If we have the opportunity to work together, we will laugh, play, and create lasting memories together! I am passionate about capturing the love, joy, and connection in your family, and I'm excited to turn your love into art.

HI, I'M TRISTIN.


My passion for photography started when I bought my first camera at age 12. From then on, I was hooked! After my son was born, my excitement for photography was revitalized. I wanted to capture every smile and milestone, each small detail and fleeting moment. They don’t stay small for long…. 


I love being out in nature and documenting the love, joy, and connection between families and children. Whether it’s playing in the warm sand or under the shade of a giant oak tree in the Santa Barbara foothills, I believe families are happiest outdoors. As a 4th generation Santa Barbara native, I'm familiar with many of the amazing "lesser-known" photoshoot locations in our area.


I'm an outdoor (with the exception of newborns) natural light family lifestyle photographer. I love to capture the real moments as they happen and give soft direction. My work has been described as joyful, artistic, magical, and connected. I combine traditional, documentary, and lifestyle photography to capture genuine images for you to treasure for a lifetime.


As your photographer, I will provide a generous gallery of images that can be displayed in your home as pieces of art or archived in a custom luxury album to be treasured for generations. These photographs will be an investment in your family history. Images from your session often tell a story, capturing a treasured moment in time. I do not try to make you look perfect, stiff, or unnatural. I am not after that "one" shot with everyone looking at the camera and smiling. Sure, I may get some with everyone looking and smiling, but I promise if I do, your love and connection will shine through. Imagine your family as art.

Moving Portrait by Becca Jean Photography

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Our recent family portraits

fun facts


• I love being outside in the sunshine.

• While volunteering at my son's co-op preschool, I discovered I love working with children.

• My previous career was in fine jewelry. Ask me any questions 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 trekked through over 60 countries and counting. Some of my favorite experiences were:


• Circumnavigating the globe by sea

• Skydiving

• Ziplining

• Scuba diving

• Motorcycle riding

• Sprinter van cross-country road trip with our son and mini Aussie


I believe families connect best outdoors, exploring nature together. I am a photographer for families looking for a joyful, artistic, and modern photography experience.

My Family

A young child plays outdoors with a toy truck and metal bowl in this vintage black and white photograph.

My favorite photograph

A tranquil beach scene with beachgoers and their dog strolling along the sandy shore at sunset as a child plays by the water.

My Family

Have you met Tristin?

One thing you can’t live without: Earl Grey tea.


Favorite place you’ve ever traveled: Too many to name—but the Seychelles were pretty dreamy.


Favorite place in Santa Barbara: Miramar Beach.


Something people are surprised to learn about you: I never graduated college—and I don’t regret it.


What’s always in your camera bag (besides a camera)? My emergency kit! Bee sting? Tar on your feet? Need a bandaid or a bobby pin? I’ve got you covered.


Favorite time of day to shoot: Golden hour. Every time.

Pickleball or beach day? That's tough, but pickleball.


Travel destination still on your list: New Zealand.


Favorite quote: “The most precious jewels you'll have around your neck are the arms of your child.” ― Altaf ul qadri


Most meaningful photo you’ve ever taken: An iPhone shot of my son, playing in the mud in his underwear, laughing with a bucket of water and his favorite toys.


Secret to a great photo session: A good attitude and a willingness to let go.


Best advice you’ve ever received: Done is better than perfect!

A cause you care deeply about: Planned Parenthood and any organization helping animals.


Favorite way to recharge: Sitting in the jacuzzi with a beer in hand.


When you’re not behind the camera, you’re probably: Playing pickleball.


Go-to dessert: Honestly? I’ll take anything sweet that’s good quality.


How do you define success? Having the time and freedom to do what I want, when I want.

Tristin Tracy playing pickleball in white shirt swings forehand on outdoor court during sunny afternoon match.
Tristin Tracy and her husband playing pickleball on an outdoor court with green hedges and houses in the background on a sunny day.
Tristin Tracy and Jason Barbaria paying a pickleball match on a sunny court with a black fence and trees in the background.

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.

A silhouette of a photographer using a camera during sunset, set against a colorful sky and desert landscape.

Photo by Becca Jean Photography

FEATURED in:
Black letters in all caps stating Santa Barbara Coast on a white background.
Black and white photo of a professional family photographer holding a mirrorless camera in front of their face while taking a picture.

