You feel a sense of nostalgia for something that is currently happening (or not even!), and while breast/bottle-feeding your baby, putting on the band-aids, planning all the playdates/parties/travels, there might come a day when you won't be needed as much (hello teen years!).
The Yearbook Club is an annual subscription to ensure your family photos (and not-so-curated moments) are cared for every year. You will get visual proof it actually happened and that you were there
(without the creeping Fear of Missing Out).
By joining the Club, you can save 20-25% off regular priced packages. Session fees are broken down into automatic bite-sized monthly payments, making it easy to budget. As long as you're a member of the Club, you are locked into the rate you signed up at, even if prices go up.
Scheduling is a breeze: you have priority access to my calendar, and you can pick prime weekend dates before the crowds. I send you reminders if you forget to schedule your session. #IHAVEYOURBACK
It's about capturing the good, the bad, and the unfiltered reactions—on repeat. It is a new way to ensure your family is documented + remembered as it is.
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DANIEL
It's hard to put into words how special the experience was for us. During the shoot, Carmen was so wonderful, putting us at ease and really feeling like one of our close family members. Our kids took to her immediately and it felt more like spending time with friends than getting our pictures taken.
As part of the shoot, Carmen asked us some simple, but powerful questions to reflect on as a family. It was a moment for our family to genuinely connect and appreciate each other in a way we don't typically take the time to do.
When we saw the video and pictures for the first time, we were absolutely blown away. I already knew the high quality of Carmen's work, but getting ours back exceeded our expectations and brought us to happy tears multiple times. I am so grateful to have these memories with my family. I can't stop looking at the video and pics, and each time I do, I'm reminded of how lucky we are to have each other ad how special this time together really is during this time in history.
Carmen, I can't thank you enough for what you brought to our family. The experience you gave us will unquestionably be one of my lasting memories from 2020. Thank you.
* SUBJECT TO CA SALES TAX
**membership has closed for 2024***
Phone consult required before booking if this is our first film together.
*Turn around for films is 6-8 months.
Phone consult required before booking if this is our first film together.
*Turn around for films is 6-8 months.
With the Drama Club package,
you have the full collection of photos from a regular family session AND a professionally edited film of the people you love most.
Photos capture how you looked and how you loved, but video fills in all the gaps.
Show your kids how you smiled, laughed with them, and cuddled. Show them exactly how it felt to be loved, and let these memory stay fresh in your hearts.
Stacey
We had Carmen film and photograph us for the first year of our baby's life. The intimacy of what she did for us is incredible. The feelings I can see and hear and feel in our film capture moments I have already forgotten about those squishy first few months. And Carmen herself fit in so naturally into our chaos and family love. She was never intrusive, always loving, always seeing us and what was important, and she somehow brilliantly captured it all on film. She somehow made what I feel show up in a way I can share with others.
You can add a casual headshot session at the end of your photo or film session. This will add 20 min to your family session to devote to sprucing up your current business portrait. I will give you ~10 images to choose from within a proofing gallery, and you select the 3 images you would like professionally bedazzled. Natural lighting will be utilized with a natural environment as the background (no backdrops). Pricing is per individual, and needs to be scheduled through me. Headshots will add $30 to your monthly membership fee.
Add on a second full Family Photo Session for 2024! Whether it's to celebrate something special or maybe family is in town. Includes hi-res gallery to download. Must be used in 2024. An extra $90 a month will be added to your membership fee.
One-off Petite Sessions are exclusive for members only. They are 45 min. photo-only sessions, and you receive ~20 images. They are perfect for a Maternity Session, holiday cards, or welcoming a new pet, and are available on weekend mornings, except Oct-Dec. Please note that they are subject to availability and need to be scheduled directly through me, rather than through the self-scheduling calendar. Advanced notice is highly recommended. An extra $55 a month will be added to your monthly membership fee.
I'm limiting the number of Yearbook Club memberships to keep my schedule manageable and to give members a great experience. In keeping the enrollment period short, I have a clear picture for the year of whether and how many additional one-off sessions I can accommodate.
The availability calendar will be posted three times within this Membership Year: on May 18 (for May - July 31 session dates), on July 31 (for Aug 24 - Nov 24 session dates), and on Dec 1 (for Jan 11 - May 31). I'll always remind you via email when those are posted.
The calendar will be self-scheduled by the members themselves on a first-come, first-served basis (so joining the membership will be particularly beneficial if you want first dibs on specific dates).
In future years, members will be asked whether they would like to renew or terminate their membership before the new enrollment period. There is no commitment beyond the year, and there will be no surprise renewals.
If you choose to renew but would like to change your subscription level (up or down), you are welcome to do so, though offerings and pricing may change from year to year.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?
What if I haven't paid the whole year by the time we have our sessions? Will I still get my pHOTOS?
What's the difference between Mini and Petite Sessions?
How do I sign up?
How is joining the Yearbook Club different than hiring you every now and then for family photos and films?
Who is the Yearbook Club for?
Are photos included in Family Film sessions?
Why do films/video cost more than photos?
