Silhouette of person in dress against dramatic orange and purple sunset sky.
Young child covering face playfully while standing on rocky terrain with family in background.
Nursing graduate in blue scrubs holding decorative RN letters outdoors at sunset.
Person in white dress standing in garden with golden sunlight streaming through leaves.
Person in denim overalls lying on grass during golden hour portrait session.
Joyful piggyback ride in a park with dappled sunlight streaming through trees.
Person in white crop top and jeans posing in field with wooden fence and trees.
Family portrait showing parents holding hands with child in white dress outdoors.
Intimate couple sharing a tender kiss outdoors with soft natural lighting.
Person in pink gingham dress smiling while holding necklace outdoors with bokeh background.
Person with curly blonde hair in white sweater leaning on white fence during sunset.
Silhouetted couple embracing in a field during golden hour with sun flare between them.
Black and white photo of two figures walking with dog on misty beach.
Person in denim and flannel standing beside yellow airplane on tarmac with genuine smile.
Woman in white dress throwing graduation cap in lush garden setting.
Person in white lace dress standing in grassy field during summer photoshoot.
Person browsing through vinyl records in a wooden crate at a dimly lit record store.
Romantic couple embracing at sunset in a park with golden light filtering through trees.
Woman in white sundress and red boots poses in golden field at sunset.
Small toddler holding parents' hands while taking first steps on a picnic blanket outdoors.
Close-up black and white photo of baby feet on textured blanket.
Woman in white dress holds colorful wildflower bouquet in summer field.
Black and white photo of couple in warm sweaters embracing in a garden.
A parent lifts a child playfully in the air at the beach during sunset.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment while embracing in golden sunset light.
Silhouette of couple embracing on rocky beach at sunset against ocean backdrop.
Black and white portrait of couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors.
A toddler in a red sweater holds hands with parents while walking through fallen autumn leaves.
Woman in blue dress holds orange cocktail near stained glass window.
A young family smiles together while holding their baby during a beach photoshoot.
A family of four poses together under a blooming red tree during fall.
Woman in jeans and white top twirls happily in sunny field with wooden fence.
Candid black and white photo of couple embracing outdoors.
Two graduates toss their caps in celebration under green trees on a sunny day.
Three men in dark casual attire pose together under a large tree.
Black and white portrait of someone seated on a couch with framed photographs on wall behind.
Woman in white dress sits on wooden stool holding colorful flowers in garden setting.
Black and white photo of someone in western wear standing close to a horse.
Two friends in princess gowns and tiaras pose together in pink and blue dresses.
Two friends share a joyful embrace while laughing together in a golden sunset field.
Person in flowing red dress twirls dramatically at sunset in a grassy field.
Graduate poses on steps of Cotchett Education Building in green graduation attire.
Two children in matching purple and white floral dresses laugh while playing outdoors.
Child in red sweater hugging someone wearing a green knit dress outdoors.
Person in sparkling blue formal dress posing outdoors with trees in background.
Child in floral dress plays in fallen autumn leaves at sunset under a large tree.
Three people standing in casual attire under covered walkway with terracotta walls.
Baby wearing gray sweater and white bow sits on yellow blanket while smiling and laughing.
Artistic portrait of woman surrounded by delicate foliage in natural lighting.
Person in white long sleeve top looking to side against coastal landscape in black and white.
Couple in sweaters embracing and smiling among birch trees in a park.
Woman in white off-shoulder top and burgundy pants poses on sunlit path.
Person with curly hair in striped sweater lying on grass in black and white portrait.
Person in light blue button-down shirt leaning against tree trunk in garden setting.
Cheerleader in royal blue outfit holding white and blue pom poms while smiling outdoors.
Smiling baby in striped shirt holding hands while standing on grass.
Football player wearing black and yellow jersey with number 6 stands on grassy field.
Person in white dress poses by rocky coastline during golden hour.
White dress-clad figure twirling joyfully on beach with pier in background.
Portrait in blooming garden with purple flowers and off-shoulder floral dress.

