Think coordinated, not matching. Pick soft, muted tones that complement each other (creams, sands, sages, dusty blues) and skip the logos, neon, and busy patterns. My advice for moms: choose your outfit first, something you feel genuinely good in, then build everyone else around it. And dress the kids in clothes they can actually move in. A comfortable kid is a happy kid is a photogenic kid!

Yes, I promise it will. I don't expect your kids to perform, and the session isn't built around everyone holding still and smiling at the camera anyways. We play, we walk, we throw kids in the air (gently, of course). Some of the best photos happen in the in-between moments, right after the "posed" one falls apart. I'm a dad myself, so nothing your toddler does will surprise me. Also bring snacks and water. Food helps everything.

The hour or two before sunset gives the softest, warmest light, and it's my favorite window to shoot in. That said, nap schedules win every time. A rested, fed kid at 10am will out-photograph a golden hour meltdown, no contest. Morning light is beautiful too. Tell me your family's rhythm and we'll plan around it.

I'm based in Long Beach and photograph families all over Los Angeles and Orange County, so we have no shortage of beaches, bluffs, gardens, and parks to choose from. I'll recommend spots based on the look you're after and the time of day. If you'd rather stay home, in-home sessions are a great fit for families with babies, and honestly some of my favorite images come from a living room with good window light. You can also check out my locations guide on the Resources page of my website.

In general, I try and give you as many photos as I can without giving you duplicates or ones that you obviously wouldn’t want. For me, I genuinely want you to have all the good photos, which is why I often deliver even more than promised.

For up to date information on my family photography collections, please refer to the family photo collections section on the family photography page of my site.

You'll get a sneak peek within a few days, because I know the waiting is the hardest part. Then, your fully edited gallery will be delivered online within two weeks, where you can download, share, and order prints.

Every image you receive is fully edited with subtle retouching if needed/desired. Beyond editing, a lot of it comes down to direction. I'll guide you into angles and movement that flatter, and most of the time you'll be looking at your kids or family instead of the camera anyway so don’t over think it.

Almost every family says this, and almost every family forgets about the camera ten minutes in. I direct the entire session with simple prompts and a little movement, so you're never left standing there wondering what to do with your hands. My goal is to provide just enough structure to make it look effortless!

Kids get sick and the weather can be unpredictable, even in beautiful southern California. If your family is under the weather or the forecast falls apart, we can usually reschedule. Refer to our contract and give me as much notice as you can and I will do my best to accommodate.

Yes please! Just keep in mind sometimes these groups take more time to photograph. For bigger groups, the extended session gives us enough time to photograph the whole crew plus each individual family. Dogs are welcome at most outdoor locations. Bring a leash, toys, and if you can, a friend who can take the pup once we've got those shots with them in it.

Your online gallery connects directly to a professional print lab, with archival papers that will genuinely outlast anything from a drugstore kiosk. These are the photos your kids will pull out in thirty years, so they're worth printing well. You'll also receive a print release if you'd rather print on your own.

For most of the year, 2 to 4 weeks out is plenty. Fall is the exception. Holiday card season fills up fast, so if you want an October or November weekend, reach out a month or two ahead. Also, being a wedding photographer as well, most Saturdays during peak season are busy. Usually Sunday afternoons during golden hour work best.