Family sessions are full of love laughter and connection. I guide your family with poses and prompts while keeping things relaxed fun and heartfelt.
We will capture natural moments that feel effortless and frame-worthy.
Bay Area Lifestyle Photography
Family Session
- 1-hour session at home or outdoor location
- 60+ beautifully edited, high-resolution digital images
- Location and styling guidance
- Immediate family and pets included
- Full printing and sharing rights
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your session:
Investment: $700
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
Celebrate your baby’s first days with soft natural images that honor this fleeting chapter.
Sessions are relaxed and baby-led with gentle guidance for a cozy stress-free experience.
- 1-hour photography session at your home
- 60+ beautifully edited, high-resolution digital images
- Location and styling guidance
- Immediate family and pets included
- Full printing and sharing rights
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your session:
Bump to Baby – $1,200
- Two sessions: Maternity and Newborn
- Includes 60+ edited digital images from each session
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake from each session, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your family:
Yearbook Collection – $1,700
- Three sessions: Maternity, Newborn, and a milestone session during baby’s first year
- Includes 60+ edited digital images per session
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake from each session, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your family:
Bundle Options
Bay Area In-Home Photography
Investment: $700
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
Maternity sessions are full of celebration and grace. Whether we are in your home or out in golden light we will capture the joy and beauty of this season with calm confident energy.
Bay Area Motherhood Photography
- 1-hour session at home or outdoor location
- 60+ beautifully edited, high-resolution digital images
- Location and styling guidance
- Immediate family and pets included
- Full printing and sharing rights
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your session:
Bump to Baby – $1,200
- Two sessions: Maternity and Newborn
- Includes 60+ edited digital images from each session
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake from each session, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your family:
Yearbook Collection – $1,700
- Three sessions: Maternity, Newborn, and a milestone session during baby’s first year
- Includes 60+ edited digital images per session
- Choice of a complimentary keepsake from each session, thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of your family:
Bundle Options
Investment: $700
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
— Cinematic Highlight Film, a 1-2 minute film set to music
Mini Sessions
- Family photos
- Solo portraits or headshots
- Maternity or Milestone moments
- Couple portraits
Held in dreamy Bay Area locations with glowing light cozy seasonal vibes and beautiful backdrops.
Seasonal Mini Sessions for Bay Area Families
- 15 minute outdoor session
- 5 beautifully edited, high-resolution digital images
- A private proofing gallery to choose your favorites
- Immediate family and pets are welcome
- Optional add-on full gallery and professional prints
“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
Your Experience Matters
Why Families Choose Me
I care about creating a seamless, joyful, and heartfelt experience from start to finish.
I care about the little details and making sure you have fun along the way.
I care about capturing the love, laughter, and moments that make family life so meaningful.
You love to laugh, embrace joy and spontaneity, and want your family photography session to feel just as fun and meaningful as the memories you’re capturing.
You’re drawn to natural light, true-to-life color, and timeless lifestyle imagery that celebrates the beauty in everyday connection.
You care about more than just pretty pictures. You want a photography experience that reflects your family’s personality, style, and love. Whether you’re booking a maternity, newborn, or family session, you want photos that feel like you.
Think we may be a good fit?
01
Clean timeless editing
As a lifestyle family photographer, I care deeply about thoughtful composition, clean lines, and natural textures that feel true to life. During editing, I enhance skin tones with subtle smoothing and gentle brightening to highlight your natural beauty. Never overdone, always timeless. Your photos will feel polished, authentic, and ready to be treasured.
02
Elevated Documentary Candids
I specialize in capturing real connection. The belly laughs, the bear hugs, the quiet in-between glances. Your gallery includes both frame-worthy portraits and candid, emotion-filled moments that feel honest and beautifully you.
The best of both worlds.
03
Vibrant Radiant Natural Colors
My work is known for rich, true-to-life color. I love a golden glow, creamy skin tones, and vibrant clothing that pops without feeling artificial. My goal is to create photography that feels alive. Warm, real, and timeless. This style photographs beautifully in albums, wall art, and heirloom prints for years to come.
