Real Smiles, Silly Faces, and Everything in Between.

Family Sessions

 

REAL LIFE. REAL LOVE. REAL LOUD.


Families grow, change, and, let’s be honest, move faster than a toddler with a mouthful of sugar and zero remorse. One minute you’re cradling a newborn, the next they’re borrowing your shoes and calling you “bruh.” Life doesn’t come with a pause button, which is exactly why these ever-changing seasons are worth remembering.


Family sessions are for every kind of family. Small and mighty? Beautiful. Big and boisterous? Absolutely. Just mom and the kids? Perfect. Dad and his crew? Yes, please. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, or your delightful gang of lovable weirdos, bring them all. This space is for you.


These sessions aren’t about perfect poses or stiff smiles. They’re about real moments, joyful, messy, hilarious, chaotic, the kind that show the truth of who you are and how you love each other. Whether it’s a pile-on hug, an impromptu dance party, or a toddler sprinting into the sunset (with a parent in hot pursuit), I’ll be there to catch it.


Don’t wait for everyone’s schedules to magically align or for life to feel calm and camera-ready. Let’s tell this chapter exactly as it is, messy hair, mismatched socks, belly laughs and all.

Woman and child in white dresses sitting on wooden bench in outdoor garden setting.
Three people laughing and hugging outdoors under a tree in casual attire.
Group of people posing together outdoors at sunset with palm trees in background.
Family of four posing together by reflective pond with Spanish moss hanging from trees.
A graduation celebration photo with people wearing burgundy and yellow outfits against green foliage.
Woman in vibrant red dress poses with family on wooden bridge in sunny outdoor setting at park.
A group portrait of people standing together in front of a pink Spanish-style church building.
Family of four walking hand in hand along a misty beach shoreline.
A casual group photo of people sitting together on a white wooden gazebo bench outdoors.
Family of five poses together under large oak trees in dappled sunlight.
Family of three in casual attire poses together near a terracotta building at sunset.
Two people sharing a playful laugh in a garden while wearing summer attire.
A family walks together on a peaceful forest path during autumn.
Family of four poses together on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
Family sharing a tender moment together on a wooden bridge in nature.
A sweet candid moment shared on a wooden bench in a park setting.
Adult and child share a joyful moment dancing together under sunlit trees.
Family of four poses together under a red-berried tree in an autumn setting.
Three friends in colorful dresses jumping together on a misty beach.
Two people embracing while standing among trees in casual winter attire.
Playful family group enjoying a fun moment together on green grass.
A happy family poses together by a pool with their baby on a sunny day in a garden setting.
Four friends pose together under large trees on fallen autumn leaves.
Family group in coordinated neutral outfits pose together against a rustic outdoor backdrop.
Group of friends enjoying an outdoor gathering under large trees in a park setting.
A casual family portrait taken under a mission-style covered walkway.
A group sits together under a stone archway during an outdoor portrait session.
A cheerful group embraces in a tight hug while standing among trees at sunset.
Two people sharing a warm embrace while laughing during golden hour.
A joyful toddler walking on a blanket while holding hands with parents outdoors.
Black and white photo of a young child wearing a white dress standing in an outdoor wooded setting.

 

BECAUSE ‘PAUSE’ ONLY WORKS ON REMOTES, NOT REAL LIFE.

LET’S CAPTURE THE LOVE AND CHAOS

 

Inquire Today
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
A family group stands together on old stone steps against a weathered wall with exposed brick and columns.

April 24th, 2025

Vang & Hopper Family Session at La Purisima Mission

Family Session
A couple walks together along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and trees on a sunny day.

April 12th, 2025

Alex & Nora’s Mommy and Me Session at the Nipomo Native Garden

Family Session
Four people walking together on a dirt trail wearing coordinated blue and green sweaters and jeans in autumn.

"ERIN PUT EVERYONE AT EASE.."

B. JANSEN


"What a delightful November day at La Purisima Mission! We had never had photos of our extended family taken by a professional and we were extremely pleased with the experience and the extensive collection of photos in our gallery. Erin put everyone at ease, had confident ideas about posing and photo spots, and delivered more than the promised number of images. I am so glad we chose Elm Photography and we look forward to future sessions."