Family of five at South Lake Tahoe photographed by Stani

Raw & authentic experience

Portraits that heal. A journey through self-discovery.

Capturing raw moments of real families

Send inquiryInvestment

This is

Your personal family portrait experience

As a mother myself, I understand how challenging it can be to make the commitment to hire a professional photographer, select the location, pick the outfits, and make sure your children behave well. I truly appreciate you taking the time to invest in an experienced photographer who is also a parent. While the images from your session will be captured, printed and framed, the magic of the moment itself will only exist in the present moment while being in front of my camera's viewfinder.

Services

  • High school senior portraits
  • Lifestyle family portraits
  • Lifestyle newborn portraits at home
  • Lifestyle maternity portraits
  • Couples portraits – any age

Offering

  • Digital downloads, high and web res
  • All edited images for download or inside a keepsake box
  • Print release and personal usage rights
  • Password-protected online gallery
  • Online store with the option to create your own album

Starting from

$395 for a 30-minute weekday session · from $675 for a standard session, location and time chosen by you

Send inquiry
High school senior throwing a graduation cap in a vineyard

Your heirloom investment

Fixed collections

Your family is your world – they're the ones who are always there for you, through thick and thin. A lifestyle portrait session captures the essence of your family's unique personalities and creates a timeless heirloom you'll cherish for years to come.

Package 01

Simple

  • Planning consultation
  • 30 min photo coverage
  • Locations: Land Park, Davis, Old Town Sacramento, World Peace Rose Garden, Desert Garden or surroundings
  • Private boutique online art gallery
  • 10 digital images for download
  • Includes immediate family only

Weekdays only, in September, mid October and December.

$395
Send inquiry
Package 03

Deluxe

  • Planning consultation
  • 120 min photo coverage
  • Private boutique online gallery
  • All images for download
  • Up to 10 people, including extended family ($35 per extra person)
  • Perfect for family reunions
  • 100 miles round trip from zip 95691
Starts at$850
Send inquiry

A family heirloom

Build confidence. Record memories. Create experience.

What's a better gift to your family than a memorable portrait session that will last generations ahead?

Package 1

The Adventurer

  • Planning consultation
  • 120+ min photo coverage
  • Private boutique online gallery and online photo store
  • All digital images
  • Keepsake box
  • Professional photo album
  • Perfect for family reunions

An all-inclusive experience capturing your family story from a range of angles, with up to two locations and outfits – or a day in the life of your family. Extended family welcome.

Starts at$1,695
Book
Package 3

The Wonderer

  • Planning consultation
  • Up to 60 min photo coverage
  • Photo editing
  • Private boutique online art gallery and store
  • 15 digital images for download, high res
  • $50 store credit towards digital files or prints
  • Includes immediate family only

For individuals who prefer minimal time in front of the camera or have never had a professional shoot. Includes newborn and senior sessions. One location, one outfit.

Starts at$595
Book

Book directly

Weekly 30-minute session

Monday – Friday · one session per day at Land Park, Desert Garden or the Davis Arboretum (or anywhere nearby). Travel to a location of your choice has an additional charge.

  • 30 minutes
  • 10 digital web-res images
  • Private online gallery and online store

$395

Time slots are exact, but the time can be moved later in the day as long as it is after 4 pm. Once you book, please contact me to schedule the exact time you desire.

Form not loading? Open it in a new tab.

Portfolio

Real families, real moments

See the full families gallery

How it all works

Three simple steps

  1. 01

    Get in touch and choose the package

    Send an inquiry with your family size, preferred season and the kind of session you have in mind. We will pick the package and location together.

  2. 02

    Accept the quote, sign the contract, pay the deposit

    A 50% deposit and the signed agreement confirm your date. All payments are accepted; there is a 3.5% fee for credit cards.

  3. 03

    Enjoy your session and your images after

    Your edited images arrive in a private boutique online gallery with an integrated store for prints, albums and wall art.

Family portraits FAQ

Questions parents ask me

01. What's the best time of the day to make family photos?

As a natural light photographer capturing real moments, 1–2 hours before sunset is the best lighting for organic outdoor images. The other option is a documentary lifestyle session in your house, which can be done almost any time of day that suits your family. It also depends on how old your children are and their nap time – we want kids who are well-rested, fed and happy! Kids who go to bed by 7–8 pm may not enjoy the late sunsets from May to September; those families do better in March, April, September, October and November. December has the shortest days, so booking by 2–3 pm is recommended. Summer, with its longer days, suits adventurous families with older kids who want to travel to more interesting destinations than the local parks.

02. Do you recommend locations or do we pick the location?

I am more than willing to travel to any location of your choice, but we can also collaborate to select the perfect spot for your family size, your children's ages and your family's personalities. There is no such thing as a bad location – my focus is on capturing authentic family portraits in the present moment, whether in an urban setting, in nature, or inside the comfort of your home. Think of the session as a family day activity: not just taking photos together but being together, having fun, getting out of your comfort zone and building confidence. Everyone will be more relaxed, leading to more natural and candid moments.

03. My husband and some of my kids aren't patient in front of the camera. What should I do?

As a photographer, a mother of two wildlings and a wife, I understand that husbands and children are not always enthusiastic about being in front of the camera. Fear not! I document your family's genuine, unfiltered moments. Rather than fretting over your loved ones' behaviour, let's focus on making memories. The more relaxed you are, the more magical our session will be. I don't make a theatrical set-up; I document real humans in real situations. Once we start, time flies and nobody notices how fast it passed.

04. My family isn't excited about family photos. Can we just do a few shots and pay less?

Just like a chef needs all of their secret ingredients to create a masterpiece dish, I must take my time to create the precious moments of your family with my unique vision – otherwise, why hire me? I'm not just clicking buttons on a camera; I'm an artist committed to giving you a unique and memorable experience. While you focus on getting dolled up, leave the creative part to me. Trust me to capture the true essence of your family's bond and personality, and the end result will be worth it.

05. Do you sell prints, cards, photo books and albums?

Yes. Your images are uploaded to a private boutique gallery with an integrated shop of high-quality professional photo products such as fine art prints, canvas prints and framed prints with matte. You can design your own albums, upload your own photos and hide photos you don't want to share. After your session we schedule a time to go over the photo products and pick the wall art that matches your home's interior and style.

Clients

Kind words

“I cannot say enough amazing things about Stani! She has been photographing our family every year for 7 years. She has a magical way of capturing those special moments when our entire family feels so relaxed that we can really be ourselves and the result is beautiful every time. Stani is wonderful with both young children and larger groups like our big extended family. She consistently chooses beautiful and unique locations that complement our family's style. Thanks to Stani we have beautiful artwork in our home and unique holiday cards every year. I would trust Stani to photograph each and every event for our family, no matter how big or small. Thank you Stani for all the beautiful memories!”
— Nicole DortFamily portraits, 7 years running · Benicia, California
“Hi Stani – I am beyond words. I am tearing up after looking at your amazing photos. You have exceeded any possible expectation that I could have. The photos were amazing. You are so talented!”
— Mary Beth O'KeefeFamily portraits, Lake Tahoe

View more testimonials

You're ready?

Let's have a chat

If you are looking for real, raw and authentic family photography captured in a fine art style, that's me!

Send inquiry