04
Intentional Bay Area Locations
I carefully choose locations that reflect your family’s unique vibe. Natural light, beautiful backdrops, and plenty of space to explore and connect. When your family feels comfortable, the most authentic moments unfold. I especially love Bay Area gems like parks, beaches, lakes, and quiet garden paths.
05
Diverse Galleries & Quick Turnaround
During your session, I capture it all. From editorial-style portraits to sweet candid moments that tell your family’s love and connection. Your final gallery includes more than 60 beautifully lit and thoughtfully edited images that reflect your true bond. My turnaround fast because I cannot wait for you to see what we created together.
06
Smooth Guided Experience
Being in front of the camera can feel vulnerable. I guide you through every pose with support and ease so you feel confident and relaxed. From start to finish, your session is designed to be joyful and effortless. I tailor each experience to your family, with helpful tips, styling suggestions, and just the right amount of direction. My goal is for you to laugh, connect, and walk away with photos that reflect your unique bond.
From Booking to Gallery:
My Simple Process
Get Session-Ready
With Ease
After booking, I’ll send you my favorite Bay Area location suggestions and styling tips to help you feel confident and photo-ready.
Your Family Photo
Session Day
On session day, we’ll meet at your chosen location and flow with your family’s natural rhythm. I’ll guide you to feel relaxed and present, capturing joyful, heartfelt moments that reflect who you are.
Your Online Gallery Delivery
You’ll receive your private online gallery of fully edited, joy-filled images within 3 weeks!
Serving families across the Bay Area including Burlingame, San Mateo, and San Francisco
What Families Ask Before Their Session, family photography FAQ
Curious about how to prepare for your session, what to wear, or when to book maternity photos? I’ve gathered answers to the most common questions families ask before their lifestyle photo session with me.
FAQ
Absolutely. I love capturing moments with your full family, including your pets. Just make sure someone can help manage them during the session, especially around young children or newborns.
Start with what makes you feel confident and comfortable. I recommend choosing your outfit first Mama then coordinating the rest of your family’s look around you. If you love bold tones like mustard yellow or denim blue pair them with soft neutrals. Earthy colors and textures photograph beautifully.
→ read my blog on What to Wear for Family Photoshoot
For outdoor sessions I prefer to shoot one to two hours before sunset when the light is soft and golden. If you need an earlier time we will choose a location with plenty of shade and a beautiful backdrop.
For indoor sessions mid to late morning is best when your home is naturally lit.
We will work together to find a location that fits your family’s vibe. It could be your home or one of the many gorgeous natural spots around the San Francisco Peninsula. I love recommending hidden gems with beautiful light and space to play.
For newborn sessions we will shoot at home using the best natural light in your space.
Your child is perfect just as they are.
I never expect kids to pose perfectly. In fact, the magic often happens when they’re simply being themselves. Whether they’re striking a pose, being silly, or off exploring, we’ll follow their lead and let their personality shine.
Throughout the session, I’ll guide you with poses and prompts, but more than anything, I’ll create space for your family’s connection to unfold naturally.
To help things go smoothly, make sure your little one is well-rested and has had a snack and some water. Letting them know ahead of time that a kind, friendly photographer will be joining can also help them feel more comfortable from the very beginning.
You will receive your private online gallery within 3 weeks. If you need them sooner you can add expedited 3-day turnaround for an additional $100.
I always monitor the weather and will reach out if we need to reschedule due to rain or extreme conditions. If someone in your family is sick we can easily find a new date that works. Your comfort and health always come first.
Absolutely! I am happy to add professional headshots for $100 per person. You will receive 5 or more fully edited images per person with expert posing lighting and a polished finish. These are perfect for work or social profiles.
I typically recommend scheduling maternity sessions between 30–35 weeks, when your belly is beautifully round and you still feel comfortable moving with ease. However every pregnancy is different and I am happy to photograph you any time during your second or third trimester.
I recommend scheduling newborn sessions within the first 5–15 days, when babies are still extra sleepy and their features are fresh. However I am flexible and happy to photograph your baby at any age in those first precious months. When booking we will choose a tentative date and adjust based on your baby’s arrival.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due when you book your session. The remaining balance is due one week before your session date.
If you have more questions, please contact me directly at hello@ellobellephotography.com.
