Berkeley Parents Network: Photographer for Family Portraits

Berkeley Parents Network

Photographer for Family Portraits

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Services & Businesses > Photographer for Family Portraits

May 2008

Over Christmas my in-laws made arrangements for family portraits and they were fine but very posed. After going through all the effort and getting the kids to smile and look at the camera and then not being totally satisfied with the results, I'm hoping to get recommendations for a photographer that could take some pictures of my family that actually look and feel like us. Someone with some artistic sense and who can take beautiful pictures of my kids, my husband and me, our whole family that really capture who we are in our life. I hope this is possible and not exorbitantly expensive... amber

For the past three years we've done annual family photo shoots with Pamela Zacharias, and I can't recommend her highly enough. She is warm, fun, and energetic. Most importantly, she really captures her subjects - everyone raves about how great our photos are! We feel completely comfortable, and it shows in the photos. My daughter (now 10) looks forward to our annual sessions, as Pamela keeps her engaged. Pamela prefers to shoot out of doors (she has location suggestions, or will scout places you've suggested). You can contact her at pam@pamelaphotography.com, or see her work at www.pamelaphotography.com. Lisa

The photographer you are looking for is Karle Fried. She does great work of families and especially children. She captures her subjects vividly. Take a look at her web site where she has some of her pictures. The site is www.karleskids.com. Her phone number is 510-593-8895. Ronna

My family had a great time with the photographer Maurice Ramirez. We hired him for a shoot when my daughter was 16 months old. His studio is located in Alameda. We did a studio shoot and then went outside to a local park for more pictures. He had a lot of ideas on placement and is defiantly an artist. He doesn’t work with props so much, so he really captured the natural side of our family as we interacted with each other. His assistant is fantastic and loves kids. I would definitely use him again to further document our family as my daughter grows. http://mauriceramirezphoto.com/index.htm KG

We just had a great experience with a photographer. Her name is Aimee Heinzelman, and she was awesome. She came to our house and took pictures while we played in the yard and garden with our 2 and 4 year old. She took tons of shots - mostly while we were just hanging out, and some that needed some gentle posing (like she'd say, can you look over this way, etc.). It took about 1- 1.5 hours, and we have a lot of really really beautiful pictures - our kids alone, grownups alone, whole family, etc. She gave us a disk of the pictures, and we'll print the shots we want. The whole thing was very inexpensive - and there's no way we could have gotten our kids to sit still in a studio. She can be contacted at avandragt@yahoo.com. Nerissa

Ralph Granich took our family portraits a few years ago and we were very pleased with his work, as well as working with him. I initially saw his work after he did some photography at our child's preschool. He's particularly good at photographing kids and capturing a sense of their personality. www.ralphgranich.com CC

hi Amber, You have to check out Karle Fried's web site, www.karleskids.com It sounds like she is actually what you are looking for. She captures kids and families as they really are and the results are beautiful, candid, real memories of your family. You will love her. Also check this link on Yelp.com about Karle. www.yelp.com/biz/karle-fried-photography-berkeley. karle fried photography www.karleskids.com karle@karlefried.com

Eliot Khuner does a good job of capturing children at play, rather than posed shots, and takes some great photos. Visit EKPhoto.com for more info, or contact him at 888-933-3456. Talia

I can highly recommend Amy Perl: amyperl.com. She did our wedding in 2004, and has a wonderful eye. The photos she took there of my young nephews are priceless. She has a great manner with kids (and adults too!). She's friendly and professional and very easy to work with - her website will give you a good overview of her talents. She does a ton of work with families and kids. Good luck! Maggie

I have a wonderful photographer for you. Her name is Ruth Woodruff. She is professional, kind and great with capturing kids in different settings. She took photos at my child's school and they were amazing, very natural and artistic. I know families who have had her take photos and have been very, very happy. Check out her website ruthwoodruff.com. You will not be disappointed. cara

Feb 2008

I am looking for a good photographer for a family portrait, to be taken outdoors in a beautiful garden. We are planning to do this on February 17, so being able to make it happen even in slightly inclement weather is a plus- as is still having this date available! susan

I would like to recommend Eliot Kuhner. He photographed my family at a local park. We liked the photo so much we used it for our Christmas card. I got lots of feedback from people saying it was the nicest photo they got this year (subjects not withstanding). eliot@ekphoto.com 888.933.3456 Denise

