Welcome Friends, I'm Ellen
Your Steady Guide for Heartfelt Portraits
I’m a natural light photographer specializing in calm, well-led sessions for Peninsula families. Based in Millbrae, I regularly document motherhood stories across the Easton Addition of Burlingame, the tree-lined streets of Palo Alto, and the leafy neighborhoods of San Mateo and Redwood City. My goal is to capture your family’s unique rhythm from the quiet nursery light of an in-home newborn session to the golden hour energy of a sunset maternity shoot at Coyote Point.
I specialize in heartfelt family, newborn, and maternity sessions that take place in the quiet comfort of your home or at the Peninsula's most beautiful outdoor locations. I’m here to take the lead, capturing the genuine joy and beautifully candid moments that make your family story unique.
Each session is baby-led and child-friendly. I'll take a steady, reassuring lead so you can relax and simply be present with those you love most.
Choose the Experience That Fits Your Family
Relaxed, in-home portraits in your own nursery. Serving families at Mills-Peninsula and Sequoia Hospitals.
Play-based sessions from Palo Alto gardens to San Mateo beaches.
Golden hour stories captured between weeks 28 and 34 for comfort and beauty.
What a Guided Lifestyle Photography Experience Means
Lifestyle photography focuses on real moments and genuine connection rather than stiff performance. My approach is 80% natural interaction and 20% soft guidance. I lead the flow so toddlers can be themselves, often ending with a reward at the 54-foot slide at Junipero Serra Park, while newborns set a relaxed, baby-led pace in their own familiar space.
Serving families across the Bay Area including Burlingame, San Mateo, and San Francisco
Peninsula newborn, maternity, and family photography
“Ellen took the photos of my dreams!
Let her take the lead. She knows exactly what she’s doing."
- Denise G., Palo Alto Mom
I believe in building trust, making every session feel effortless, and turning first-time clients into lifelong connections.
"Working with Ellen was an absolute joy! She made the entire maternity shoot feel effortless and fun for my wife and me.
We even requested a last-minute location change, and she quickly pivoted to a beautiful alternative spot with sunny skies.
She made us feel completely at ease the entire time. Most importantly, the photos are stunning—natural, heartfelt, and exactly what we hoped for as we prepare to welcome our baby boy.
Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented, flexible, and genuinely fun photographer for family photography!"
- Brett S., San Mateo Dad
"Working with Ellen was an absolute joy! "
"She was super efficient and knew exactly where to put us. We got so many amazing photos in less than an hour! "
"We had our photoshoot with Ellen on a very unusually warm day in the Bay Area! I was worried about the temperature, but Ellen was so efficient and kept us in the shade and worked her magic to produce some beautiful family photos of us!
As a parent, it can be challenging to bring little ones to something that can be so demanding. But Ellen did her research and already had the art direction in her mind, so she was super efficient and knew exactly where to put us.
We got so many amazing photos in less than an hour! Ellen is also super resourceful as a mom herself and writes in her blog about tips and tricks for photo sessions.
We loved our experience with her and hope to work with her again soon!"
- Tammy C., San Mateo mom
You can tell that Ellen is very professional and passionate about being a photographer. She scoped out the location ahead of time and was so patient with my four-year-old son who is a tornado!
I asked her what colors we should wear, what time to meet, and she even chose the location. I followed her lead—and I’m so glad I did.
I’ve never been a fan of candid photos because I felt they didn’t capture our best angles, but Ellen proved me completely wrong. With the right photographer, candid moments can be breathtaking. She didn’t just take photos—she captured memories, froze time, and gave us portraits we’ll always cherish.
Ellen is fun, easy to work with, and amazing with kids. When she suggests a pose or an idea—just go with it! My husband and I were both surprised by how much we loved the variety of shots she took. Honestly, I never thought I’d say this, but I ended up loving the candid photos even more than the posed ones.
We highly recommend Ellen to anyone looking for a fun, relaxed, and truly magical photo session. Let her take the lead—she knows exactly what she’s doing."
- Denise G., Bay Area Mom
"Ellen proved me completely wrong."
"Ellen took the photos of my dreams.
When you see our album, the sunset shots look like something straight out of a movie. I’m usually very particular—I plan the location, coordinate family outfits, and even share sample photos with the photographer.
But this time, I decided to completely trust Ellen.
"Ellen did such a wonderful job with our family photos!"
"Ellen did such a wonderful job with our family photos! This was our very first time taking professional pictures as a family — and with a two-year-old, we weren’t sure how it would go. But Ellen made us feel comfortable right away and captured the most beautiful, natural moments. Even though we were running late and our session time was shorter than planned, she was incredibly understanding and still managed to take so many amazing shots. We’re so happy with how everything turned out and can’t wait to work with her again for future family milestones!
- Jenny F., Millbrae toddler mom
"The memories she captured are stunning"
We had our maternity session with Ellen and had such a wonderful and fun time. The memories she captured are stunning and are something we will keep forever.
- Victor S., San Mateo newborn father
"Ellen is absolutely incredible! ...
can’t wait to work with her again! "
"Ellen is absolutely incredible! She is organized from beginning to end.
She provided outfit recommendations, selected the perfect venue and answered any questions we had leading up to the shoot.
She captured our family photos so beautifully and made the whole experience feel natural and fun, even with two little ones in the mix.
The photos turned out better than I could have imagined. They were warm, genuine, and full of joy.
We’ll treasure these forever and can’t wait to work with her again!"
