family photos for weirdos, nerds, and free spirits.

photo of mom and dad standing in front of mural in west oakland while their young son runs toward them

San Francisco Bay Area Mini Sessions 2024

Whether you’re looking to capture family moments, update your Instagram, or simply need a few photos for your holiday cards, a San Francisco Bay Area mini session offers a fun, budget-friendly option. This year, I’m offering two distinct options for your fall mini session: an indoor studio setup and an outdoor urban mural backdrop in West Oakland. Both offer a unique vibe, giving you flexibility in choosing the style that best suits your needs.

Option 1: Minimalist, In-Studio Mini Sessions

If you’re looking for a more polished and intimate setting, my in-studio mini sessions offer a comfortable and controlled environment. Located in my beautiful studio in Emeryville, these sessions are ideal for those who want clean, timeless photos without worrying about the unpredictable fall weather.

Why Choose In-Studio?

  • Weather-Proof: No need to worry about fog, wind, rain, or smoke. In the studio, the lighting is perfect, and the environment is cozy and calm.
  • Minimalist Setup: The studio will be styled with a rich navy backdrop, along with minimalist seating options to make sure you and your family shine!
  • Focus on You: With fewer distractions, the studio setting allows the focus to be entirely on you and your family. It’s perfect for portraits, couple photos, or even headshots.
  • Short time commitment: In-studio mini sessions are 15 minutes which means there’s not a big time commitment to get your photos done. Perfect for those with short attention spans!

These sessions are perfect for families, couples, or individuals looking for a more classic feel.

Option 2: Urban Fall Mini Sessions in West Oakland

For those who want to capture something a little edgier and unique, our West Oakland mural mini sessions are perfect! This location offers a vibrant urban setting with incredible street art that brings an entirely different energy to your photos.

Why Choose the Mural Backdrop in West Oakland?

  • Vibrant and Bold: The murals in West Oakland are filled with bright colors, adding an artistic and modern touch to your fall photos. The backdrop will create a fun contrast to the typical fall aesthetic.
  • Outdoor Vibe: If you love the idea of being outdoors and want to capture the natural lighting and the energy of the city, this option is for you. Oakland in the fall often brings cool but sunny weather, perfect for an urban adventure.
  • Iconic Location: West Oakland is known for its art and culture. Shooting in front of these murals not only gives your photos a pop of personality but also captures a slice of Bay Area history and creativity. Plus, there’s a coffee shop right next door!
  • Casual, Laid-Back Feel: The urban setting allows for more candid shots. Whether you’re looking to capture playful moments with family or get cool, casual shots for social media, this location is ideal for laid-back, fun photos.

What to Expect from a Mini Session

Mini sessions are shorter (15 minutes for studio, 20 minutes for the mural sessions) but pack in all the essential elements for beautiful, high-quality images. Both the studio and mural sessions will include:

  • 5 edited high-resolution images (with the option to purchase more)
  • A personalized, relaxed experience with a professional photographer
  • Easy, online gallery delivery within 2 weeks of your session

What to Wear for Fall Mini Sessions

For the studio mini sessions, fall colors and cozy textures are always a great choice. For in-studio sessions, think earthy tones like burnt orange, deep reds, mustard yellows, and forest greens. You can also layer with scarves, jackets, or hats to add dimension to your photos. For the urban mural sessions, you might want to lean into bold, fun colors that complement the colors in the mural, or stick with neutral tones like black, white, and denim to let the murals take center stage.

How to Book Your Fall Mini Session

Ready to capture those fall memories? Booking is easy! Simply choose your location—either the cozy in-studio setup or the urban mural in West Oakland—and schedule your session. I’m offering limited slots to ensure each session gets the attention it deserves, so make sure to book early!


Whether you want timeless studio photos or the bold, vibrant energy of an outdoor mural, my Bay Area fall mini sessions give you the flexibility to choose the style that best represents you and your loved ones. Think you want more time? Check out my longer family sessions here.

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