If we get to work together we will laugh, play, and have a great time! I am a photographer for laid-back families looking for an artistic and joyful photography experience. Capturing the unique beauty in every family is my passion and I look forward to turning 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, natural, real, and connected. I combine traditional, documentary, and lifestyle photography to capture genuine images for you to treasure for a lifetime. Imagine your family as art. 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.

Photo by Jaime Bugbee

Family sitting together with golden sun setting in the background at Lizards Mouth in Santa Barbara parents are kissing

Photo by Aurielle Whitmore

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!

• 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 laidback families looking for an artistic and joyful photography experience.

family lookin at camera smiling with dad holding a dog in golden light

Photo by Aurielle Whitmore

Get to know more about me

Tristin Tracy is an award-winning Family & Newborn photographer. She also owns and operates a Fine Art School Portrait business. With over 20 years of experience, Tristin has photographed a multitude of families and even more children, making her Santa Barbara’s most sought-after family portrait photographer.

Her work has been featured on Trip Advisor and in local publications such as Santa Barbara Magazine, C Magazine, 805 Living, Santa Barbara Seasons, Santa Barbara News-Press, Montecito Journal, and Montecito Magazine.

Santa Barbara Photographer having her photo taken by a friend

Photo by Emily Merrill

FAQ

WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHER ARE YOU?

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 organic, natural, real, and joyful. I combine traditional, documentary, and lifestyle photography to capture genuine images for you to treasure for a lifetime. Imagine your family as art. 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.

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 $750 for newborn or family sessions, and $375 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.