I was about 19 or 20 years old when I became serious about photography.  I scraped up money to buy my first SLR camera, which was thrilling to achieve as a poor College student.  My preferred film was a roll of BxW Ilford 400s.  The following Summer, I took a film photography class at UC Berkeley, so I could learn how to develop/print my own film and have unlimited access to the darkroom, which absorbed a good part of that year. BxW can look really moody, which I love, but th

Janet loves the San Francisco Bay Area so much that during a visit many years ago, she decided to move here.  Her love for the Bay Area is still immeasurable, so she chose a special location for her shoot (a precious gift from her sister Julie) that faces her beloved city. Even with high wind weather advisories, Janet and her family didn’t let that stop them from having a memorable afternoon.  Their son had recently returned home after being in the Peace Corps, so they had al

When clients tell me they look forward to their photoshoot every year, I may respond with a calm “oh, that’s so nice”, but what I want to say is:  “SQUEEEE!  ME TOO!  ME TOO!!!” Shooting repeat clients through the years means catching up with friends, watching their kids grow up, visiting their new homes, hearing about transitions like new careers, and getting to bond with their little ones.  So every year, I can’t wait! Last weekend’s shoot with Christine, Kevin and little K

There’s something about Brooke and Emmy that is undeniable.  They have some kind of energy that radiates from within when they are together.  It’s a light that makes others want to be around them, to laugh with them, to be better people because they incite inspiration without even trying.  Especially during a time when we are bombarded by negative news, being around Brooke and Emmy felt like a little vacation for my soul.  ❤️ Now with Fletcher and Annie, their energy has grow

When you and your spouse are both turning the big 5-0 AND it’s your 20 year wedding anniversary AAAAND you adopted your first puppy, you have a Day-in-the-Life Photoshoot to capture your life as it is right now. It’s a way to celebrate as well as commemorate a big year! We started in Peter and Jenny’s kitchen with making shakes, cutting flowers, and playing with their pup.  It was a scorching hot afternoon, so the fruit shakes and watermelon smoothies were refreshing.  They p

Last weekend, I was THE happiest fly on the wall. I followed around Erin, Pete, Clara, Greta and Lola as they walked around their neighborhood, visited a bakery, cut plants in their backyard, and hung up ornaments on their fresh Christmas tree.  I had the pleasure of capturing a slice of their life during this holiday season. Home Lifestyle Shoots have a different pace than my regular Lifestyle Shoots because there is less direction and set-up, so the resulting photos are mor

My list of interesting locations where I’ve had client photoshoots continues!  Click here to see Part 1. [Some of these images have my old logo as the watermark.  Sorry for the inconsistent branding in these 2 “Interesting Location” posts.  I don’t have the time to redo all of them with my new logo and thought you wouldn’t mind too much.  Thanks, guys!] Train Station Train stations are great photography locations when you are with kids who love them.  You can watch the trains

This little snugglebug waited one week past her due date to make her grand entrance into the World.  I had the privilege of being one of THE first people ever to meet Vivienne! She was only 5 days new. What an honor it is to document this incredible, life-changing time for The P Family, whom I have been photographing for many years. I wanted to narrate the images below because so many of them speak to me, to my heart.  But I just can’t.  Sometimes words can dilute the impact

Yesterday’s maternity photography session in San Francisco felt like the middle of Winter.  Of course it was sunny and hot everywhere else.  Sigh.  That’s San Francisco Summers for ya! Good thing Renuka and Sandeep, a sweet couple who moved here from New York, have embraced all aspects of San Francisco living! Despite the strong winds, heavy fog and cold temps, we still had a great time.  Renuka was such a trooper… she climbed up walls and sandy hills, laid on grassy slopes n

Alas!  The 3rd and last location of Ivan and Irene’s deluxe engagement session:  a San Franciscan Hillside! As you can see, this part of the shoot was entirely different than [Vintage] and [Garden] — from the photography style and casual mood to the lighting.  Which part of their e-session is your favorite? At the hillside, the two lovebirds got to relax and goof around.  I think it provided a perfect balance to the rest of the shoot, which was more styled and formal. For me,