These aren't your grandparents' home movies.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

FAMILY FILMMAKER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Honoring all that makes your family you is no small endeavor, and partnering with a stranger to accomplish that isn't easy. Listen, I know. I get that you fiercely love your favorite people and that sometimes you worry your parental hustle isn't good enough. I know you get busy, that you at times lose yourself in the mix. I know nothing is all pain or all joy. And I know you treasure it all. I see it, and I'll reveal it in video and photographs.

You want to express what's

special and beautiful

about your family's life.

let's take this on, together.

View film packages

YOU MAY WONDER

mother and daughter cuddling on a blanket in the park in walnut creek

What are Family

Films?

girl closing her eyes wistfully during sunset with flower in hand

A breeze that lifts the hair from her eyes. Your hand as it caresses the baby's back. The sounds of unsteady feet, squeaky voices, and unexpected giggles.

See you story in a different light—and watch your emotions come alive.

A Family Film tells the story of who you are in the unscripted slivers of your life. Genuine. Chaotic. Touching. Funny. Just the way you like it—even if you don't quite realize it in that moment.

My clients (especially the shy + hesitant ones) tell me this is one of the best investments they've ever made—and it's a privilege and an honor not only to witness those connections, but to memorialize them so you can return to the here and now anytime you'd like.

YOU MAY WONDER

Are Family Films for me?

A breeze that lifts the hair from her eyes. Your hand as it caresses the baby's back. The sounds of unsteady feet, squeaky voices, and unexpected giggles.

See your story in a different light—and watch your emotions come alive.

A Family Film tells the story of who you are in the unscripted slivers of your life. Genuine. Chaotic. Touching. Funny. Just the way you like it—even if you don't quite realize it in that moment.

My clients (especially the shy + hesitant ones) tell me this is one of the best investments they've ever made—and it's a privilege and an honor not only to witness those connections, but to memorialize them so you can return to the here and now anytime you'd like.

family running around a fountain having fun at botanical gardens golden gate park san francisco

Step 03

Step 02

Step 01

What's involved?

It all begins with a phone call with me where we'll plan your session around what's most meaningful to you.

Show time!

Pay a deposit and start planning

Let's chat

mother and daughter cuddling on a blanket in the park in walnut creek

you may wonder

Are Family Films for me?

A Family Film tells the story of who you are in the unscripted slivers of your life. Genuine. Chaotic. Touching. Funny. Just the way you like it— even if you don't quite realize it in that moment.

My clients (especially the shy + hesitant ones) tell me this is one of the best investments they've ever made—and it's a privilege and an honor not only to witness those connections, but to memorialize them so you can return to the here and now anytime you'd like.

mother and son hugging tenderly from a family session san francisco

FAQ

Family Film sessions are the best gift that you could gift yourself and your family. These 3-4 hour sessions may sound overwhelming, but I swear that they're not—scout's honor. Through these sessions, I capture the beauty and chaos of your family's ordinary day. This is where the simple, honest moments shine.

Think of me as a friend that tags along with your family as I follow you through your routines (snuggling, laughing, cooking, playing) that are meaningful for your family .

Included with each package are a consultation, 4 hour session coverage, 20+ high-resolution images delivered by digital download, and a highly edited 3–4 minute film set to thoughtfully hand selected, licensed music.

What can I expect from a typical Family Film session?

Portrait Films celebrate everyday milestones, 1-2 minutes at a time—like little intimate time capsules that you'll want to revisit. They focus on 1 person and a specific time in their life. These abbreviated films are perfect for newborns, graduates, birth days..basically any finite time that you would like to memorialize. The same basic description of a Family Film applies here. No scripts, no props, no posing

What is the difference between Family Films and Portrait Films?

Are photos included with Film Sessions?

Yes, you get the best of both worlds!

Day in the Life Film sessions include 20 high-res, edited images and Portrait Film Sessions include 10 images. Both film packages also include a print credit to the curated gallery store.

Editing video is more labor intensive than editing photos, but it is so worth it! After our session, I cull, edit, and arrange video clips in a way that is cohesive and best narrates your story. I also fine tune audio for each individual clip (for eg., I may enhance soft, little voices or remove distracting background noise). My favorite part of the editing process is finding the perfect song to reflect your family. That can sometimes take an entire day...or two...and I may have to edit the song if it's too long or repetitive. Another factor that accounts for its price is that licensed music can be as much as $200 for a single use which means that I will not be reusing that song for anyone else without repurchasing it (which I normally don't do).

What's involved in editing films/videos? Why does it cost more than photos?

No one is more awkward than I am in front of the camera, so I can completely relate! Most people tell me that I make them feel comfortable right away, which is exactly why I make sure to get to know as much about you before our sessions and find out what's important to you. The beauty of a photojournalistic approach is that it is inherently unscripted and genuine—you don't have to pose or be anything other than yourself. And, if you are planning on a family session, you can take comfort knowing that children are great at chasing away the photo jitters.

What if I'm not photogenic or am completely uncomfortable in front of the camera?

carmen dunham portrait

Let's talk and see if

we're a good fit

for each other!

schedule a call

Kind Words

mother and daughter hugging during portrait family session east bay
family snuggling on pier during family session in alameda bay area san francisco

Daniel

Michelle

I am so grateful to have these memories with my family. I can't stop looking at the video and pics, and each time I do I'm reminded of how lucky we are to have each other and how special this time together really is.

This film was filled with light and joy, but somehow also included the poignancy of our present moment in time. You captured our daughter so perfectly. Her hands! Her feet! Her big smile! Her tangled hair! Her bossiness with her sister! It's like you turned my heart inside out.

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Bay Area Family Photographer & Filmmaker