I hired Eliot Khuner to photograph my family and he is excellent both with making you feel relaxed and getting well-composed professional-looking photos. He is the author of the Everything Photography Book and he really knows his stuff. You can see samples at his website at http://www.ekphoto.com/ His phone is 524.3569. Stu

I highly recommend Courteney Coolidge Photography. Her portraits of families really capture the fun, love, and warmth of parents and children, and are absolutely stunning. Her website is worth a thousand of my words, www.coolidgephotography.com Her style is very warm and friendly, and i know she does all she can to help her clients feel absolutely comfortable during the shoot. I loved being photographed by her and i know she is continuously listed in the BPN archives. Anjuli

We have a great photographer who has done our family portraits for several years now, and specializes in shooting outdoors. Her name is Pamela Zacharias; her website is www.pamelaphotography.com. We love working with her - she's fun, funny, and takes great photos that really capture the people she's shooting. Highly recommended! Lisa

We just had some pictures taken of our children about two months ago by happenstance photography out of San Francisco. The pictures more than met my expectations they where absolutly amazing and breath taking. Maria did an incredible job and the kids just loved her, she related to them very well and got them to enjoy the photo session which was really nice for me. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to do family or kid portraits. Her website is www.happenstancephotography.com wolfgang

I would highly recommend Christina Hernandez, a photojournalist for the SF Chronicle, for 12 years. She created a relaxed, candid environment, which we wanted, in a nearby park. She'll do beautiful black and white or color and does fine art style as well, or day-in-the-life photo essay. She just sent me a link to the SF Magazine she the main spread for. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2007/12/30/CM95TK0I2.DTL&o=0 Check out her editorial website: www.ckhernandez.com 510 338 2997 Good luck! Chris

Sept 2007

I'm looking for a photographer to take some pictures of my 8 month old with my husband and I. We'd like both black and white and color, and for the photographer to have experience working with babies. We're not looking to spend a ton of money (ie, like what we spent for our wedding shots!) and we'd like to keep all of the digital files (so I guess that means that we'd like the photographer to use a digital camera). Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you! JM

I highly recommend Linda Hanson. Check out her site at http://www.lindahansonphoto.com/

For the person looking for an experienced, not too expensive photographer to shoot digital prints of her 8 month old and partner, I wanted to recommend our favorite photographer in the East Bay, Ruth Woodruff. Ruth brings a wealth of experience and talent, and has often captured images of my children with their most intimate expressions. She's a genius at guiding sessions in a way that we felt directed, but not controlled, and is flexible with timing sessions around our schedule. Ruth is also a wizard with touch ups, miraculously ''fixing'' areas of an image that otherwise might have ruined a great picture. Her sense of humor helped to put my husband at ease, and he hates to have his picture taken. If this sounds like the kind of photographer you have in mind, but still need further convincing, check out her website at http://ruthwoodruff.com. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. Mary

Try Eliot Khuner. He photographed my family and he has a gentle way of working with people and an eye for great composition. He uses digital and I'm sure he can provide both color and B&W. phone 524.3569 website http://www.ekphoto.com/ Stuart

www.coolidgephotography.com. Courtney Coolidge does excellent work...here's the link to her website. aroth

Contact Shoey Sindel at 510-917-0659 or photos@shoeysindel.com. She's great!!! And if you schedule a family portrait before Oct. 31 you also receive 25 personalized greeting cards... as a gift. dearsooz

I would like to recommend Courteney Coolidge. She took some wonderful pictures of my daughter and her friends. She gives you the digital images so you can do whatever you want with them. I highly recommend her! She has a website where you can see some of her work. www.coolidgephotography.com. She is awesome! I have recommended her to some people and they were also very happy. Happy with awesome photos!

