How a session actually goes
I let your child lead.
Here's the truth nobody tells you about family photos: the posed smile isn't the good part. The good part is everything that happens around it.
We start with your formal shot, the one for grandma's wall, and then we spend the rest of our up-to-an-hour together doing whatever your family actually does. If your toddler wants to run, we run. If your baby needs a bribe to make it through, bring the snacks, no judgment here. If someone has a meltdown halfway through, we pause, we regroup, and we keep going.
This isn't a session you have to survive. It's an hour of genuinely playing together, and that's exactly where the best images come from: tiny hands reaching for a parent, running feet mid-chase, a real laugh instead of the "say cheese" one.
For the family who isn't sure they're "photogenic"
This session is built for you, not in spite of you.
Maybe your last attempt at family photos ended in tears, yours or theirs. Maybe you're worried your toddler won't cooperate, or you're not feeling your most confident right now. I hear some version of this from almost every family before their session, and it's exactly why I don't run stiff, posed sessions.
There's no repeated "look here and smile." No fighting anyone for a good expression. We play. We chase. We let it get a little messy. And somehow, every single time, that's when the real magic shows up.
"Getting two toddlers, a two-week-old, and our sleep-deprived selves ready for photos and out the door on time was stressful, plus wondering if the littles would cooperate, if their hair would stay nice, would I feel confident in my postpartum body. All of that went out the window when we arrived. Our session felt like a playful hangout."
— Starla H.
Investment
$550
Because I love getting to serve families right here in the Lake Almanor community, this session is offered at a special rate, $200 off my standard family session pricing.
$275 retainer to save your date
$275 remaining balance, charged automatically the day of your session
Includes your session and your full digital gallery
$550
$750
Lake Almanor Community Rate
"Alyssa has captured so many precious family moments for us and are so thankful for her. Each gallery that we get back I am always amazed by her talent and skills. We can't wait for our next sessions with her!"
— Makayla S.
What you'll receive
Your full gallery, yours to keep.
Every image from your session is delivered in an online gallery. Download the entire gallery at no additional cost, or order prints and products right from it if you'd like something in hand. Your gallery stays live for 3 months from delivery, so don't wait too long to save your favorites.
Free Full Download
Download every edited image at no additional cost, no per-photo fees.
Prints & Products
Live for 3 Months
Prefer something in hand? Order Prints and Products straight from your online gallery.
Your gallery stays online for 3 months from delivery, so save all your images to multiple locations.
Getting ready
Here's how to prepare
So excited to spend this hour with your family! A few things to know before your session:
LOCATION: We'll be somewhere within the Lake Almanor area, the exact spot gets decided together once your date is booked, and you're always welcome to DM me questions about the general area beforehand.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER: Mountain weather changes fast, so layer up. Check the forecast the morning of your session and dress for the day.
BRIBES: Bring snacks or a small "bribe" for the littles. No judgment here, whatever gets us through the session with smiles.
OUTFITS: Once you're booked, I'll send a full outfit guide to help you plan your looks. Want a second opinion on an outfit? Just send me a photo, I'm always happy to help.
"I cried looking at the gallery for the first time. She captured the tiny moments that I thought only I could see, the ones that barely last a second but fill my mama heart. The photos don't look corny or posed. They look real, yet refined and light-filled. We've already booked again. What's spent on these sessions is an investment." — Starla H.
I CRIED!!
kind words
Up to an hour. I know that sounds like a lot for a family session, but it's actually exactly what you need. We do get your formal family shot, but most of our time is spent in active play, running around and playing tag, because that's where the real magic happens: tiny hands, running feet, genuine giggles. That takes time to capture.
We can always chat about the general area beforehand, just DM me if you have questions! But the exact location and details aren't shared until after you've booked. These sessions are within the Lake Almanor area.
If there's a 40% chance of rain or higher during our session time, I'll find a new date and do everything possible to change your session to a day that works for you.
You'll get a full outfit guide after booking, and you're always welcome to text me a photo of an outfit you're considering.
You'll receive your photos 3 weeks after your session.
Pick your date, sign the contract, and pay your retainer to lock it in.
The retainer isn't refundable, it holds your spot and takes that date off the table from anyone else booking it.