5 Reasons to hire a professional photographer during your next family vacation to Santa Barbara


Capture the destination in YOUR photos


It takes a skilled eye (and a pro camera) to create photographs that capture perfect lighting, a beautiful moment between loved ones, a balanced composition AND the essence of the location. Instead of a close-up iPhone photo of you and your family smiling against an indiscernible background, the best vacation photos feature the scenic characteristics of your trip: Stearns Wharf and the harbor, or the iconic beach bungalows along Miramar, or the cliffs above Hendry's Beach, or (my personal favorite) the palm-lined coast of Leadbetter with the purple mountains glowing in the background during magic hour. These magical scenes will bring your vacation memories back as if you were there yesterday.

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation

1. Get Mom (a.k.a. ‘Resident Photo-Taker’) back in the photos


You want photos of your family vacation to include the whole crew, not just one or two of the kids and maybe Dad, but everyone! A vacation photographer takes the memory-capturing burden off any one individual, so everyone can be in the moment and in the photos. That way you can all look back on those memories of joy, love, and connection. 

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mission
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mission
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mission
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mission
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mission

2. Best vacation SOUVENIRS


Most likely, you will see lots of souvenirs for sale up and down State Street. You don't need to take home a shirt with "Santa Barbara" written across it to remember your unforgettable trip. As Art Buchwald once said, “The best things in life aren’t things.” So instead, hire a professional family photographer and let your luxury album (complimentary when you book with me!) be a reminder of all the sentimental moments from your beach vacation in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach

3. SAY GOODBYE TO your camera phone AND HELLO TO ACTION SHOTS!


Running, jumping, playing, tickling—a whole suite of dynamic and exciting action shots are possible now that you’ve relinquished your camera phone. Your arms are free to move about the scene: running through the waves, swinging the kids between you and Dad, and big family hugs.


Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach\
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation beach

4. impactful wall art and unique holiday cards


Happy memories that you create on family vacations will always live in your heart, and for some time, as the snapshots on your phone. But what if they could also live over your fireplace or in a beautifully crafted family album on your coffee table? Or even in your child’s bedroom, so these photos can be the last thing they see before sleep and the first thing they see when they wake up.


The tradition of sending custom photo holiday cards to your family and friends has become very popular! I know I've sent them for the last 6 years without fail. When everyone’s taking photos at a Christmas tree farm or with Santa, more and more families want to be different and “stand out in the crowd.” That’s why some families choose relaxed vacation portraits to create unique holiday cards. Laid back family photos on Holiday cards also share the reflection of your family’s best memories of the year, making them even more iconic.

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation mountains

5. Locals Know the Best Locales


Connect with a local who wants to share their tips and recommendations. Your photographer is also your on-the-ground local guide, just itching for the opportunity to tell you all about their city. I love to share my favorite spots for brunch, which playground or museums are best for young kids, or the best family hike. Your vacation photographer also knows the best photo locations, along with things like when is “golden hour,” what to wear to look your best, and more.

Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation
Santa Barbara Lifestyle Photographer Family, Newborn, Maternity photography vacation

ok, one more reason... if you hire me, Photoshoots are ACTUALLY FUn!


It’s a special treat to have your photos taken, an indulgence that’s right up there with a Himalayan-sea-salt spa treatment (well, maybe not), or visiting a chocolate museum with edible displays (Santa Barbara actually has one)! My photo sessions are engaging, active, and gets you out of the hotel and enjoying the local beaches and architecture.


Bonus: My photo sessions are a great opportunity to get professional headshots that aren’t corporate and stiff. Picture this: you on the beach with the palm tree-lined coast and purple mountains behind you—LinkedIn, eat your heart out!