My name is Annie Tao. I am a photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in lifestyle photography where you get to play, hang out, and be yourself. I capture the moments, real emotions and stories that occur during our time together. Check here often or subscribe to my blog (RSS feed) to see what I am up to or get creative inspiration. Thanks for visiting! 
I scoured through thousands of my client photos and pondered my philosophy on photographing people. What I realized was that my philosophy was incredibly simple.
Looking at all these gorgeous faces and families, my heart melts a little. I hope you’ll enjoy it. ~annie
Want to see more? Yippeee… here’s a video on why you should choose Lifestyle Photography.
What does the flower smell like? Grape.
How about this one? Cotton candy.
What does that one smell like? Sunshine.
I adore kids for so many reasons. The way they experience the World around them lands somewhere at the top of my list. Ask 10 adults what a flower smells like, and I’m sure the answers would not be as interesting. Just try it! I asked two (that’s all I could handle), and their answers were: flower and good. Yup, for real.
These two carefree sisters, Olivia and Emma, had the best time at a garden this weekend. Emma had the best descriptions of flower scents. Those were her answers above! Olivia was a champion reader. She read the flower signs: Ageratum Houstonianum, Gazania, Alchemilla… wow. And they both hopped like bunnies, flew like butterflies, twirled like dancers…
And laughed with each other like best friends. ❤️
When you live in the San Francisco Bay Area — one of the most expensive areas in the country — it can take a few or even one unexpected life change to put you in dire straits. I’ve always believed this shocking reality. People who find themselves in these situations can be anyone: our teacher, our friend, you, me. So my Commercial Shoot at LifeMoves, a nonprofit that helps individuals and families in these transition stages get back on their feet, was one of the most touching shoots I’ve ever done.
I concentrated on the relationships/connections, whether they are of family members who are residents at LifeMoves, of staff who work there, or of case managers with their clients.
They are the connections between people that make life meaningful.
And connections to helpful services, like at LifeMoves, is what we need sometimes. ❤️
Jeff and Louisa’s shoot this weekend with their 6-year old talkative charmer and 3-year old living doll (heehee) had all the feels.
There was loud laughter, running and playing, a few tears, some fearful hesitation of bugs and grass, and lots and lots of joy. Or was it snacks? Lots and lots of snacks. 
My favorite things that happened were:
1. Jacob told me he “loves mommy and you”. That’s ME! Me! How adorable is that?!!
2. Little Kate gave me a long gentle hug to say goodbye. ❤️
3. Jacob helped his little sister when she was scared. See the last photo! *melt*
4. My deep discussion with Jeff and Louisa after the shoot about philosophy of careers and life.
This shoot reminds me that photography is personal!
