Limited Edition Mini Sessions on the Peninsula
Spring Minis
Curated Seasonal Themes for Every Stage of Motherhood
If you are chasing the best floral blooms the San Francisco Peninsula has to offer or looking for a modern studio Mommy and Me session or a Personality Portrait for your child, you are in the right place. Each location is carefully curated and scouted to capture the most vibrant, colorful, and fragrant blooms at their peak for just a few short weeks.
These seasonal, limited edition mini sessions are timed perfectly for family or maternity photos, Mommy and Me mini sessions, and sessions for kids, couples, and high school seniors.
The Collected Sessions
Tulips
Tulips arrive in early spring, bringing fresh color and a soft, joyful energy to the season. Tucked inside San Francisco, the iconic Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden feels like a quiet moment transported straight to the Netherlands. For just a few short weeks, rows of vibrant blooms create a bright, timeless backdrop for images filled with color and connection. Tulip season peaks in March and April, making now the perfect time to capture it before it fades.
Tulip blooms are naturally unpredictable, so session dates may shift by one to two weeks. Final dates are confirmed once the blooms reach their peak. Booking with flexibility is essential.
Personality Portraits Kids
If you are chasing the best floral blooms the San Francisco Peninsula has to offer or looking for a modern studio Mommy and Me session or a Personality Portrait for your child, you are in the right place. Each location is carefully curated and scouted to capture the most vibrant, colorful, and fragrant blooms at their peak for just a few short weeks.
Personality photo sessions for kids are a fun, relaxed photo experience designed especially for kids. These sessions take place in a stress-free studio setting where children can be themselves and parents can feel at ease. Think school picture day without the pressure. Real smiles, natural expressions, and moments that reflect your child’s energy and personality, all photographed against a beige or black, minimalist backdrop. It is a simple, meaningful way to document each stage of childhood.
A cozy, intimate studio experience focused on connection, these mini sessions take place in a minimalist studio setting with a modern, a beige or black, minimalist backdrop that keeps the focus on you and your child. Sessions are short and relaxed, designed to celebrate how you love, play, and connect together. There is no pressure and nothing to perform. Just beautiful images that reflect the closeness you share right now. The way your child fits into you, the cuddles, the smiles, and the sweet moments that melt your heart.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a mini session at Gamble Garden, where the historic two and a half acre property blooms layer by layer in spring, surrounding you with wisteria, cherry blossoms, roses, and tulips in every direction. This garden offers beautiful variety within an easy walkable space, allowing us to move from floral arches to climbing vines to lush greenery in one relaxed session without ever feeling rushed. Each turn feels cohesive and timeless. Romantic, refined, and peaceful, it is a meaningful setting to honor motherhood and document your family in a way that feels natural, heartfelt, and enduring.
Roses come into full bloom in late spring, filling the gardens of San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, often celebrated as America’s Best Rose Garden. From May through June, warm light and thousands of roses at their peak create a lush, timeless setting that feels calm and romantic. This fleeting window is a beautiful moment to pause, slow down, and capture this chapter while the garden is at its most vibrant.
“Ellen is absolutely incredible!”
"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, Burlingame Mom
“Ellen is very professional”
" 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."
- Tammy, San Mateo Mom
“Ellen took the photos of my dreams!”
"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, Toddler Mom
"5/5 stars for an amazing experience and stunning family portraits!"
"Ellen was fantastic, instantly building a warm connection with our family that made us all feel very comfortable."
- Janey, Mom of 3
"We can't thank her enough and already look forward to our next shoot!"
"We could not be happier with the experience and results"
- Helen, Mom of 2
"Ellen is a pure talent, creative and sweet soul!"
"Ellen does lifestyle photos and she was able to capture the most raw, real moments. The pictures turned out to be so beautiful."
- SR, Newborn Mom
“Working with Ellen was an absolute joy!”
"Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented, flexible, and genuinely fun photographer for family photography!"
- Brett, Newborn Dad
"Ellen did an amazing job... 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. "
- Janice, Newborn Mom
"We had such a wonderful and fun experience working with Ellen"
"If you're looking to have some family photos done, look no further than Ellen! You will not be disappointed!"
- Zaneta, Dog Mom