Hi. shoe@shoeysindel.com ie the email of this really relaxed and fun photographer. She even made my pesky teenager relax and smile for the family shoot. We got both black and white, and color photos and they really are amazing! I've also seen some of her baby and pregnant mom pictures..gorgeous! Anyway, I'd recommend her and use her again for affordable and professional family shoots. Maybe just call and chat with her about your vision. She'a a kick, you'll like her(510) 917-0659
sally

Shoey Sindel, 510-917-0659, is a great family and portrait photographer. She took stunning photos of my kids and of me when I was pregnant, both in color and black and white. The kids really enjoyed posing for her, and the photos turned out simply fantastic. Call her. JoAnne

May 2007

I'm looking for a photographer to take a family photo. I'd like to find someone who could take the photo outdoors, at our house or a park. I want something where we look natural and relaxed. I would like to spend bt $100-$200 for the session. I'm hoping for one good photo, not one hundred. I checked the archives and the last recommendations are from a couple years back. amy

I highly recommend Tracey Prever (www.traceyprever.com) in Danville. We have had two sessions with her over the last several years--portraits of both of my daughters (between ages 1 and 4), as well as our two dogs and my husband and myself. She has a studio in downtown Danville, but does on-site work as well. We had outdoor sessions done both times (once in the spring/Danville and once in the fall/Lafayette) with great results. If you have particular spots you want to use--great. If not, she has lots of wonderful suggestions, depending on the time of year. She is friendly, thoughtful, low-key, a mother of young children (so she understands their temperments), accommodating and a perfectionist (to her clients' benefit). I have recommended her to a friend of mine who was very happy with her studio session results. Suzy

I noticed several individuals are looking a for a photographer. I would like to recommend Russeul Foote. He takes awesome photos, captures the real person, is personable. He had photographed my wedding and the photos were awesome. He does all kinds of photography. Check out his website:http://www.footephoto.com/index_flash.htm Here is information if you want to contact him: Russell Foote Photography 22789 Foothill Blvd. Hayward, CA 94541 Telephone: 510-581-7159 Fax: 510-581-7125 E-mail: footerussell@yahoo.com Cindy

I'd like to recommend Monica Michelle for any pictures. She recently took pix. of my children. They came out amazingly! She directed us to meet at a local park and had scouted out some nice spots. She's got great energy and is very easy and pleasant. Check out her web site: www.monicamichelle.com Happy with my pix

Susan Louie is an amazing photographer, fairly priced and one of the kindest people that I have ever met! I highly recommend her. www.susanlouiephotos.com onika

Elisabeth Benjamin is a fantastic photographer with a long history as a documentary filmmaker. She is a grandmother and takes incredible photos of children and families. She took photos for our wedding and caught moments and expressions that were absolutely priceless. She is very affordable and will definitely capture your family on film for sure and you barely notice she's there. Her number is 510-277-0665. Karen

May 2007

I am looking for a photographer who can take a family photos of our whole family- grandparents, 3 sets of parents and 4 children (weeks old to 3 years)....while everyone is together celebrating my parents 50th anniversary at my Berkeley home. Any suggestions? nyinsf

Looking for a photographer? Eliot Khuner is great! He captures your soul! 888-933-3456 eliot[at]ekphoto.com EKPhoto.com Good luck! Karen

Susan Louie is an amazing photographer, fairly priced and one of the kindest people that I have ever met. I highly recommend her! www.susanlouiephotos[at]yahoo.com
onika

I highly recommend my friend Lea Delson, a photographer in Berkeley, for the portraits of your extended family. She takes great photos of families and children that reveal personalities and show the warmth among family members. Her gentle, creative and enthusiastic approach brings out the best in her subjects. She works well with both children and adults. Her outdoor portraits are especially lovely. She's also great at photographing events and makes beautiful albums. She's photographed many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and other events locally. Her photos can be seen at www.delsonphoto.com and she can be reached at (510) 528-6725. Ellen S

October 2006

I am looking for a photographer who takes good photo journalism type shots for some family pictures. I'm hoping to find someone reasonable. The wedding photographers are soooo expensive. Does anyone know any budding photographers who would like the work and the experience? bonnie

Hello, Bonnie. I highly recommend that you talk to Cathy Cade (510.251.2774, cathy[at]cathycade.com, www.CathyCade.com) and/or Anita Medal (510.845.8105, anitaphoto[at]hotmail.com, http://homepage.mac.com/anitamedal/photo). They are both fabulous family photographers. Talk candidly to either of them about your budget. A few photos from either of them would be incomparably more valuable to you over time than a larger number from a less-experienced photographer. A photo Cathy took of me and my baby son 24 years ago still takes my breath away. Best wishes ann