 

based in Lompoc, California


Central Coast Portrait Photographer


Candid moments. Classic style. Memories that age well.

 

A person in a black sweater holding a small black dog stands in front of a lush green vine-covered wall.

Hi, I’m Erin.


Quiet observer. Natural light chaser. The one behind the camera gently reminding you that no, you don’t have to know what to do with your hands.


I’m a Lompoc portrait photographer serving California’s Central Coast, from Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. I specialize in natural light portraits for high school seniors, families, couples, and creatives.


My sessions are relaxed, candid, and filled with the little in-between moments that make your story yours.


Awkward jokes come standard. You’ve been warned.

Inquire Today

 

Not sure where to begin? Start right here.

How does this all work?

 

A person in a red dress holds a bouquet of pink roses while looking off into the distance.

STEP 01

Book Me


The first step to capturing amazing photos? Booking your session! If you want to chat a little more before booking, just send me an inquiry, and your message will land straight in my inbox, no middleman, no bots, just me. We'll chat one-on-one so I can get to know exactly what you're looking for.


Once we've connected, we'll pick a date. Since I shoot during golden hour (that dreamy two-hour window before sunset), securing a date is key. But if golden hour doesn't fit your schedule, don't worry, we'll find the perfect time.


After that, I'll send you a booking confirmation, and you'll be officially on my calendar. Easy, right? Now, onto the fun part, planning your perfect session!

A tender moment between parent and child on a sunlit dirt path surrounded by greenery.

STEP 02

Plan


Choose a location that matches the vibe you're going for: peaceful, playful, romantic, whatever feels most like you. If you're not sure where to start, my locations page has some great inspiration.


When it comes to outfits, comfort is key. Wear what fits well and feels like you, and feel free to bring a few options to switch things up throughout the session.


Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, since we’re chasing golden hour light. Even a small delay can cut into our best time. Be ready to move around a bit; I like to keep things flowing so no one (especially the littles) loses interest. If walking or mobility is a concern, just give me a heads-up ahead of time so I can plan accordingly. I’ll take care of the details; you just show up ready to enjoy it.

A family walks together along a beach shoreline on an overcast day.

STEP 03

Delivery


After your session, I’ll post sneak peeks on social media that same night, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram and Facebook to catch them when they go up. You’re welcome to share them from there!


If you’d rather keep your images off social media, no problem at all, just let me know.


I carefully sort and edit your final gallery, which usually takes about 2 weeks depending on the season. Once it’s ready, you’ll get an email with a link and password to your gallery where you can download, share, and print all your high-resolution images with ease.

 

Fresh Stories, Real People.

Latest Blogs

 

A vintage black and white photograph shows someone working behind a kitchen counter with shelves of canisters visible.

July 8th, 2025

The Artist

Personal
A group poses together on a wooden bridge walkway surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.

June 25th, 2025

The Loving-Rudolph Family Session at the Santa Ynez Botanical Garden

Family Session
Three young people hold hands while standing together outdoors at sunset with green foliage in the background.

June 24th, 2025

Avery, Delanie, and Marianne’s Friendship Session at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Arroyo Burro Beach

Senior Session
Person in white dress stands in profile against rolling hills landscape.

 

BECAUSE SOME MOMENTS DESERVE TO LAST FOREVER.

LET’S MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE

 

Inquire Today
Black and white portrait of parents lovingly kissing their young child from both sides in an intimate family pose.

"...ERIN AT ELM PHOTOGRAPHY WAS BY FAR THE BEST EXPERIENCE WE HAVE HAD."

MAXIM FAMILY


"We have taken photos at four installations now and Erin at Elm Photography was by far the best experience we have had. She was very patient and creative with keeping our toddler's attention and the poses/locations she planned for us were great. We couldn't be happier with how our family photos turned out. 10/10."

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