Marin Family Photography

Easygoing photo sessions for adventures big & small

Man squeezes baby to cheek in front of sunset and rocky beach.
Photo by Ashley Kaplan

Hi, I’m David (he, him).

I believe family photos should do one thing — make you feel how you felt during this season of your life.

I grew up an island child with sand between my toes and salt in my hair. This is reflected in my easygoing style and in the way I create comfortable spaces for real moments.

Instead of showing up with a shot list, I bring an open heart.

Here’s more about David.

“We’re so thankful that David captured our spirits in photo.”

– Nina
Bay Area mom

An Eclectic, Award Winning Portfolio

The best of my work in both modern digital and vintage film

Family of four walk holding hands across golden field in sunset light.
Grainy black and white of dad tenderly holding infant and closing his eyes.
Toddler standing on sand with blue ocean behind smiling as seagulls flock around her.
Two siblings cup hands over mouths while they look at each other and laugh.
Emotional moment with dad holding son to chest, eyes closed, and kissing mom on the forehead.
Maternity photo of woman standing above reflection pool at sunset.
Moms hold son and embrace while leaning against iconic textured walls of De Young museum in San Francisco.
Couple sits on bed and bottle feed newborn with two dogs in foreground.
Mom tenderly kisses newborn's head while standing in a foggy forest.
Family of four hold hands and walk away from a golden sunset.
Moms walk with stroller and "lift every voice" sign in focus behind them.
You girl with mom close behind runs through redwood forest with sun beam lighting up her hair.
Mom and dad hold baby overhead with sand dunes, beach, and iconic Marin headlands as the backdrop.
Mom lays on blanket in the sun with infant daughter.
Woman's hand's on pregnant belly with ocean behind.
Dad holds newborn while mom strokes her cheek.
Dad holding daughter as they laugh hysterically together.
Mom runs towards sun light alongside two sons and husband.
Silhouette of family and pelicans standing at the top or a staircase embedded into a rocky peninsula

“With these photos, you’ve given us a tangible way to hold onto and treasure our kids’ baby/childhood.”

– Michelle Malison
Bay Area mom

The Experience

Does being the center of attention make you anxious? You are in good company. I feel the same way.

But you don’t feel nervous every time a friend snaps an iPhone photo.

Families often tell me it felt just like hanging out with a friend.

I create this experience by making it interactive.

We will chat the whole way through – about the joys and challenges of raising kids or about hiking or surfing or cooking or even just how great the warm sand feels between our toes.

And with little ones we mostly let them lead the way. Because when your kids are at ease, so are you.

Mother at shoreline with young son on her shoulders, in front of Golden Gate Bridge.

“We were free just to be us…”

– Adrienne F
Bay Area mom

The Process

You are a busy Marin parent, and family photography shouldn’t be complicated. My process is the perfect mix of easy and personal.

01

Book a Session

It takes 60 seconds. Right away, we’ll get a date on the calendar.

02

Consult Call

A phone call with me, if you’d like.

03

Photo Day

An easygoing experience that
your kids and your partner will enjoy.

04

Design & Display

I help get your photos off your hard drive with print & framing services.

Introductory Session Pricing

I keep this really simple.

Maternity, newborn, and family sessions. In your home or outdoors.


Return clients 15% off

Includes

90 minute photo session

50+ images (digital)

25+ images (film)

Consult call

Marin & North Bay locations

20% print store discount (including handcrafted frames)

*Weekends +$200

Quiet Season

(Jan–Aug)

$1275

Peak Season

(Sept–Dec)

$1475

Session Add Ons

Vintage Film

Add 2 rolls of film to a digital session or make your entire session film ($250)

Rush Delivery

Your session gallery delivered in 7 days ($200)

Private Gallery

Password protected. And I won’t share your images online ($200)

Extended Family

I always budget extra time to document the little connections and relationships throughout your extended family ($50/pp)

Vintage film look with toddler in home walking towards camera holding a book.
Schedule your session today

FAQs

The way I photograph and edit the images from a session depends on how I feel after my time with your family. Was it a moody evening in Roy’s Redwoods, quietly exploring with your toddler? Was it a sun-soaked morning at Muir Beach with two wild pre-schoolers? I would edit these galleries completely differently. What matters to me is that the feeling of your gallery fits the experience.

Easygoing, unposed, interactive. During most of my sessions, we chat a lot. I ask questions about your family and I share details about mine. If you have kids with you, I spend a lot of time connecting with them and building trust. 

I will direct you towards beautiful light. I might ask you to repeat a loving gesture. But I do not “pose” in the traditional sense, so expect candid photos that are beautifully un-polished.

Within 4 weeks of your session (6 weeks for film photos). Rush processing is available for an additional fee. 

Why so long? My stepwise process is part of my artistic signature, and it takes time. I do my best work when I come back to a session day after day, for weeks. A lot of energy goes into selecting and editing the best images for your gallery.

We’re so lucky to live in a place that is beautiful year round. My busy season is late Spring through Fall, but my favorite time of the year is Winter. It is much easier to catch sunrise or sunset and the most beautiful Bay Area weather tends to occur immediately before or after a storm – think broken clouds and rays of sunlight with dark clouds. Also, everything is less crowded in Winter, even the most popular destination in the Marin Headlands!

The best spot for a photo session is a place that your family loves, where you have shared memories, and that holds meaning for you. But if you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few of my favorites –

Stinson Beach
Ring Mountain
Samuel P Taylor State Park
Roy’s Redwoods
Point Reyes – Pebble Beach
Rodeo Beach
Muir Beach
Cavallo Point
Steep Ravine
Kirby Cove
Tennessee Valley
Hawk Hill
Black Sands Beach

Yes, but only when I think my style and skillset will serve you well. Think tiny weddings, elopements, intimate family events, and documentary-style images.

I don’t offer studio photography. My photo sessions take place outside or in your home. But I’m happy to recommend someone.

Some of my all-time favorite images have come from foggy sessions. If you are adamant about sunshine, let’s talk about locations that are less likely to be foggy. I do not reschedule for clouds or fog.

If the forecast 48 hours before your session shows rain, I am happy to reschedule. That said, I LOVE a family that gets out in the rain. My cameras are waterproof and I’m up for the adventure!

Book a Session

My calendar fills up fast. Summer, Fall, and weekends in Marin often book at least 6 weeks in advance. Get in touch today to find some availability.

What it means to be a Marin family photographer

Moving to West Marin felt a lot like coming home. Just like where I grew up, I found myself surrounded by beautiful natural spaces. Long hikes into the Mount Tamalpais trail network, morning surf sessions at Bolinas or Point Reyes, even mountain bike rides all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

The families and communities of Marin share a connection to their surroundings and a gratitude for this incredible land of oak hills and redwood groves and rugged coastline. I use my camera to tell that story.

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Website created by me, your photographer, because I want it to be an extension of myself. Forgive the imperfections and enjoy the heart and soul.