Family Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor family photos across the Bay Area — natural light, real locations, no studio required
Your kids don't sit still. Your family doesn't do “stiff and formal”. And honestly, your best moments together happen outside—on trails, at the beach, exploring parks.
So why would your family photos be any different?
I photograph families the way they actually are - playing, exploring, and spending time together in the places they love. No awkward posing in front of fake backdrops. No bribed smiles. Just real moments in real places across the Bay Area.
How Family Adventure Sessions Work
From first contact to final gallery, here's what to expect when you book an outdoor family session with me.
Before the Session
We'll talk about your family's personality, your kids' energy levels, and your favorite types of places. I'll recommend locations that match your children's ages and your comfort zone—whether that's a gentle redwood grove walk or a more adventurous coastal hike.
What we'll discuss:
• Your kids' ages and energy levels
• Best time of day (before nap time? after school?)
• Locations you already love or want to explore
• What to wear (I'll send a simple guide)
• Any specific shots you're hoping for.
During the Session
This isn't a photoshoot—it's an adventure that happens to be photographed.
We might:
• Play at a beach or creek
• Wander through a park or garden.
• Climb on logs and rocks
• Watch the sunset from a hillside
Your kids set the pace. If they want to run ahead, perfect. If they need snack breaks, great. If someone melts down, we pause and regroup. The goal is natural moments, not perfect behavior.
I guide lightly—suggesting where to walk, when to look at each other, when to just play. But mostly I stay out of the way and let your family be themselves.
After the Session
Within 2-3 weeks, you'll receive your private online gallery with 20+ professionally edited high-resolution images (Standard Session) or 40+ images (Half-Day Session). All images include full print rights.
You can download, share, print, and frame them however you want. I'll also send recommendations for print labs and sizing if you need guidance.
Why Families Choose Outdoor Adventure Sessions
Real Moments Beat Forced Smiles
Studio sessions require kids to sit still, look at the camera, and smile on command. Outdoor adventure sessions let them move, explore, and be themselves. The result? Photos that actually look like your family.
Beautiful Backdrops, No Fake Sets
Instead of generic studio backgrounds, your photos feature redwood forests, coastal cliffs, golden hillsides, and mountain trails. The Bay Area is already stunning—why not use it?
Photos You'll Actually Display
Let's be honest—how many studio portraits end up in a drawer? Outdoor adventure photos capture who your family really is, which means you'll actually want to frame them, share them, and look at them for years to come.
Less Stress for Parents
You don't have to worry about bribed smiles or kids behaving perfectly. Movement and exploration are part of the plan. When your kids are having fun, the photos reflect that joy naturally.
Session Options for Families
All three session formats work beautifully for families. Choose based on your kids' energy levels and how much variety you want:
Standard Session — $450
60 minutes | 1 location | 20+ edited images
Focused and efficient — ideal for younger kids or anyone who wants great family photos without a long commitment. I work quickly, and most families are genuinely surprised how much we capture in an hour before anyone loses patience.
Extended Session — $900
1200 minutes hours | 2-3 locations | 40+ edited images
Time for a second spot, outfit changes, snack breaks, and a relaxed pace. Enough breathing room for the session to feel enjoyable rather than rushed, without asking too much of small people.
Full-Day Story — $1,800
6-8 hours | 3-5 locations | 60+ edited images
Ideal for extended family gatherings, multi-generational sessions, or families who want a comprehensive set of images across a full day outdoors.
View complete pricing details & what's included.
Recent Family Adventure Sessions
Here are some recent family adventure sessions around the Bay Area— from the Radonich Ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains, an intimate family birthday party in Portola Valley and the fall leaves in Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University.
Why Choose Me for Your Family Photos
I work with kids' energy, not against it. No forced poses, no bribed smiles. If they're running, I'm capturing that. If they need five minutes and a snack, we take it. The session moves at their pace.
I work quickly. Family sessions have a natural window before someone gets tired or hungry. I don't waste it. Most families come away with more variety than they expected because I move efficiently and know when a real moment is about to happen.