I'd like to recommend Pregnancy & Family Photographer Adina Meastas, she is just beyond talented! She has photographed my family several times and I could not be happier with her work. She knows how to interact with clients to produce photogenic, natural results and make you feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She also photographs pregnancy, children, weddings and more. She just really produces beautiful work! We recommend her to all our friends. Her info: www.photographyam.com Photography by Adina Meastas B. Concha

October 2006

Can anyone recommend a good photographer for family/child photos? We're interested in finding someone who takes great candid shots (as opposed to really formal studio portraits). Ideally we'd like to be able to purchase the digital images and/or negatives for a reasonable price Thanks

Mark Estes is a wonderful photographer. Estes Photo. 510-653- 8950. mark[at]estesphoto.com. www.estesphoto.com Kimberly W

Sam Deaner takes fabulous documentary style photographs of kids. She followed mine around our yard and a local park for 2 hours taking pictures of them while playing and running around. We did a couple of sit-down-portrait type shots, but even these were very spontaneous. I don't think she would sell her negatives or images to you, but I think that is standard for a professional photographer (maybe I'm wrong). You can reach her at 504-4434 or sammydeaner[at]yahoo.com Liz O.

Terry Riggins, a local photographer and parent in the Orinda school system, donated pictures of all 5th graders to our child's school auction last year. I helped her get the kids ready and take the pix. She was wonderful with them, creative about using the natural environment and light available, and each package of pictures included a CD with all the photos. The pictures of our son were terrific and really captured his spark. I'd hire her in a heartbeat for family photos. She can be reached at rigginsphoto[at]aol.com, or at 925-253-1658. Glorietta mom

Our family friend Loren Weltsch is great with kids and families at very reasonable prices. We recently did a shoot with my brother- and sister-in-law and their kids and our son, and she gave each family one set of prints, a CD with all the photos and a collage of some of the better photos. www.lorenwphoto.com

I would like to suggest Karle Fried. Her work is brilliant. It is atypical, haunting, and gorgeous. Minimalist and art-inspired. It captures the infinite range of emotions, not just ''someone ticked me and ran out of the frame'' giddiness. True childhood magic.

She is not cheap, but is worth every penny. It's been a while but I think she charged us $350, including unlimited printing to several images.

She was classicaly trained. Her lighting techniques are stunning. Her portraits are on the walls of master photographers, celebrities and regular folk alike. I can't say enough. She can be reached at 510.593.8895. Check her site www.karlefried.com. Impressed Mom

i want to recommend dean bradley (zdbradley[at]hotmail.com or 510/517-1154) for pet/kid/family photos. you can see some of her pet photos (poster size) in the windows of the store on the corner of university & san pablo. she has done at least four sessions with my family since my 3-year old was born, and we've been thrilled each time.

dean uses digital equipment, and she has been willing to just hand over the images we wanted after our sessions (she's flexible). her sitting fee is $150+ --and she'll come to you at your home or favorite outside space (light/weather permitting). please email dean to see samples of her work. jenny j

June 2006

As a Mother's Day gift my parents have offered to pay to have some photos taken of our 9 month old. We'd also like to get some family portraits taken at the same time. I've looked at the reviews on the website and found that most of the photographers listed seem to work mostly in black & white. We're looking for someone that works primarily in color and on location rather than in a studio (although we are hoping to get a few b&w and studio shots as well). Since we're not limited by budget, who would you recommend as ''the best'' given our style preferences. Lia

I have used Russell Foote in Hayward. He is very good with kids and has both a studio and can come to your location Juliet

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am with my photographer! I live in Walnut Creek and she also resides and works here. If you are open to coming out this way, Laura is the one to talk to! Here is her website: lauracphotography.com Her name is Laura Cottril and her phone is 925-465-4466. I have had maternity photos, newborn, two year old and four year old shots done. She has done more formal poses but her favorite thing to do is let the kids just be kids and see where it takes them. She works from her home and has a backyard that doesn't look like much but turns out wonderful photos. She will also go on location and I think is pretty open as to where. She does color and black and white. She has two young children and really has a way with kids. I could go on and on about her! She is wonderful!! Her sitting fee is around $200-250 and her photos aren't cheap, but definitely in the range of others. People ask me all the time who did my photos and I truly feel that this time in their life is priceless. She is able to capture my children in such a wonderful way! Call her! Samantha

