You know that moment when you say “smile for the camera” and your kid suddenly looks like a deer in headlights? Or worse—they bolt in the opposite direction? (Been there, witnessed that.) Here’s the thing: photo jitters are real, and they happen to both parents and kids. You’re worried about controlling behavior, getting everyone to cooperate, and somehow producing frame-worthy images. Meanwhile, your kids are wondering why they have to stop playing and stare at a stranger with a camera.
What if I told you there’s a better way?
Activity-based family photography sessions focus on what your family already loves doing together—no awkward poses required. During a child-led session, kids play naturally while I document the genuine connections that happen. Whether it’s making breakfast, reading stories in bed, or playing in your backyard, lifestyle family photography captures real moments at home or your favorite local spots in San Francisco and across the East Bay. This documentary approach relieves photo anxiety for everyone and creates images you’ll actually treasure.
Here’s the thing: the best moments happen when you don’t plan for them. Kids are natural geniuses at improvising. I once documented a family baking bread together using an old family recipe—a beautiful, meaningful activity. But the moment that really captured their family? When their little girl decided the best way to roll out dough was with her entire torso. You can’t script that kind of magic, and that’s exactly what makes these photos and films are so special.
Here’s What Activity-Based Actually Means
Here’s the thing about activity-based family photography: I want to capture meaningful photos of you where we’ll witness the whole gamut of emotions that make life. Our time together isn’t about your connection with my camera; it’s more about your connection with your family. Be in the moment. Play with your kids. Love on your people. Allow yourself to be a kid again and enjoy this intentional time together as a family.
My approach falls somewhere between documentary and lifestyle photography—I’m there to capture authentic moments, but I’ll gently guide you into activities that bring out natural interactions. The magic happens when kids forget I’m even there because they’re too busy being themselves.
And you know what? This approach works beautifully for both family photos and family films. Whether I’m capturing a fleeting expression in a still image or documenting an entire morning unfolding on video, it’s all about that genuine connection.
Activities Don’t Have to Be Grand
When I say “activity-based sessions,” I promise we’re not renting ponies or booking hot air balloons. (Unless that’s your thing, in which case, call me.) Sessions are activity-based, but an activity does not mean to be grand and will usually happen at the most meaningful of places for your family—like your home, backyard, or local stomping grounds.
Think about what you already do together: making breakfast and goofing around at the table, reading books piled up in bed, building ridiculous pillow forts in the living room, shooting hoops in the backyard, doing art projects at the kitchen table. The best thing to capture are the things you already do as a family because it’s these moments that you will treasure and want to remember the most.
No posing. No props. Just love and connection. (And if you’re wondering about why home sessions work so beautifully, I’ve got thoughts on that too.)
I also love incorporating movement into sessions—big or small—because it’s so liberating. Movement shifts the focus away from having to perform and lets you actually just be. Kids loooooove it because it’s equal amounts fun, wild, and unpredictable. And here’s the secret: if you allow yourself to be a kid again, it’s just as fun for adults. Get out of that grown-up mindset, let your inhibitions go, and play.
Why Child-Led Sessions Change Everything
And you know what? Sessions are also child-led. I will follow your child’s lead—not the other way around. This isn’t me directing your kids into uncomfortable poses while you try desperately to get them to comply. (That sounds exhausting for everyone involved, right?)
With little ones, I follow their natural rhythm and energy. If your toddler wants to play piano just like mama does, we capture that. If they decide the best way to play with a ball pit is to balance it on their heads during our session (yes, I’ve witnessed this beautiful chaos), we roll with it.
With older kids and teens, I love to incorporate their input. What do they want to remember about their life right now? Their room and how they decorated it? The music they’re obsessed with? Their makeup routine? Their basketball skills? We weave in what they love doing—art, sports, reading, playing instruments, whatever makes them them.
This approach takes the pressure off everyone. Kids can be themselves. Parents aren’t trying to control behavior. And I get to capture the real stuff—the connections, the laughter, the quiet moments between the chaos.
What to Expect During Your Session
Sessions happen in places that actually mean something to your family—your home, your backyard, your neighborhood park. Here in Alameda and across the East Bay to San Francisco, I’ve learned that the magic isn’t in fancy locations; it’s in familiar spaces where your family can truly relax. (Though if you’re curious about some of my favorite Bay Area spots, I’ve got plenty of those too.)
Your role during the session? Be in the moment. Play with your kids. Love on your people. Allow yourself to be a kid again and enjoy this intentional time together as a family. Don’t worry about whether your house is Pinterest-perfect or if everyone’s outfit matches. (And yes, pajamas are totally acceptable. I may even show up in PJs in solidarity.)
Want to see what this actually looks like? Check out examples in my portfolio to get a feel for how these sessions unfold.
Ready to Capture Your Perfectly Imperfect?
If this feels right up your alley, I’d love to chat about capturing your family exactly as you are—messy, beautiful, and 100% authentic.
Let’s connect about your photo or video session.
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