How are payments made?
Can I join, opt-out, and join again?
What is the commitment?
How does the calendar work, and what if no offered dates work for me?
How do I get my family (or apprehensive partner) on board?
What should we be doing during our session?
I missed Membership Week. Can I join now?
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Joining the club is when you stop worrying about your family photos again. The main perks are that you save money, receive ALL the high-res digital files, and have priority access to everything I offer, including my calendar. This applies no matter what tier you choose.
Another subtle perk is that you don't have to remember to book a session, find a photographer, or email to schedule a date, plus do all the heavy lifting during the fall holiday season….and let another year (or 5) slip by without photos because it just fell off your to-do list. We take care early in the season, and your payments are spread out over 12 months.
HOW IS JOINING THE YEARBOOK CLUB DIFFERENT THAN HIRING YOU EVERY NOW AND THEN FOR FAMILY PHOTOS AND FILMS?
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Who is the Yearbook Club for?
The Yearbook Club is for returning clients only. We've worked together, so you already know my style (and outdated dance moves). The club is meant for all kinds of families: single parents or parents with three kids and 4-legged companions, expecting families, or with a newborn.
CDP is a safe and welcoming space for every gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, culture, age, and size.
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Yes, definitely! Each film session comes with ~20 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.
Are photos included in Family Film sessions?
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Editing video is more time-intensive than editing photos. I estimate each film will take anywhere from 40-60 hrs to create. 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.
Why do films/video cost more than photos?
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Monthly payments are spread over 12 months and will automatically be billed to your credit card. Alternatively, payments can also be made all at once upon signing up for membership.
HOW ARE PAYMENTS MADE?
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You are committed to paying for a full year, but when the year ends, you’ll be asked whether you would like to renew, change, or terminate before the new membership enrollment period. There is no commitment beyond the year, and there is no surprise renewal. If you wish to up/ downgrade to another club, you can certainly do so.
What is the commitment?
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My calendar will open three times a year: on May 18 (for May -August 31), on Jul 1 (for Sept 1-Nov 24), and on Dec 1 (for Jan 11-May 31), and it will be shared with the group.
I’ll set aside my best dates to offer first to members before I take any other sessions. While I can’t guarantee that a specific date and time will be available when you go to sign up, I am putting everything I can on the self-scheduling calendar. Even if the membership fills completely and every member wants a session in the same season, there are more than enough to go around, so you'll have several options.
How does the calendar work, and what if no offered dates work for me?
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In theory, you can… but there are a couple of important issues to consider: (1) I will only offer a certain number of memberships each year. (2) It’s likely that the price will increase in future years. By maintaining continuous membership, you’re guaranteed to be locked in at the current rate. If you drop out and re-join, you will have to do so at the rates offered that year.
Can I join, opt-out, and join again?
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May 18-25 is Membership Week! This is your chance to grab a spot right here on my website. Once you've signed the agreement and purchased the membership (paid the 1st month), you will have access to the dashboard with all the information you need to get ready for a year and book your spring session (or wait until next fall).
How do I sign up?
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Unfortunately no. You'll need to wait until I reopen the Yearbook Club again next year, as I would like all members to start and finish at the same time. You can still book a session with me any time during the year at full cost.
I missed Membership Week. Can I join now?
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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.
What if we need to reschedule?
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Yep! Once you sign up and make that initial payment, you can book your sessions immediately (you'll get a link for my calendar). Further, you will receive your gallery on my normal schedule (typically 2-3 weeks after the session), and will be able to download your files as soon as you have access to the gallery. TRUST and HONESTY are two important values in my business and it goes both ways. :)
What if I haven't paid the whole year by the time we have our sessions? Will I still get my photos?
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How do I get my family (or apprehensive partner) on board?
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.
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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.
What should we be doing during our session?
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Both of these abbreviated sessions are exclusive to members.
Minis are 20 min sessions, back-to-back, and the date and East Bay location are pre-determined by me once all membership is finalized. They come with 7 photos. One complimentary Mini Session is offered to Drama Club members in June or July 2023.
Petite Sessions are one-off sessions opened to all members that you can book as many sessions as you want throughout the year. They are like Minis, except you can schedule it where (within 25 miles of Alameda) and when you want (except Oct-Dec). These depend on my availability and need to be scheduled directly through me, rather than the self-scheduling calendar. They last 45 minutes, and you receive around 20 files for an additional $55/month.
What's the difference between Mini and Petite Sessions?
Carmen is more than a photographer, she is a healer and a storyteller. I couldn't speak more highly of her as a creator or a person.
ALISON
Carmen has given us a priceless gift with her skill and artistry, and I have no doubt that this video will forever be some of the best money I've ever spent. It is tangible comfort for all the emotions of this time in our lives. Actual medicine for my soul and now one of my most treasured possessions. I would recommend that anyone with that same longing to capture a moment in time, especially parents, to go for the film option (which also generously includes a limited number of photos). When I watch it I feel like I'm back in that moment and I couldn't be more grateful.
Wanna chat through locations, what to wear, or just prefer a phone call over email?