Authentic, Come-As-You-Are Family Portraits in the San Francisco Bay Area and St. Louis
Nightingale Photography is a documentary family photographer led by Christina Hernandez, a former San Francisco Chronicle staff photojournalist with more than 30 years behind the camera. I photograph families across the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, San Francisco and Palo Alto. I now also work across the St. Louis metro and Metro East, from Clayton and Kirkwood to O'Fallon, Belleville and Edwardsville.
Nothing is more cringy than looking back at family photos filled with posing, harsh studio lights, and cheesy smiles. You’ll get none of that with me as your family photographer. My promise to you is to highlight the connection, joy, and love between you and your family. 100% real, 100% you.
Celebrate your family, exactly the way you are.
Try as we might, we can’t stop our kids from growing up. You’ll never get this time back again, and every stage in your life with them is a moment worth remembering. This is about your family’s journey, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Embrace the imperfections.
Say goodbye to studio poses, awkward angles, and pinched smiles. My approach to family portraits is simple: showcase who your family is, right now, as authentic and genuine as possible. Bring on the belly laughs and silly dances! The more relaxed and carefree you are, the more fun we’ll have and the better the experience will be.
Christina is such a delight to work with! She is funny, easy going , laid back and just pure joy! Getting family pictures done has sort of become our yearly family tradition and I have worked with wonderful ones back in the East Coast. After moving to the Bay Area, I have been looking to find someone who could capture our fun personalities and our ‘ not- so camera- ready ‘ moments and Christina is just that! She knows far too well the how natural light will make your memories stand out. Christina is wonderful with candids & extremely patient with kids. I have a couple of high energy ones and she was calm yet quick to catch their moods. Our session at a beach ended up with kids getting soaked which was not a part of the original plan for the shoot . Christina, of course seemed to love the little detour. She cheered, she laughed along and took gorgeous shots! - Shilpa
HOW IT WORKS
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you photograph family sessions?
In the Bay Area, favorites include Filoli in Woodside, Tilden Regional Park, Lake Merritt, Crissy Field and in-home sessions anywhere from Walnut Creek to Palo Alto. In St. Louis, I love Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Tower Grove Park and Metro East spots near O'Fallon and Edwardsville. If a place means something to your family, let's use it.
Do you travel between the Bay Area and St. Louis?
Yes. I spend part of each year in each area, so I book sessions in both. Ask me about upcoming dates in your area when you get in touch.
When is the best time of year for family photos?
In the Bay Area, almost any month works, and fall and spring give the softest light. In St. Louis, spring and October are the easiest. Summer sessions work best early in the morning or an hour before sunset.
How long is a session, and when do we see the photos?
Sessions run about 60 minutes. You'll receive a gallery of 30 to 40 edited images within two weeks.
How much does a family session cost?
Family sessions start at $175. Prints, albums and wall art are available separately.
What if my kids won't cooperate?
That's completely normal, and it's my job, not yours. We keep things moving, take breaks and let kids be kids. The frames you'll love most are usually the unposed ones.
1. Curious? We’ll Chat
There’s no better time to snapshot your family portraits than right now. We’ll set up a time to talk about packages and rates, location ideas, plus address any questions or concerns you might have. Worried your kids won’t sit still? No problem. Unsure about what to wear? I’ve got you covered. I’ll guide you through the process and handle all the details, so all you have to do is show up with your family and enjoy the experience.
2. Let’s Do This
If you’re ready, we’ll seal the deal with an electronic booking agreement to get the ball rolling. Congratulations, we’re on the way to beautiful family portraits! This contract, and a Booking Fee that is due when we schedule your session, will reserve your spot on my calendar so we don’t lose out on the best day for your photo session.
3. It’s Family Photo Day
Family picture day is here and I cannot be more excited! I’ll meet you at the location we agreed on (most likely a beautiful spot somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area!) for a 60-minute photo session. I know this day can be stressful and you’re worried your kids won’t sit still or be in the mood for photos. But I’ve learned a thing or two in my 20 years of working with families. I’ve seen it all, and I’ll be right there with you to make this a fun and relaxed day for everyone.
4. Photos Are Forever
I’ll have your family portrait gallery live and ready to view no later than 2 weeks after our photo session. At this time you can order prints, photo albums, wall art, and other keepsakes to display your photos and revisit those moments again and again. I’d be happy to suggest keepsakes or wall art for you, but keep in mind they’re sold separately from the photo session booking fee.
Remember this moment in time!
Before these years pass you by, celebrate who your family is, just the way you are. There’s no time like the present.
WE'RE READY!
A Little About Me
I bring so much more than a camera to your session. I show up with a passion for seeing the things you might be too busy to see at the moment; the incredible love your family shares as it grows. Those little fingers and toes, the way your child feels when she falls asleep on your shoulder and the joy you take in sharing this experience with your partner.
When you work with me, Christina, for your family photos, you’re getting a lifelong, professional in my field (not just a photography enthusiast) dedicated to providing families with meaningful portraits of the most special time in their lives - becoming parents and being part of a family.
christina@nightingalephotos.com EXPLORE THE BLOG
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