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! 
Yesterday’s East Bay newborn photography session was a perfect example of why you don’t need a lot of props and gizmos for a great newborn session.
All you need is a blanket, some wipes and diapers, a heater, warm milk and a couple of loving parents. Check, check, check, check, check!
Sweet Caroline
Baby Caroline is so advanced that she will be narrating this sneak peek! 
Dreaming of Milk
I always dream of happy things when my parents are holding my hands.
My Latest Trick
Check out my neck control and how alert I am at 4 weeks old!
Big Bro
This is my brother, Oliver. We don’t look very much alike. He has green eyes.
He hides under the bed and sleeps in the sink. He’s teaching me a lot! I’ll have to try that some day when I’m older.
My Folks
Mommy gives the best kisses. She is my first love.
This is my dad. He loves holding me, and I always feel better when he does!
Yawn
All this modeling stuff is making me tired!
Enjoy your first Mother’s Day, Brie! Your gallery will be ready for viewing in about a week.
xo,
Annie
Yesterday was a gorgeous day for a lifestyle family photography session in Palo Alto.
It was delightful to see wildflowers everywhere, but it was not so delightful to have….AHHHH-CHOOOOOO! Allergies.
This Way
The gradient from light to dark; the different textures of stone, paper and leaves; the colorful flyers; and my subjects walking towards the light is so visually interesting to me!
Taking a Walk
Quiet moments like this melt my heart.
Flowers for Mom
An Unfair Game
Aidan chose the sticks for the duel. Tia, Aidan’s Godmother, didn’t have a chance! 
Playing with Nature
Aidan at the Golden Hour
Aidan is a gentle, sweet, playful 3-year old. He is also one lucky little dude to have a Mom and Godmother who love him this much!
Just look how happy he is!
…is yourself!
Yesterday’s San Francisco lifestyle family photography was of the Y Family who came from L.A.
Even though they live over 400 miles away, the Y Family wanted their shoot to be comprised of their normal activities, so their kids could be themselves. Yay… I love finding beauty in the every day, simple moments!
Mommy Soothing Troy
Troy was being a typical toddler boy and ran around on the pier…. and then SPLAT. He fell pretty hard. It was mom to the rescue… and a photo opp for me!
Photography Tip:
Avoid cutting off part of a hand. However, you don’t always have the time to change your lens or get in the right position to capture the entire hand in the frame when you’re shooting lifestyle or photojournalistic.
In the situation below, I shot fast because I wanted to capture Troy with his head on Erica’s shoulder — and with the sun flare too. (Nah, that’s not too much to ask for!) All, but this shot, included his entire left hand… but only this image had an expression that melted my heart. To me, expression trumps the cut-off hand.
Though there are many rules of photography, learn them, but know that it’s okay to break them sometimes. It’s not like driving or academics; Art allows you to bend the rules once in awhile. That’s what I say anyway!
Learning Coordination
Troy is 1.5 yrs old, so he still has a baby-walk and jumps without actually leaving the ground. Hee hee…it is really cute.
Composing the shot with only legs and feet really point out Troy’s stage of development.
Ellie
When I was a little girl, my favorite stuffed animal was named Ellie. She wasn’t as cute as this Ellie though!
Gosh, I just wanna play with her and tickle her and… oh wait. I did do all of those things!
The OH-NO Hug
Out of nowhere, Ellie (3) decided to hug her little brother. Ellie was feeling sooo much love that she put extra force and motion into it. Hence, you see Daddy lunging forward to try to prevent the big fall and Mommy’s mouth agape.
Can’t you hear the parents?! “Ohhhhhh nnooooooo…..”
Playing with Mom’s Face
At the Book Store
In the Stroller
Photography Tip:
Whether you’re a photographer or a subject to be photographed, remember that you don’t have to choose a spectacular location for the photoshoot. Pick a location where you will be comfortable and relaxed, so you can be yourself.
