capturing the love, play, and connection between you and yours
Los Angeles Family, Maternity, + Newborn Photographer
If you like to let your kids run wild and free, then i'm the family photographer for you!
With each inquiry I ask a lot of questions about what you and your family like to do to see what location and offer some ideas for photoshoots. Some can show off your beautiful new home, splashing around in puddles in the street, or playing on the beach.
I want your photo session to be an experience that you walk away from feeling you were seen and that was unique to you. The images from your photo session will capture the relationship between you and yours. I will always get a "grandmas mantle" shot or 2, but I focus more on the interaction between you and yours. Instead of shouting "cheese," I'll be getting you to spin around, dance, cuddle, or show some love.
get in touch
I'm Emma, a photographer based in Los Angeles. For the last 10 years I have called coastal Los Angeles my home and never plan on leaving. Surfing in Malibu, backpacking the John Muir Trail, sunset hikes in Yosemite, camping and road tripping to Tahoe and Big Sur, and snowboarding in Mammoth, are just a few of the reasons I love to call Southern California my home.
I believe that your story deserves to be told, not matter if it’s a big moment or the in-between moments. I want you to think of our sessions together as experiences and memories, not just a photoshoot. During our time together, I direct you and allow your children to be children, allowing for snuggles, playing, and yes, even crying. You can get to know some more about my own adventures and family life here.
This is an all inclusive space, where people of all races, genders, sexual identities, sizes, abilities, and ages are welcome.
Hey! I'm Emma, Los Angeles Family Photographer.
about me
While what we are doing is yes, indeed, a photoshoot, I also work with you to pick the best location depending on everyone's ages and the vibe you'd like, the best time of day for lighting, outfit guidance, wardrobe rental, and director for your photos. I'll also be bringing a blanket and some music to help set the tone!
*You can always ask to include props of your own. I've done pizza picnics, champagne pops, and pumpkin patches.
capturing real moments with the loves of your life
reach out
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package 3
Team pics
$1100
book now
< Back to all Packages
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Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
package 3
team pics
$1100
book now
< Back to all Packages
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
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Planning and Logistics
Doing what it takes to get the shot.
Telling Your Family's Story
I can help plan beautiful, fun, and authentic moments for your to capture and preserve your family's connection and dynamic. Whether this be at your home, the beach, a trail, or just around your neighborhood, I'm also working with families to see what fits them best.
It's normal to be nervous to be in front of a camera, and especially to worry about your child's behavior. Let me reassure you that your child isn't bad or too wild to participate in a photoshoot. I have two young kiddos of my own and understand we have to change things up often. I will run, jump, squat, lie down, or back far far away to get the shot and make sure everyone is focusing on each other, not on the camera.
Your family story should be told how it is in the every day; unique and true to you. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of smiles, but they’ll be accompanied by laughs through the experience of your day together. I offer constant direction and guidance throughout the shoot, focusing on your connections and experiences together, with photos being the documentation, not the other way around!
-chelsea + jeff
"emma made us feel comfortable from as soon as we arrived to our photo location. she had our boys having fun and playing in the water and sand instead of trying to get them to sit still."
There is really no rule that says you have to be sitting together on a blanket on the sand for 30 minutes to get some family photos. Here are some activities that families have done together for great family photos.
Play on the beach
Picnic
Dance party at home
Bake together
Go tide-pooling
Go on a hike
Eat donuts
Anything else that feels like you!
What To Do During Your photoshoot
"I've always seen those reels about family photos being stressful but I 've never felt that shooting with you."
-Katie-
what to wear to your family photoshoot
Soft, muted or neutral earth tones work best with my style of editing and locations.
What to avoid:
polo/golf shirts
short/baby doll dresses
too many patterns (1-2 per family)
Running shoes and/or heels
shirts with logos or neon/bright colors
What to wear:
long dresses that move/flow
patterns are fine for 1-2 people in family
cute comfy shoes for trails or barefoot for beach
layers are great to add texture, if it is not too hot
clothes that fit your style/make you feel good
clothes that need to be dry cleaned because you will sit in sand/on grass etc.
