there’s a date on the calendar.

Life happens, especially with families! If you need to move your session, just give me at least 48 hours notice and we can reschedule at no additional charge.

When I reserve a date and time for your family, that time is set aside just for you, which means I’m not able to book another client during that spot. A super last minute cancellation usually means I’ve lost the opportunity to fill that time, so I just ask that you give me as much notice as you can.

If you cancel on the day of your session, a $75 rescheduling fee will be added when you book your new date. No shows may require a new booking fee before another session can be scheduled.

Of course, emergencies happen, and Southern California weather occasionally decides to have a personality. If something genuinely unexpected comes up, talk to me. I’d much rather work with you and find another day than make an already stressful situation worse.

And if I need to reschedule your session, or we decide the weather or conditions aren’t going to work, there’s never a fee. We’ll just find another day that works.