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.
My photoshoot of Tim and Jen’s family was my last one of the year, and it made me contemplative.
Perhaps it was because I had the spirit of Christmas coursing through my veins, but I was thinking how their photoshoot perfectly culminates the meaning of life. Let me explain.
It had been about a year and a half since I last saw Tim and Jen. During that time, they got pregnant and had their 4th baby! Also during that time, there were big events around us, including deadly wildfires, which made us postpone their shoot 3 times. So this was their 4th photoshoot date! Though disappointed, we rolled with the punches and were grateful for when we saw each other. We even recognized a few benefits of this later shoot date: baby Mia was more social and there were fewer people at the park.
At the shoot, the older siblings kept hugging and kissing their baby sister, unprompted. The affection and easy playfulness between everyone was peppered by Tim’s humor, which always makes me laugh. And my catch-up time with Jenny highlights how fortunate I am to have clients who’ve become friends.
Seeing the silverlining, spending quality time with family, loving unconditionally… this is how life should be. ❤️
With the end of the year rounding the corner, I look back and think of all the things that made me laugh, brought me a sense of wonder, or made me stronger.
These “things” always boil down to events and personal experiences, never material items. I only hope that my kids feel the same and can appreciate experiences more than possessions, even into adulthood.
One of the experiences that consistently brings me gratitude and joy is when I’m on a client shoot, I get to play with kids and watch them grow up year after year. [Fun little secret: When I worked in the Corporate World, I’d be one playing with the kids at company parties! I’ve always loved kids.] Also, catching up with clients (the adult ones) is like drinking hot cocoa with mini marshmallows after a day of skiing. It’s relaxing, comforting, and sweet.
I can’t say this enough, I have the best job in the World. I really do.
One of my favorite songs from the ’80s came to mind when I was photographing the Masse Family.
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
This was not only because there were amazing colors in the environment and in their clothing, but also this was their second shoot with me, and I could tell they were very comfortable being their true selves. And these colors were beautiful. ❤️
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a new year of sharing and appreciating the colors around us. xo
