For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of documenting families here in the San Francisco Bay Area—capturing everything from quiet morning moments to milestone celebrations. But lately, I’ve felt called to expand my storytelling in a new direction: brand photography and videography for creatives and small business owners who are building something meaningful.
At first glance, family photography and brand photography might seem worlds apart. But the truth is, they’re rooted in the same foundation: authentic connection and storytelling. Whether I’m photographing a toddler’s first steps or capturing the passion behind a business owner’s vision, it’s all about seeing people for who they truly are and creating images that genuinely reflect them. Both require the same level of trust, the same collaborative spirit, and the same commitment to creating something that feels real rather than posed or manufactured.
In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, I’ve found myself gravitating toward work that builds community rather than competes with it. Supporting small businesses and fellow creatives isn’t just good business—it’s necessary. Every small business owner I meet is someone’s dream made tangible. They’re parents balancing family and building a dream, artists turning passion into purpose, and visionaries solving problems in their unique way.
The same skills that help me capture authentic family moments—reading people, creating comfortable environments, and finding the story within the story—translate beautifully to helping small businesses show up authentically online. Just as I approach family sessions by learning about your traditions and what makes your family unique, brand photography requires understanding what drew you to start your business, the values that guide your decisions, and how you want people to feel when they discover you.
There’s something special about the creative and small business community in the Bay Area. We’re all hustling to build something meaningful while maintaining our values and taking care of our families. When we support each other—whether through referrals, collaborations, or simply cheering each other on—everyone wins. By expanding into brand photography, I’m able to support fellow entrepreneurs in a tangible way while doing what I love most: telling authentic stories through my camera.
For many of my clients—especially fellow parents running businesses—there’s beautiful overlap between family life and entrepreneurship. Maybe you work from your home office while kids play in the next room, or your family inspires the products you create. These authentic moments make for some of the most compelling brand content because they show the whole person, not just the professional persona.
In an era of AI-generated content and perfectly curated social feeds, authentic photography stands out more than ever. The businesses that will thrive are those brave enough to show up as themselves, not the ones with the most polished feeds or biggest advertising budgets. This is where thoughtful brand photography becomes not just nice to have, but essential for building the kind of trust that turns strangers into clients.
Whether you’re a family looking to document this season of life or a business owner ready to show up more authentically online, the approach remains the same: show up as yourself, trust the process, and let the real story shine through.