Rudi Halbright (Rudih[at]yahoo.com) tel 655 2633is an excellent photographer who works in color. His creations adorn our hallways. metaorna

I highly recommend Jim Fidelibus of James Brian Studios, with whom we have been working for all major life events since our engagement more than 10 years ago. He is in Walnut Creek, but will come on location. Really FUN to work with but also an excellent, experienced photographer. Find him at www.jamesbrian.com Linda

Jonathan Payne of Jonathan Payne Photography works in digital, so does both color and black and white. He doesn't have a studio, he did my kids at a park, and the pictures were great. He has three kids of his own and is very good getting the kids relaxed to photograph. www.photopayne.com Sally F

I can highly recommend Anna Kaminska who is a talented photographer for families and children. The photos she has taken of my family are much treasured, and I have seen a series she did of a class of children, capturing the spirit of each child in an amazing way. She has 3 children herself and is able to put even shy kids at ease right away. She works in color as well as black and white. You may contact her by e-mail at kamvera[at]yahoo.com ym

Jonathan Payne does amazing work in black & white and color: http://www.photopayne.com/gallery.html. He can do both or one or the other. Although we didn't use her (yet), I was also impressed with Heather Whiting's work: http://www.heathermwhiting.com/portsite/. She is also incredibly nice. Both can come to your home or choice of photo shoot location Catherine

We highly recommend Jonathan Payne. He takes digital photos which means you can choose color or b&w for any photo and that you aren't limited by the number of photos he takes. He doesn't tend to do a ton of posed photos, but rather uses more of a photo journalism style. We've done 4 shoots with him (we bought a Year in the Life package for our daughter's first year) and now that she's two, have what we hope to be an annual occurence scheduled. He also has photos up in the window at Cotton and Company in Rockridge. www.photopayne.com Michelle

I highly recommend Valerie Kippen for photos of your family. She came to our house, worked with available light and got some truly amazing photos of our whole family. She works in digital, so you can see the photos in color or black and white. She donated a gift certificate to a school auction (which I love) and she was very nice to work with. Katia

My husband Chris Roberts has his own photography business and is happy to meet you on location at your home or in a nearby park. He loves child and family portrait photography, and the majority of the photos he takes are in color (although black and white is always an option). He works with professional digital cameras, which means that clients are able to see the photo samples within days of the photography shoot. He uploads the photos to a password-protected gallery where you can review the prints and order any combination in any size you like. You can find out more about his photography service Norcal Photo at http://www.norcal-photo.com or give him a call anytime for more information at 510-921-3946. Good Luck! Brenda

Amy Perl is an amazing photographer that works in color. Her website is: http://www.amyperl.com/ She does private sessions, but I've gone to her twice for these more affordable 15'' sessions she does at Crackerjacks consignment store several times a year. The last time we went we had one set done in B&W, and another set done in color. The quality and natural feel of her photos are great. ebba

We used our wedding photographer for our son's one-year shots. She also did family shots for us (his b-day is close to the holidays). Her name is Stephanie Pool. Her website is http://www.stephaniepool.com she charged us around $300.00 for the photos and gave us 100+ proofs (she also will give us our negatives and we get to keep all the proofs). We asked for a mix of color and black and white, and got good representation of both. She met us at our house and we drove to the waterfall area of Jaoquin Miller Park for the photos, but she said we could do studio shots too. You can contact her for further details. kukana

I could not recommend Courteney Coolidge Photography more highly. Courteney's website is mostly black and white although the shoot she did for us was almost all in color. In fact, I think she does most of her shoots in both black and white and color. She makes any family look gorgeous - her photography is super creative and fresh - far from the studio look. Her website speaks for itself. http:// www.coolidgephotography.com/ Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about her work or her style. Courteney has an amazing ability to make kids feel at ease so you get really natural shots and it's actually fun! Tracy G

