Mom, dad, and daughter, being snuggly in the bed together.

Family Films

A Day in the Life Film for the G Family – San Francisco

June 14, 2022

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The most rewarding thing about what I do is the connections I make with my client-families. It’s humbling to witness these intimate spaces. But sometimes, my heart gets so sentimental and protective about the work we created together that I feel it’s too special to share. That’s how I felt about this video, but this dear family reassured me that I was overthinking, as usual.

In preparing for this Day in the Life session, I asked what they wanted to capture from this season of life. For them, it was all about preserving these tender days of living in the heart of San Francisco. They wanted to bottle up all the early morning cuddles, squeaks, laughter, and vivid narrations of imaginary stories echoing throughout their sweet home. I can’t imagine a better way to pay tribute to their starter years as a family.

I’m always grateful for the families that open their hearts and home to my lens. It’s been an honor to document this particular crew through the years. In reliving these memories, I hope they can see the love and goodness that binds them together as a family. May they be reminders that take them home again, no matter where they are.

xo

About Me

Real people are my favorite.

It's why I appointed myself the family documentarian early on, carefully recording life unfolding, and learning along the way how much I love visual storytelling. I picked up my first professional camera when my child was born, knowing those early years were dawning and full of change — and I never looked back. I can't imagine doing anything else.

I'm a maximalist in every sense: all-in on a project or power napping, rarely anything in between. A little weird and impressively clumsy, with absolutely zero shame dancing in public. I live in Alameda (aka the Midwest of the Bay Area) with my husband, my teen, and a menagerie of animals. Fair warning: I bring my outdated 90s dance moves to every session.

My upbringing taught me to find beauty where others see ordinary. Motherhood only deepened that instinct, and I've been known to cry at the drop of a hat. Kleenex is a standing item on my packing list for newborn sessions.

I'm awkward at small talk and large groups are where I go quiet — which is exactly why you'll never find me working weddings or large events, and why you will find me completely at home in yours. I work best in the intimate, the real, and the messy.

I invest deeply in the people I work with and pour my whole heart into every session. Walking away with friendships after a session is always a major bonus — and it's the reason I love my job as much as I do.

WORK WITH ME

©Carmen dunham Photography 2026

branding by Bella Maven 

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