Podcast Feature: Book More Photography Clients Through Local Partnerships

I had the pleasure of joining Jill on her podcast to chat all about how I’ve grown my photography business through community-driven marketing and local partnerships.

Santa Barbara, CA

You might not love every photo I take of you—and that’s okay.



But that doesn’t mean you won’t love your photos.


Here’s the truth: I’ll do my best to find the light, notice the little details, and make you feel at ease. But I’m not here to chase perfection. Because real connection isn’t always perfectly lit or posed.


Some images might catch your hair mid-swoop, or your smile a little too wide. You might spot a double chin or an angle you wouldn’t post on Instagram. But those are the photos where you’re laughing with your kids. Hugging your partner like you mean it. Living in the moment with the people who matter most.


And I promise—you won’t regret those.


Because at the end of the day, your family photos aren’t about how you look. They’re about how it felt to be there. To be together.


If you’re feeling hesitant, I wrote a blog post with a few simple ways to feel more confident during your session. You can read it here.

You might not love every photo I take of you—and that’s okay.



But that doesn’t mean you won’t love your photos.


Here’s the truth: I’ll do my best to find the light, notice the little details, and make you feel at ease. But I’m not here to chase perfection. Because real connection isn’t always perfectly lit or posed.


Some images might catch your hair mid-swoop, or your smile a little too wide. You might spot a double chin or an angle you wouldn’t post on Instagram. But those are the photos where you’re laughing with your kids. Hugging your partner like you mean it. Living in the moment with the people who matter most.


And I promise—you won’t regret those.


Because at the end of the day, your family photos aren’t about how you look. They’re about how it felt to be there. To be together.


If you’re feeling hesitant, I wrote a blog post with a few simple ways to feel more confident during your session. You can read it here.

FAQ

WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHER ARE YOU?

I'm an outdoor natural light family, maternity, and vacation lifestyle photographer and videographer. My newborn sessions take place mostly in-home. I have a passion for documenting genuine moments as they unfold, providing gentle guidance when needed.

People describe my work as joyful, organic, and authentic. By combining elements of traditional, documentary, and lifestyle photography, I aim to create heartfelt images that you can cherish for a lifetime. Your family becomes a work of art through my lens. I provide a generous selection of images for you to display as artwork in your home or preserve in a luxurious custom album, becoming an investment in your family's history. These photographs often tell a story, capturing precious moments in time.

I don't strive for perfection, stiffness, or forced poses. Instead, I focus on capturing your love and connection. While I may take some shots where everyone is looking and smiling, my priority is to ensure your genuine love and connection shine through.

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH IDEAS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE SESSION?

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 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/

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.

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.

Will I receive digital photos after the shoot?

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.

When will I receive my images?

Your high-resolution digital images from our session will be presented in a private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing. The gallery will be available within 3 weeks after our session date.

How do you choose which images are in my gallery from our shoot?

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!

DO I HAVE TO ORDER PRINTS THROUGH YOU?

You can, but you don't have to. Your images are available for download and can be printed anywhere of your choosing.

WHAT KIND OF GEAR DO YOU USE?

I shoot with my Canon EOS R5 body and I typically use my Canon RS 28-70mm f/2 lens.

HOW MUCH DOES ALL OF THIS COST?

My pricing is simple and all-inclusive. You pay one price for ALL of the digital files. The total cost is $1250 for newborn or family sessions, and $625 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.

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WITH YOU, Tristin?

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

Can you photoshop me?

I don’t alter the way you look other than skin blemishes or anything temporary that would not normally be there (bruise, scrape, acne etc unless you’d like me to keep it the photos). If you’re self conscious about something, please let me know as I’ll be sure to be extra aware of that while I’m posing you.

Couple holding belly for maternity shoot with vines on wooden fence background
Kind Words from Santa Barbara Families

01 / 03

— 
Jenna

Tristin is an outstanding person and photographer! We were referred to Tristin last minute and she made a magical maternity/pregnancy photoshoot happen within days! My husband and I felt so relaxed, at ease, comfortable, and simply happy to be capturing such a special time in our lives. We look forward to working with Tristin in the future as we continue to grow our family!