- Kaitlyn S., Burlingame Mom
Ellen has an incredible eye for capturing those fleeting, real moments. One of our favorite shots is of our daughter comforting her little brother after he took a tiny tumble. It was a small moment in the middle of the session but Ellen captured it perfectly. No prompting, no posing, just pure love between siblings.
Ellen manages to find beauty in the everyday. She found the most photogenic spots in our local neighborhood park and somehow made it feel like a secret garden.
We were blown away by the gallery of photos that felt so genuinely us. We can't thank her enough and already look forward to our next shoot!"
- Helen L., San Francisco Mom
"We were blown away by the gallery of photos that felt so genuinely us."
"We could not be happier with the experience and results of working with Ellen for our family photos. From the beginning, Ellen made all of us feel completely at ease.
The entire session felt natural and fun, never forced or awkward. It felt like we were hanging out with a (very talented) friend who just happened to have a camera in her hand. The session was relaxed and full of laughs.
Ellen has an incredible eye for capturing those fleeting, real moments. One of our favorite shots is of our daughter comforting her little brother after he took a tiny tumble. It was a small moment in the middle of the session but Ellen captured it perfectly. No prompting, no posing, just pure love between siblings.
Ellen manages to find beauty in the everyday. She found the most photogenic spots in our local neighborhood park and somehow made it feel like a secret garden.
We were blown away by the gallery of photos that felt so genuinely us. We can't thank her enough and already look forward to our next shoot!
"Our family photo session with Ellen was a delight! The entire experience was smooth, professional, and filled with just the right amount of fun.
Ellen was fantastic, instantly building a warm connection with our family that made us all feel very comfortable. She guided us with creative ideas while perfectly capturing our natural dynamic.
The photos are outstanding—each one beautifully composed with vibrant lighting and attention to detail that showcases our family’s warmth and connection.
We’re impressed with the results and will treasure these memories forever!
5/5 stars for an amazing experience and stunning family portraits!"
- Janey C., San Bruno Mom
"The photos are outstanding... 5/5 stars"
"Ellen is a fantastic photographer. She came to our home and did a photo shoot for our newborn.
At age of 5 weeks old, she was very fussy. But Ellen had a great energy and made the process seamless and stress free.
My daughter barely cried and even gave her first smile to Ellen! Ellen does lifestyle photos and she was able to capture the most raw, real moments.
The pictures turned out to be so beautiful. Ellen is a pure talent, creative and sweet soul! ❤️❤️"
-SR, San Francisco Mom
"Ellen is a pure talent, creative and sweet soul!"
"Ellen did an amazing job capturing photos of me and my newborn that I will cherish forever!!
She had ideas of poses and found great locations in my home where she spotted great lighting for us take photos.
I'm so appreciative of her for capturing me and my baby."
- Janice H., San Francisco Mom
"Ellen did an amazing job"
"Thank you so much for taking the time to photograph our family. You were incredibly patient, even with Leny’s crying, and still managed to capture some beautiful moments.
It was really easy and fun working with you. Your guidance throughout the shoot made us feel very commutable.
We love the photos and really appreciate your time and talent.
Big thank you!"
-JL, Bay Area Mom
"Working with you was a dream. Thank you!!"
"We had such a wonderful and fun experience working with Ellen, and came away with lovely family photos that will be cherished for many years to come.
Leading up to the shoot, she was easy to get a hold of and already had some locations in mind and an ideal time to capture the best lighting.
On the day of, she gave clear directions so the poses came out looking natural. She also used the location to inspire her to find unique spots to take photos, which turned out lovely.
"If you're looking to have some family photos done, look no further than Ellen! "
Ellen is also fun to talk to and puts you at ease. She is flexible during the shoot and can still get great shots even if not all the family members are cooperating (we took photos with our dog who is camera-shy).
We received our photos extremely quickly after the photoshoot. They were easy to access via a link (and to share with family members ahead of time), and we could download the photos easily to our computer.
If you're looking to have some family photos done, look no further than Ellen! You will not be disappointed!"
-Zaneta C., San Mateo Dog Mom
Why Choosing a Well-Led Experience Changes Everything
The right photographer isn't just about style. It’s about how the experience feels. When you trust the process and don't have to manage the moment, real connection shows up. Even if your toddler melts down at Washington Park or your newborn needs a feeding break, I’ve got you. I work efficiently to capture deep heart in less time than you think.
Peninsula Parenting & Photography Guides
Helpful resources for busy parents, from what to wear to our favorite local hidden gems.
Expecting a baby? Read my guide on when is the best time to take newborn photos, when to book your session, what to wear, and how I help even the fussiest babies settle in. It all takes place in a relaxed, connection focused session you can enjoy right at home.
Searching for beautiful, stress free Bay Area photography locations for family photos on the Peninsula? This guide highlights the best spots across San Mateo County, Burlingame, Millbrae, and Palo Alto, with insight on light, seasonal color, toddler friendly space, accessibility, and permits so you can plan with confidence.
Wondering what to wear for family photos? On the San Francisco Peninsula, the key is choosing comfortable, neutral pieces that move naturally, photograph beautifully in coastal light, and coordinate with ease so your Palo Alto or Burlingame session feels timeless, elegant, and centered on connection.
Freebie
Family Photo Session Prep Guide
Join my email community and receive my comprehensive Family Prep Guide, with helpful tips on what to wear, location planning, simple checklists, and more to help your family feel calm, prepared, and confident.
You will also receive early access to mini session bookings, occasional savings, and monthly updates with practical photography tips.
Does planning a family session feel overwhelming?
