Santa Barbara Photographer
If we work together, we’ll laugh, explore, and create photographs that reflect your family as you are right now, full of love, joy, and connection.
Photo by Jaime Bugbee Photography, Moving Portrait by Becca Jean Photography
HI, I’M TRISTIN.
My love for photography began when I bought my first camera at age 12. I was hooked immediately. Years later, after my son was born, that passion deepened. I wanted to capture every smile, every milestone, every small detail. They don’t stay small for long.
I’m a Santa Barbara legacy family photographer, and as a fourth generation local, this community is home. I know the beaches, the oak covered foothills, and the quiet, lesser known locations that photograph beautifully in natural light. I believe families are happiest outdoors, where there’s space to move, explore, and simply be together.
My sessions are relaxed and gently guided. I combine traditional, documentary, and lifestyle approaches to capture images that feel real and connected. I’m not chasing perfection or stiff poses. I’m drawn to the quiet moments, the laughter, and the in between. If everyone looks at the camera and smiles, that’s wonderful. But what matters most is that your connection shines through.
Every session includes a custom heirloom album because your photographs deserve to live beyond your phone. These images become part of your family history, something to hold, revisit, and pass down for generations.
Imagine your family as art.
click here to BOOK NOW
Our recent family portraits by Beth Armsheimer
FUN FACTS
• I’m happiest outside in the sunshine.
• I discovered my love for working with children while volunteering at my son’s co-op preschool.
• My previous career was in fine jewelry, ask me anything about gems or appraisals.
• I’m an avid pickleball player.
• It’s almost impossible to offend me.
I’m always up for an adventure. I’ve traveled to over 65 countries, with some favorite experiences including circumnavigating the globe by sea, skydiving, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and a cross country sprinter van road trip with our son and mini Aussie.
I believe families connect best outdoors, exploring nature together. My work is for families looking for a joyful, artistic, and modern photography experience.
My favorite photograph of my son
Have you met Tristin?
Can’t live without: Earl Grey tea.
Favorite place in Santa Barbara: Miramar Beach.
Favorite time of day to shoot: Golden hour, every time.
What’s always in your camera bag: My emergency kit. Bee sting? Bandaid? Bobby pin? I’ve got you covered.
Most meaningful photo I’ve taken: An iPhone shot of my son, muddy and laughing, holding a bucket of water.
Secret to a great session: A good attitude and a willingness to let go.
Best advice I’ve received: Done is better than perfect.
When I’m not behind the camera: Playing pickleball or planning our next adventure.
My Life, Documented Over Time
Tristin Tracy is an award-winning Family lifestyle photographer, filmmaker, and educator. With over 20 years of experience, Tristin has photographed hundreds of families and even more children, making her Santa Barbara’s go-to family portrait photographer.
Her work has been featured in Redfin and Trip Advisor, along with local publications such as Santa Barbara Magazine, C Magazine, 805 Living, Santa Barbara Seasons, Santa Barbara News-Press, Montecito Journal, and Montecito Magazine.
Photo by Becca Jean Photography
Santa Barbara, CA
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHER ARE YOU?
I’m an outdoor natural light photographer and videographer specializing in family, maternity, and vacation lifestyle sessions. My newborn sessions typically take place in the comfort of your home. I’m passionate about documenting honest, meaningful moments as they naturally unfold, offering gentle direction when helpful.
People often describe my work as joyful, organic, and authentic. I blend traditional, documentary, and lifestyle approaches to create images that feel both timeless and personal. Through my lens, your family becomes a work of art. I provide a generous gallery designed to be displayed in your home or preserved in a luxurious, custom album—an investment in your family’s story.
I don’t aim for stiff poses or picture-perfect moments. While I’ll capture a few of everyone smiling at the camera, my focus is always on your connection—how you love, laugh, and simply are together.
How long have you been a photographer?
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.
When will I receive my images?
Your high-resolution digital images will be delivered in a private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing. The gallery will be ready within 4 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.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH IDEAS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE SESSION?
Of course! Styling is such an important part of your session and can completely change the look and feel of your photographs. Once you're booked, we'll work together to coordinate outfits that complement one another and photograph beautifully. I also have a client wardrobe available upon request.
For more inspiration and styling tips, check out my styling guide:
https://www.tristintracyphotography.com/styling/
When do maternity sessions occur?
I am happy to photograph you at any stage of your pregnancy, but typically maternity sessions take place anytime after 30 weeks gestation.
When do newborn sessions occur?
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.
I have young children, how do I get them to behave?
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/
can you photoshop me?
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.
Will I receive digital photos after the shoot?
Photographs only become more meaningful with time, which is why I believe it's so important to preserve them well.
I offer one simple, all-inclusive collection that includes all of your high-resolution digital images, delivered via direct download with a print release.
You'll receive a minimum of 90 handcrafted, edited images in both color and black & white (though most galleries include even more!). Your session also includes a complimentary luxury heirloom album, thoughtfully designed by me and delivered directly to your home.
If you'd like to display your photographs throughout your home or gift them to family, you'll also have the option to purchase additional prints, wall art, and boutique products.
Do you give out RAW images?
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.
How do you choose which images are in my gallery from our shoot?
Every image in your gallery is thoughtfully selected to tell the story of your session. Rather than delivering hundreds of similar photographs, I curate a collection of the strongest images that best reflect your family, your connections, and my artistic style.
I guarantee a minimum of 90 handcrafted, edited images, though most galleries include many more. My goal is to provide a beautiful, cohesive gallery you'll love from beginning to end.
DO I HAVE TO ORDER PRINTS THROUGH 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.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR DO YOU USE?
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.
Do you offer mini sessions?
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/
what if it rains?
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 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.
What is your rescheduling and cancellation policy?
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.
HOW MUCH DOES ALL OF THIS COST?
My pricing is simple and all-inclusive. You'll pay one price that includes your photography session, your complete gallery of high-resolution digital images, a print release, and a complimentary luxury heirloom album thoughtfully designed by me and delivered directly to your home.
Family, newborn, couples, and proposal sessions are $1,800. My Tandem Maternity Session is $900 and is available exclusively when booked with a newborn session. Fresh 48 sessions are $900.
A 50% retainer is due at the time of booking to reserve your session date, with the remaining balance due one week before your session.
HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WITH YOU, Tristin?
Booking is easy! You can book your session directly online using my online booking link, fill out the contact form on my website, or, if you prefer, send me a good old-fashioned email at tristin.tracy@gmail.com.
If you're not quite sure which session is the best fit or have a few questions before booking, I'm always happy to help. Just reach out, and we'll find the perfect option for you and your family.





