I’m a Santa Barbara–based natural light photographer and videographer specializing in family, maternity, couples, proposal, and vacation lifestyle sessions. My newborn sessions typically take place in the comfort of your home, where everything feels calm and unhurried.

My approach is relaxed and connection-driven. I document moments as they naturally unfold, offering gentle direction when it’s helpful but never forcing anything to feel posed or stiff. While I’ll capture a few images of everyone smiling at the camera, my focus is always on how your family actually interacts.

My work is often described as joyful, organic, and authentic. I blend traditional, documentary, and lifestyle photography to create images that feel timeless and personal. Every session includes a generous gallery and a custom-designed luxury album, because I believe your photos should live beyond your screen.

At the heart of my work is connection, how you love, laugh, and move through this season together.

I started learning photography at age 12 and have been photographing families professionally since 2021. After the birth of my son, I launched Tristin Tracy Photography with a clear mission: to create meaningful, joyful images that celebrate connection. Since then, I’ve had the honor of documenting hundreds of families and newborns here in Santa Barbara and beyond.

Your high-resolution digital images will be delivered in a private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing. The gallery will be ready within 3 weeks of your session date. If you’d like your images sooner, expedited gallery delivery is available—just let me know and I’ll send over the details.

Of course! Styling for your session is very important and can completely change the look of your photographs. We can discuss your options at the time of booking. I also have a client wardrobe available upon request.

Check out my blog post for more information- tristintracyphotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-to-your-family-photo-session-santa-barbara-family-photographer/

I am happy to photograph you at any stage of your pregnancy, but typically maternity sessions take place anytime after 30 weeks gestation.

I like to photograph newborns within the first few weeks (5-15 days) of life but I'm flexible. I think babies are perfect just the way they are and I am happy to do a newborn session at any age. That being said, they do change and grow very quickly in the first months of life. I recommend trying to get the shoot scheduled before the baby is three months old, just to capture that newborn sweetness.

You don't! In fact, if they get to be a little naughty, that will probably get us some genuine smiles and laughter! Allow your children to be themselves and try not to scold them for anything during our time together.

I wrote a whole blog post about why I want your kids to misbehave during our session. Please read it and take it to heart...

https://www.tristintracyphotography.com/blog/why-i-want-your-kids-to-misbehave-during-your-family-photo-session-santa-barbara-family-photographer/

Every image I deliver is thoughtfully retouched to enhance what’s already there—this includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, background cleanup, and natural color adjustments. I don’t do extensive Photoshop edits like altering body shapes or removing clothing items (like bra straps), so I always recommend wearing something you feel good in.

Photographs grow in value over time and become family treasures. I know the importance of archiving and saving digital images. I offer one simple, all-inclusive collection where you receive all the high-resolution digital files delivered via direct download and a print release. A minimum of 75 digital files will be available to you (but usually there are more!), in both color and black & white. I also include a complimentary, predesigned luxury album from your session. You will also have the option to buy additional prints and boutique products.

I don’t deliver RAW files. Part of the value of working with me is the editing process—I carefully select and hand-edit the best images to reflect the style you see in my portfolio. Think of it like a chef preparing your meal: just as they wouldn’t serve raw ingredients, I don’t deliver unfinished images. You’ll receive a generous gallery of fully edited photos in both color and black and white, ready to download, print, and enjoy.

I carefully look at each and every image I capture from our session and hand-select the best photographs. I am looking for images that represent me as an artist and your family. I guarantee a minimum of 75 images, but there are usually many more included. Lucky you!

You’re welcome to download your images and print them wherever you’d like. That said, I recommend using a professional lab to ensure your prints look their best and won’t fade over time. You’ll also have access to my print shop directly through your gallery if you’d like a simple, high-quality option.

I primarily shoot with my Canon EOS R5 paired with the Canon RF 28–70mm f/2 lens. For videography, I often use my 24–105mm f/2.8, and I occasionally bring along my Fujifilm X100VI for nostalgic, film-like images with a retro vibe.

I don’t currently offer mini sessions. My full sessions are intentionally designed to give us the time and space to create meaningful, natural images without rushing. If you’re curious why I’ve moved away from mini sessions, you can read more about it here: www.tristintracyphotography.com/blog/capturing-love-joy-connection-why-full-photo-sessions-are-the-real-deal/

While it rarely rains in Santa Barbara, we’ve had our share of weather this year. Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving behind gorgeous light, blue skies, and dramatic clouds. If needed, we can shift the timing or move the session indoors—perhaps at your home or hotel. I’m confident we’ll find a window to create beautiful images.

Due to the custom nature of photography, all sales are final and no refunds will be issued. A 50% deposit is required to hold your session date. If canceled, the deposit will be forfeited. If you request to reschedule with at least 7 days’ notice, the deposit may be applied toward a future session date, if one becomes available. Please note that only one reschedule is permitted.

My pricing is simple and all-inclusive. You pay one price for ALL of the digital files. The total cost is $1650 for newborn or family sessions, and $825 for my "tandem" maternity session (only available when booking with a newborn session). A 50% deposit is due when booking to secure your session date.

I am so glad you asked! You can e-mail me directly at tristin.tracy@gmail.com or via the contact page.