* I do have pinterest boards for inspo that I send over once your booking is confirmed.
best family photo locations
malaga cove beach
venice beach pier
your home
manhattan beach pier
topanga state beach
will rogers state beach
temescal canyon state park
charmlee wilderness
malibu creek state park
point dume state beach
vasquez rocks
FAQ
I get it! My kids are bonkers, too. My full sessions run anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. And while it sounds like a lot of time for your kids to be "on," I actually want them to be who they are. They can run, get silly, do piggy back rides, etc. It's a time for you to give them your undivided attention, which they will love, so it should be fun, playful, cuddly, song-filled, and sweet. During your time with me, spend less time worrying about their behavior, and more time connecting with the family. And don't worry, I always include some bloopers in your gallery, also!
You'll receive a link to your gallery with a download pin with all of the best images from your photo session. The number of photos you receive usually depends on how many people are in your family, but 40 is the absolute minimum and I try to never deliver over 80.
No one wants the best weather more than me! I spend lots of time tracking weather, tides, and wind to make sure your shoot goes well. Unless it becomes unsafe or just really miserable (high winds with a newborn), then I encourage you to stick with your date and roll with the weather. After all, as Andre 3000 said, you can plan a pretty photo session but you cant predict the weather. If you're concerned, then reach out!
The fall is a popular time for family photos and a very popular time for germs to spread around. If your child(ren) is truly sick with a fever or vomiting, please reach out to reschedule. Please know fall availability is limited so I cannot guarantee an immediate reschedule, but we can always figure out a way to make it work.
Fill out the contact form by clicking on any of the "reach out" buttons on this page. Then I'll get back to you regarding availability and location. Once that is settled, I send over a contract for you to sign and an invoice for the $100 non-refundable retainer fee to confirm booking. Then I can send over some outfit guidance along with a few tips to make your session to go smoothly!
Photo session packages
Location TBD: Many clients choose an in-home shoot or a meaningful place, such as a park and/or a fun activity. Do you guys love to bake? Let's capture it! Run at the beach? Let's capture that!
Duration: Appx. 1 hour
What you get: Access to client wardrobe, wardrobe guide and outfit inspiration, what to expect guide, minimum 35-40 high quality, lightly edited digital images delivered within 2 weeks that are available to print.
*Inquire for packages including prints, photo albums, and collage walls
1 Location TBD: Many clients choose an in-home shoot, nature, or a meaningful place to them. Studio options also available.
Duration: Maternity Session-1 hour. Newborn Session-1.5-2 hours.
What you get: Maternity photos in location of your choice., minimum 30-35 high quality, lightly edited digital images delivered within 2 weeks that are available to print.
Newborn Session: Lifestyle newborn photos in your home using natural poses, capturing the connection between you and your new baby(ies). Please note I highly suggest getting your newborn photos taken around 10-14 days old. 3 weeks is often when baby acne appears!
*Inquire for packages including prints, photo albums, and collage walls
family
Approximately 45 min to 1 hour
$650
Approximately 1 hour
$1200
maternity
Approximately 1 hour
$650
Approximately 1 hour
$750
Location TBD: Many clients choose an in-home shoot or a meaningful place, such as a park and/or a fun activity. Do you guys love to bake? Let's capture it! Run at the beach? Let's capture that!
Duration: Appx. 1 hour
What you get: 1 Location, Access to client wardrobe, minimum 25 high quality, lightly edited digital images delivered within 2 weeks that are available to print.
To add 2nd location, please add $175 to your package.
*Inquire for packages including prints, photo albums, and collage walls
newborn
Location: In-home shoot. Outdoor possible depending on time of year
Duration: Appx. 1-1.5 hours. I always leave time for diaper changes and feedings
What you get: Natural poses with you and baby(ies), Access to client wardrobe, minimum 35-40 high quality, lightly edited digital images delivered within 2 weeks that are available to print.
*Inquire for packages including prints, photo albums, and collage walls
Maternity + Newborn Package
