Best Big Sur Family Photographer

What to Look for in a Family Photographer

Choosing the right family photographer ensures you get beautiful, timeless images that capture your family’s personality and connections. Whether you want casual lifestyle shots or a more polished portrait session, here’s what to consider when hiring a family photographer.

1. Experience with Family Photography

Not all photographers specialize in working with families, especially those with young kids. Look for someone who:

• Has experience posing families naturally and making everyone feel comfortable.
• Is skilled at working with children and pets, if applicable.
• Knows how to capture both posed and candid moments.

A family photographer should be able to guide you through the session while keeping things fun and stress-free.

2. Photography Style

Every photographer has a different style. Consider what fits your vision:

• Lifestyle & Candid: Natural, documentary-style photos capturing real moments.
• Classic & Posed: Traditional portraits with a polished look.
• Light & Airy: Soft, bright images with pastel tones.
• Dark & Moody: Dramatic lighting with deep, rich colors.

Check the photographer’s portfolio to ensure their editing style matches what you’re looking for.

I am a Lifestyle and Candid Family Photographer. I want to capture your family through natural movement. My goal is to capture those special moments while everyone is just being themselves. When you schedule a family session with me, you can expect to snuggle with your kiddos, run on the beach, pick some flowers together and throw your kids in the air. No awkward posing allowed! Check out this adorable Adventure Family Session in Big Sur - this is my 5th time photographing this gorgeous family!!

3. Location Flexibility

Decide whether you want:

• An outdoor session at a park, beach, or other scenic location.
• A studio session for more controlled lighting and a classic backdrop.
• An in-home session for a cozy, personal feel.

Make sure your photographer is comfortable shooting in your preferred setting.

I photograph in all of these locations, but I specialize in Big Sur Adventure Family Sessions! Big Sur has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and my parents used to take us on a camping trip every year in Big Sur. Now that I have my own children-we still schedule those same annual camping trips in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. My favorite location for Big Sur Adventure Family sessions is Garrapata State Beach. There is so much room for kids to run in the sand, play in the water and walk along the wildflowers along the trail head. Check out one of my favorite Family Sessions here.

4. Personality & Connection

• Do you feel comfortable with them? (A great photographer helps you feel at ease!)
• Are they patient, friendly, and good at directing without making it feel stiff?

Before it's event time for your session, my goal is to make sure we really know each other! Weeks before your scheduled date, we will have a phone call going over all the details, any questions you might have and the opportunity to just chat and to get to know one another. You can tell me about your families quirks and personalities! This my chance to tell you not to worry about your children's behavior! My goal is not to make it look like you have perfect children (there is no such thing!) My goal is to capture your beautiful kids exactly as they are at that moment. Did they just lose a tooth? Awesome! I will make sure to get a close-up of that super cute smile! Do they have a favorite stuffed animal at this point in life? Great, let's make sure to bring it and a have a cuddle session. Not sure how to "act" in front of a camera? Absolutely fine! I will give you prompts on how to naturally interact with your loved ones instead of just awkwardly smiling at the camera.

5. Pricing & Packages

• Does their pricing align with your budget?
• What’s included (digital images, prints, albums)?

There is a photographer for every family and for every budget. It really depends on what your priorities are. I believe my value is shown through many different aspects, from beginning to end. I have years of experience in posing, lighting, and working with families, especially kids. I spend hours editing each session to ensure perfect colors, skin tones, and details. Custom retouching takes time, and higher-quality edits usually mean higher prices. My goal is for your final gallery to be beautiful and consistent. I use professional-grade cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software, which all come at a high cost, but produce the best results. I also have backup gear to ensure a smooth session in case of technical issues, and which also means I will never lose your important images! A family session isn’t just the shooting time—it includes planning, scouting locations, travel, shooting, editing, and delivering the final images. I want to provide a more relaxed, guided experience for all of my clients. I also offer wardrobe styling, location guidance, and print services. The more personalized the experience, the higher the cost. Check out my FREE guide on What to Wear For Your Family Photos!

6. Reviews & Reputation

• Do they have positive testimonials from past families?
• Are they professional and reliable?

Wondering what it's like to work with me?!? Take a look at my 5 Star reviews on Google here! I have worked with hundreds of families and my favorite feedback after a session is "Wow! That was actually fun!" (especially when it comes from Dad ;)

7. Turnaround Time & Delivery

• How long do they take to edit and deliver photos?
• Do they offer an online gallery or prints?

My guaranteed turnaround time for your Big Sur Family Session is 3 weeks, although I do typically deliver more within 1-2 two weeks depending on busy season! Your session always includes a slideshow (it's like a great little movie with music, guaranteed to make you cry!) and a full final gallery of all the best images from your session. Every photo in your gallery is yours to view, share, download! No upselling here! You can even print straight from your gallery - it's super easy! I use a high-end printing lab that guarantees accurate color and quality for years to come. And if you ever have questions about printing, I am your expert for life - just ask!

Final Tips

Trust Your Instincts

If you love their work and feel at ease talking to your photographer, they’re likely a great fit for your family!