Really Real Life

North Park family photographer

In the middle of an international move, (not my first, but hopefully my last) I received an email from Misty. Literally. I checked my email when we stopped in Alaska after leaving Guam and there was my dream inquiry. What made it a dream inquiry? She had already experienced documentary style family photography and was COMMITTED. She wanted messy, crying, laughing, colorful real life. All of it. During her session, I don’t think anyone stopped moving for more than 45 seconds and I believe we experienced the entire range of human emotion in a two hour period. It was truly my favorite kind of session.

Their North Park home was already full of everything we needed. Kids running from room to room, snacks, tears, games, color, tiny interruptions and about twelve different things happening at once. This is why I love photographing families at home. The house isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the story.

When you come into a session already on board with the messy, weird, real-life parts, we get to skip right to the fun part. The warm-up is shorter. You trust me when I say, “do what you normally do.” You know I’m there to take photos of all the moments you wish you could take yourself. You believe this thing called life is silly and weird and isn’t always that serious. You just want to hang on to this time right now for a litttttle bit longer.

If that sounds like you even a little bit, why have you not gotten in touch with me yet?? I love you already.

If messy, funny, slightly chaotic real life sounds a lot more like your family than everyone sitting nicely and smiling at the camera, you can read more about my San Diego family photography sessions here.

I have a handful of family session spots left for the rest of 2026. If you want photos that feel like your actual family, I’d love to help you make it happen. LET’S DO THIS →