Hello- In response to your request for a portrait photographer, I highly recommend ArtVisions Portraiture. I think Kirstin's been photographing for over 20 years and she does exceptional professional photographs. Her work is stunning. She places photographs on canvas, stone and even makes watercolors out of them. Or just does regular printing. I cherish (both my black and white and) my color photographs. The colors are rich and vibrant and her black & white is done well. If you really want a piece of art, I think she is the only one to call. Some of my friends have used her too and they are beyond happy. Her work is very special. She's also extremely kind and sweet with children - just a very good person. Don't expect bargain prices - she works hard to create her photography. I see that she devotes many hours to each client she works with from beginning to end (not to mention what things must cost her--I run my own business and I know!) She did something miraculous for my family because everyone looked young and sparkly again. If my child had drool or bruises or whatever that I wanted taken out, she includes that in the price already. I know that she frames too. She has a great play area for your children while you look at her work. Her studio is beautiful. It's near Chez Panisse in North Berkeley. I can't say enough about her work!! http:// www.artvisionsportraiture.com. 510-848-5450 anonymous

Loren Weltsch did our wedding photos--which we were very happy with--and does kids and families too. She takes great photos at very reasonable rates. Usually outdoors. Color and black/white. www.lorenwphoto.com loren[at]lorenwphoto.com

May 2006

I am looking for someone to take some family portraits. I left messages with several of the recommendations from the website but haven't gotten any return calls! Can someone recommend a good professional photographer? thanks kb

Hi, I'd like to recommend Shoey Sindel (c_sindel[at]hotmail.com). She's great with kids and takes wonderful photos jamie

Anita Medal creates fabulous portraits. I recommend that you call her and take a look at her work. 510-845-8105 Julie P

I have a wonderful photographer. They are a husband and wife team. They were our wedding photographer and also do family portraits. Patricia does fabulous work and they both ahve such great warm personalities. Her website is Patricia France and her website is www.patriciafrance.com. We are going to have them do our family portrait this year for our annual Christmas cards. Let me know if you have any questions about her work. Jennifer jennifer.g

I highly recommend Inga Heuser. She does beautiful work, in both color and black and white. She has great ideas about where to shoot the photos, (we went to the merry-go-round!) Or, she has a great studio in the Montclair Hills. She is easy to work with, and her work is top quality. Check out her website at www.venividiclick.com or call her at 800.822-1428 Susan

Hi, I can highly recommend Shoey Sindel for family photography. She has done both candids and portraits of my daughters, and we were very pleased with the photos, but even more with her great approach with our kids, creating a warm, fun environment. And I can guarantee that she'll call you back! Here is her contact info: shoeysindel[at]msn.com; phone 510.917.0659 Cheers, pc

I would highly reccomend Pia Navales-Cook as a family photographer. In May 2006, she photographed our family of four at our home -- and I believe she really captured our family's personality. The photographs turned out absolutely beautiful. I think she is comprable, if not cheaper, than other photographers out there. She charges $60 per roll of film -- and if you choose to do what I did and buy each roll of film on disc ($200/roll) -- then you can easily print out your pictures at a high quality pretty much anywhere (I used kodakgallery.com). We in fact loved Pia's work so much and her friendly easy going demeanor -- that she will be photographing my parents, two brothers and their families, and my family (there's 12 of us in all) in just a few short weeks. Besides doing family photos, she also does ''belly shots'' (pregnancy), kids pictures, and portraits. Reach her at 387-7927 or pianavales.cook AT gmail dot com. Paz

April 2003

My mother & sister will be staying with me for a week from April 18th. We would like to get a 3 generation portrait taken (2 yrs- 60yrs.) Ideally, the photographer would be in the Concord/Pleasant Hill area. I've looked in the archives and would appreciate recommendations. Thank you. KB

Hi, I recently hired Fernando Aguila to take pics of me and my two kids. I was really pleased with the results, and his rates were quite reasonable. He gave me a CD with all of the pictures on it, which was great. I'd definitely recommend him. I don't know if he works in your area, but you could give him a try. He's posted in this newsletter a few times and I believe his website is www.fernandoaguila.com. Good luck- Jennifer

There is a photographer that I used and she is absolutely amazing. Her name is Patricia Kingsley and she can be reached at (415) 203-8423 or patriciaATpatriciakingsleyDOTcom Take a look at her stuff at www.patriciakingsley.com Although in SF, I am sure she will travel and again, she is the best. Vincent

I highly recommend Courteney Coolidge to take your family portraits. You can see some of her work on www.coolidgephotography.com. She is an extremely talented photographer and a close friend -- she photographed our wedding and the pictures were amazing. She works in Point Richmond and I'm sure she would be happy to travel to your home for the photo session. Her email is cmcoolidgeATaolDOTcom.

