My name is
Carmen, and I make photographs + films
of real life for
real families,
like yours.
Real life is more than pretty pictures. The beauty is in the whole, both the good and the messy. And it is absolutely worth documenting, all of it.
Photography is deeply personal—and that's what makes me want to pick up my camera.
The most rewarding part about what I do is the connection I make with each family I meet. We share a unique journey of real moments together, and being invited into those intimate spaces is an honor for me
I’ve always been fascinated by people; my B.S. is in anthropology. I appointed myself the family documentarian, taking photos of our travels and milestones. I soon realized how much I love visual storytelling. I picked up my first serious camera when my daughter was born, knowing those early years with her were precious and ever-changing. Around that time, a photographer friend’s encouragement led me to pursue photography professionally. Now many years and some very proud accomplishments into this career, my passion for it only grows.
I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Gather strength
from the
beauty of
your chaos.
I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.
That's where I come in.
Family photos are the emotional, nostalgic, genuine, soulful, and meaningful keepsakes of what's important: the people you love.
Photographs are the tangible reminders that you take home again, no matter where you are.
Even if you've never been comfortable in front of the camera, even if you're worried your kids won't behave or that your house isn't photo-worthy, I encourage you to find bravery within. Because you'll appreciate your beautiful humanness a little more after seeing photos and watching your film.
This is my promise to you.
It's important
to put yourself
in the picture.
Chasing your kids, trying to get pictures
with your phone, you end up absent
from the very shots that mark your memories.
Let yourself forget there's a camera in the room,
and be participant in special images
of your interactions together.
All of you.
Let's be brave and human together.
Bay Area Family Photographer & Filmmaker
But I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.
I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.
I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.