San Francisco Family Videography

Family Films are inclusive to all types of families and are also for every season of life. They are perfect for families who value presence over perfection and are willing to let their hearts open wide. Another good indicator of a good fit is that your mobile phone is already full of your personal videos that you take of your own family.
I welcome all LGBTQ+, BIPOC, differently-abled, and non-traditionally structured families. If this offends you, I am not the right photographer for you.

Editing video is more time-intensive than editing photos. I estimate each YITL film will take anywhere from 60-80 hrs to create because I will be incorporating footage from your three sessions, along with your personal footage from the year. There's also the cost ($250) to license a music soundtrack. While it might seem expensive, I promise your film's worth will only increase in value each year as you rewatch the memories of your life today.

Yes, definitely! Each film session comes with ~10 photos, available in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after each session. These photos are taken while filming video and are typically more candid and less posed.

I check in with my families a week before the session to discuss details and answer any questions. In case of illness, I appreciate a two day notice, and I will do my best to accommodate your plans when rescheduling. Likewise, I expect the same courtesy if I or any member of my family falls ill. Outdoor shoots are weather permitting; if the weather is questionable, I will be in close contact the days before and on the morning of the session. 

Usually (but not always) there is one partner who is more reserved about the experience. My first suggestion is to get them involved. Show them other films I have made, have them on phone calls when we talk. Make sure they know what to expect. If that is hard to do because of busy schedules, know that they will warm up the day of. Once we get started filming, most people realize how easy it is and there are never any issues. So many times now, I've heard from the reluctant partner that they had "way more fun" than they anticipated.

No need! I may ask you to remove clutter, but otherwise don't stress about deep cleaning. It won't show on the video! I have creative ways of hiding the mess so it doesn't distract from the beauty of your connections and your family.

Something you feel comfortable and beautiful! In all my years in photography, this is the most important thing. Wear something you feel good in. If you're uncomfortable in a new outfit, it will show. Wear something you can move, dance, play in. The same goes for your children. You want them to play and have fun while I'm there so make sure you don't put them in something you're worried about them messing up.

I am looking to capture meaningful footage of you where we'll witness the whole gamut of emotions that make life. Sessions are "activity-based" but an activity does not need to be extravagant and will usually happen at your house or a place that is meaningful to your family. The best things to capture are the things you already do as a family. Capturing the moments that you will treasure and want to remember is the most important.

It starts with a phone call. It is important to me that you are comfortable and understand the process. I'll answer all your questions and go over the details. Once you're ready to move forward, I'll send over the contract and set up automatic monthly payments to secure your package.

In my seven years of photography, I've learned your kids don't care that you haven't lost the baby weight. You deserve to be seen for the incredible parent that you are. The most common thing I hear from my clients is that they want to book a session to remember their kids in this stage of life. And despite not necessarily feeling the best about themselves, they know how important it is to document this time in their lives. Not just for them, but for their children.
After working with hundreds of families, I can say with certainty I know how to create space for you to feel comfortable, which means I can make the seesion feel effortless and help you feel beautiful, just as you are.

I have a pre-teen who is quite strong-willed and dislikes being in photos, so I totally get this one. I've wanted to push off photos because we were in a "hard season". I think one of my superpowers is finding the beauty in the struggle. You can trust me to do this. I'll follow your child's lead and if they melt down, I'll find the sweet moments after. My sessions are judgment-free zones. I get it and have been there.

 I understand that each family is different, and I offer various levels of enhanced privacy for an additional fee. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Otherwise, films + photos are for marketing and promotional purposes (social media, website, and occasional magazine publications) directly related to my photography and filmmaking business. 

I don't want you to hold anything back during our time together because you're concerned about where your film + photos are posted online. This session is about you and your family.

That said, my business is a visual one. New families can find me from the work I post publicly. Not being able to do so impacts me financially. I, however, am also a parent and take steps to ensure privacy by not using identifiable features such as names, tags, street signs, etc. I also keep things G-rated and don't share images that would make anyone uncomfortable without explicit permission (breastfeeding, nudity, politics).

Portrait films celebrate everyday milestones, 1-2 minutes at a time—like little intimate time capsules that you'll want to revisit. They focus on one person and a specific time in their life. Portrait film sessions are shorter 1-2hr sessions (vs. 3-4 hrs from a DITL session). These abbreviated films are perfect for newborns, graduates, birthdays...basically any finite time you would like to memorialize.

The same basic description of a Day in the Life film applies here, except they are for the entire family-not just one individual. These sessions are longer as well, 3-4 hrs as opposed to 1-2 hrs from a Portrait session.