I'm a parent too. I know what family sessions can feel like from the other side — the logistics, the nerves, the hope that everyone holds it together long enough. My job is to make it as easy as possible and get you photos you'll actually love.
Beautiful Bay Area locations, not generic backdrops. I know which spots work for toddlers, which work for teenagers, and which give you the light you want at the time of day that suits your family. No guesswork.
Best Bay Area Locations for Family Sessions
I know the Bay Area's trails, parks, and coastal spots inside and out. Here are some favorites for families:
For Younger Kids
Rancho San Antonio (Cupertino) - Farm structures, deer meadows, easy walking
Hidden Villa (Los Altos Hills) - Streams, farm buildings, accessible paths
Gamble Garden (Palo Alto) - Fully paved, intimate garden setting
Rose Garden (San Jose) - it's fully paved, beautiful, and exactly right for families with small children.
Villa Montalvo - Many locations to shoot (subject to $200 permit fee)
Filoli Gardens - Both formal and information locations to shoot (my membership allows entry for 3 guests - addition guests require admission charge)
For Families Who Want More Space
Point Reyes National Seashore - Dramatic coastal cliffs, beaches, wildflowers
Mount Tamalpais - Panoramic views, varied trails, oak woodlands
Big Basin Redwoods - Epic old-growth forests, waterfall access
Henry Cowell State Park - River scenes, redwoods, historic sawmill buildings
For Beach-Loving Families
Half Moon Bay State Beach - Wide sandy beaches, tide pools, driftwood
Mori Point (Pacifica) - Coastal bluffs, wildflowers, ocean views
Point Reyes beaches - Remote, dramatic, windswept beauty
Not sure which location fits your family? During our consultation, I'll recommend 2-3 options based on your kids' ages, energy levels, and the vibe you're after.
Want to explore all the options? Check out my complete guide to the best Bay Area photography locations or my planning guide for family photos sessions!
What to Wear for Outdoor Family Photos
One of the most common questions I get: "What should we wear?" The good news? You don't need to buy new outfits or stress about perfect coordination. Here's what actually matters:
Simple guidance:
Choose colors that complement nature (earth tones, blues, creams)
Avoid logos, characters, or busy patterns
Dress in layers (Bay Area weather changes quickly)
Wear comfortable shoes — you won't need hiking boots, but you'll be on your feet moving between spots.
Bring backup outfits for kids (muddy knees happen)
I'll send you a detailed style guide once you book.
Want the full guide now? Read my complete guide on what to wear for outdoor photography sessions.
-
That's totally normal and I'm used to it! I don't force smiles or cooperation. Instead, I work with their energy—if they want to run, I photograph them running. If they're shy, I give them space. Natural expressions beat forced smiles every time.
-
We pause, regroup, and adjust. Sometimes a snack or 5-minute break solves everything. Sometimes we shift to a different activity or location. I have kids too—I get it. No judgment, just flexibility.
-
All ages work! I've photographed families with newborns in carriers, toddlers taking their first hikes, elementary-aged kids who love exploring, and teenagers who (surprisingly) have fun when they're outside and moving rather than posing. The key is matching the location and pace to your kids' abilities.
-
Standard turnaround is 2-3 weeks. You'll receive a link to your private online gallery where you can view, download, and share all your high-resolution images. Rush delivery (5-7 days) is available for $200 if needed.
-
Absolutely! Just let me know in advance so I can plan for group shots and make sure the location is accessible for everyone's mobility levels.
-
I love moody weather and fog—they create beautiful, atmospheric photos! But if conditions are unsafe or you're uncomfortable, we'll reschedule at no charge. I monitor forecasts closely and will reach out ahead of time if I have concerns.
-
I don't currently offer mini sessions, but my Standard Session (3 hours) is designed to move efficiently — most families find it's plenty of time without feeling rushed. Get in touch and we can talk through what works for your family.
Common Family Photography Questions
Have more questions? Check out the complete FAQ or contact me anytime.