I have a wonderful photographer to recommend: Wentling Studios in Concord. They are on Colfax right off Willow Pass Road. Their number is: 925.685.7760. They have a fantastic way with kids and are great with adults as well. Please tell them that I sent you! Melissa Heller

Check out www.holtzkids.com for family shots. You can see the wedding work at www.holtzweddings.com and commercial work at www.ronholtz.com a much photographed family

Fernando Aguila takes wonderful photos of families and babies. He lives in Oakland but is willing to travel pretty much anywhere in the Bay Area. Check out his portfolio at http://fernandoaguila.com/samples/portraits/portraits.html and http://fernandoaguila.com/Pages_Portfolio/Portfolio_Portraits_01. html. Carrie

Tracey Prever (a good friend) is a great portrait photographer located in Danville. Please look at her web site portfolio listed below and call her with any questions.

Tracey Prever Photography
Traditional & Digital On- Site Photography
Phone: 925-837-5804
Fax: 925-837-1604
E-mail: photosATtraceypreverDOTcom
WEB SITE PORTFOLIO: http://www.traceyprever.com
Portfolio.Com Page: http://www.portfolios.com/TraceyPrever

emily

If you're interested in some beautiful but affordable black and white candid photos of your baby or kids, this is a good deal. Andreina Febres, a photography student, comes to your home and captures your child in his or her natural environment with or without the whole family in the picture. Her rates are less than half of what most photographers charge since she develops even the big the pictures by herself, rather than sending them out to a studio. Very good with babies. I wish I had a scanner to put up on the web the pictures she took of our family, but you can always meet and see her portfolio. email her at: andreinafebresATyahooDOTcom

2000

Regarding the request for a photographer, my sister and I used a great photographer who does do color and black and white. We used him for our weddings, but he also did a black and white portrait for each of us and our husbands. At my sister's wedding, he did just a ton of portraits of all her guests that came out great. If you'd like to reach him, his name is Craig Merrill and he's in Alameda. I don't have the number, sorry. But I would think he's listed. Good luck.

I can't recommend highly enough Stephanie Tabachnikoff (Oakland). She is a wonderfully skilled photographer with an artist's eye and a warmth that enables her to truly capture the essence as well as the image of people and relationships. You can reach her at fuff AT ccnet.com.
Lisa

I had the most incredible pictures taken by Tami DeSellier in San Francisco. She specialized in children. You get one and half hours and two rolls of film. You can join your child or children in the photo. She is so good at capturing the babies different expressions. I have never seen pictures like hers. Several friends have gone and been as equally happy. It is slightly expensive, but well worth it. I recommend black and white.
Marci

From: Karen

This is in response to the person looking for a photographer to do portraits that is something between Sears and Sarber's. I can recommend a photographer who recently took our family portrait. He was great. We got a lot of good pictures to pick from (including a couple of great ones of just our son), and he is really good with kids. (He used to teach in a Montessori preschool). He doesn't have a studio -- he came to our house and set up all his lights and stuff. (He lives in Oakland). He's very reasonable and a very nice guy. You should be very specific about what your'e looking for though just the make sure that he can do what you have in mind. His first name is Stu (Stuart)-- I can't remember is last name off-hand. His phone number is 510-336-0345.

From: Gloria

We used Jamie Westdal for our family portrait. We took several poses with the whole clan (grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, kids and infant) in both black and white and color. My sister's proofs looked great. Unfortunately, when the one proof was blown up, my brother in law's eyes were closed. I was surprised that Jamie did not notice the error and still tried to sell the picture to my sister. The pictures with the whole entire family turned out well. I was not happy with our family picture which included our 7 week old infant. I think she ran out of patience by the time we posed for the pictures with our infant.

I have mixed feelings about her work. I don't think she did anything too creative with our family. I was disappointed because her portfolio looked great. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

From: Linnea

If you're interested in an excellent and creative photo (black and white or color), try Claudia Marseille Photography. She was previously located for a number of years on San Pablo near Cedar in Berkeley; she's now in Oakland. Her fee is $200 for a sitting. I haven't had a photo done by her but have seen her work, and knew her when she was a student on campus years ago. Very creative and talented. 595-1144

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.