Welcome!


Let's start this off with an introduction. Hi, I'm Tristin from Tristin Tracy Photography! Throughout this process, I'll be getting to know you and your family, so I thought it was only fair that I tell you a bit about me, as well.


My Photography Journey


My passion for photography started when I bought my first camera at age 12. From then on I was hooked! I spent all of my professional career in fine jewelry, but after my son was born, I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and my interest in photography was revitalized. When COVID hit and my husband was laid-off, I needed to go back to work but I was dreading going back to retail. A friend of mine invited me to help out on a maternity photoshoot and I instantly fell in love! I knew this was my calling! I love being out in nature, under the sun, and bringing families together outdoors is just incredible. Documenting the love, joy, and connection between families and children is amazing and I feel so lucky to be doing it for a living!


Get to Know Me


○ I'm a 4th generation Santa Barbara native.

○ It's almost impossible to offend me.

○ I’ve circumnavigated the globe by boat and traveled to over 60 countries and counting...


I believe families connect best outdoors, exploring nature together. Whether it’s playing in the sand or under the shade of a giant oak tree in the mountains, we will have a great time, I promise!

I value each and every one of the families I photograph, and I want you to have the best experience possible! I do not take this privilege lightly. I know how valuable your time and investment are, and I promise that I will give you a fun and relaxing experience. Most families say they're surprised at how enjoyable and easy my sessions are.


Take a look at the info below. My hope is that you will be as prepared as you can for our session. Scroll all the way down to find info on the type of session(s) you have planned with me.

Your Family Session

Your Family Session

What to Expect from Your Custom Family Portrait Session


So you booked your session. Now what? Via e-mail, we will discuss location selection, wardrobe selection, and answer any questions you have.


I am excited to capture you and your loved ones! Lifestyle photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to create honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera, but to photograph the true essence of your family. I take a documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.

Location: 

Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. I have many locations that I love to shoot at regularly but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality. I can help you with this decision. Click HERE to read a guide I wrote about deciding what type of location is best for your family.


Time: 

If we are photographing outdoors, we will shoot in the late afternoon/early evening. The light is best 1.5 hours before sunset and is typically too harsh mid-day. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some downtime prior to their evening session.


Length Of Session: 

The good news is, I am super fast! My family portrait sessions rarely last more than an hour. Don't worry, I can easily get a diverse and adequate gallery in that time. 


What To Wear: 

Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. Click here and here to read the guides I've written to help you select what your family should wear for your session. I am happy to consult you directly on wardrobe, just let me know.


TIP If you're going to wear lipstick, wear one that is smudge-proof (click here for my favorite). There will be kissing!


TIP ○ If your daughter is going to wear a dress, please put bike shorts underneath.


Props: 

I do not use props during my sessions, however, if you have something in mind please let me know.


 TIP ○ Please bring as little as possible to our session. All your items will go in my basket so I can photograph you while walking to different areas.


Your Children: 

Parents this is a no-discipline zone! You will laugh, play and connect as a family. Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural selves. Don't worry if your child is running about and active, most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child, or hold the child and we go from there. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however, I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non-messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session. Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them. Click HERE to read a guide on how to best prepare your children for your shoot.


TIP ○ Feel free to embrace, tickle, and kiss one another whenever feels natural! You don’t have to wait for my instructions. I will gently guide and give you ideas but do what feels authentic whenever possible. Most importantly, tell your family while you're driving to our session that this will be fun! I got this, I will direct you and your kids.


TIP Please bring as little as possible to our session. All your items will go in my basket (that I'm carrying) so I can photograph you while walking to different areas. Please arrive on time and be ready to start on time: Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is important that we start on time.


TIP You might want to go out to dinner after our photo session, everyone's all dressed up! Unless your session is at the beach, then you'll want to head to the bathtub!


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I can't wait to capture you!

Your Newborn Session

Your Newborn Session

What to Expect from Your Custom Newborn Portrait Session


I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn. Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is Fine Art Lifestyle, which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life. Below, I’ve outlined helpful information for your upcoming session with me.

Scheduling:

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.


Time:

If we are photographing in your home, I prefer late morning around 10:30 am, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. The session will last around one to two hours, so there's no pressure on time.


Day Of The Session:

When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best-lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the sofa, master bedroom, and nursery for photos. Trust me, I know what it’s like to have a newborn. Please don’t feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos while I’m there.


Your Baby:

Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form-fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means that you will need a preemie or newborn-sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near-nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for your baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about 15 minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, that is okay. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not do major posing or have any expectations on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.


Siblings:

Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may lose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.


Mom & Dad:

​You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect; my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease while I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.


Wardrobe:

I recommend light neutral colors and comfort. Feel free to visit my Outfit Inspiration Guide and this blog post for some ideas on what to wear. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.


TIP If you're going to wear lipstick, wear one that is smudge-proof (click here for my favorite). There will be kissing!


For a few more tips, check out my blog post. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Thank you, and I look forward to capturing you soon!

Your Maternity Session

Your Maternity Session

What to Expect from Your Custom Maternity Portrait Session


Pregnancy is so many things! It's joyful, beautiful, and often hard if we're being honest. You will never regret your decision to capture this time in your life as it goes by so fast. Now that you have booked your maternity session you may have some questions. Hopefully, this resource will help you feel at ease about your upcoming photo session. 


As you have seen in my portfolio, my images are organic and natural, capturing who you are right now. I will never ask you to wear an uncomfortable gown or place you in uncomfortable positions. My goal is to capture the beauty that is your pregnant body and also capture the connection between you and the little soul inside you. We will also celebrate these last moments as a family of two, three, or whatever size your family is right now. I think it is special to have memories of what your family looked like right before the baby arrives.

Location:

Together, we will select the best location for your session. Most women want to take advantage of one of the many outdoor locations Santa Barbara has to offer, however, some prefer the intimacy of their home. It is up to you. 


Time: 

If we are photographing outdoors, we will shoot in the late afternoon/early evening. The light is best 1.5 hours before sunset and is typically too harsh mid-day. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact. If we are shooting in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best.


Who is included in the session:

Your maternity session is for you, your significant other, and your children if this isn't your first pregnancy. Yes, fur babies are welcome too. If children will be included, please know that I am very experienced with working with kiddos of all ages. It is okay if they are active or silly. 


TIP ○ Feel free to embrace, tickle, and kiss one another whenever feels natural! You don’t have to wait for my instructions. I will gently guide and give you ideas but do what feels authentic whenever possible.


Wardrobe:

I want you to feel your best. I find that long dresses seem to be the most comfortable and allow for easy moving, however it is entirely up to you. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to show off your style! I have many beautiful options in my client closet that you can borrow free of charge. Feel free to bring a stylish hat, flower crown, or family heirloom jewelry. We will have time to play around and try different looks. Feel free to take a look at my Outfit Inspiration Guide and I am happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. What is important is that you feel beautiful.


TIP If you're going to wear lipstick, wear one that is smudge-proof (click here for my favorite). There will be kissing!


TIP ○ Please bring as little as possible to our session. All your items will go in my basket so I can photograph you while walking to different areas. 


TIPYou might want to go out to dinner after our photo session, everyone's all dressed up! Unless your session is at the beach, then you'll want to head to the bathtub!


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I can't wait to capture you!

Your Proposal Session

Your Proposal Session

What to Expect from Your Custom Proposal Session


So you booked your session. Now what? Via e-mail, we will discuss location selection, wardrobe selection, and answer any questions you have.


I am excited to capture you and your partner on this special day! Lifestyle photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to create honest photos of your proposal. The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera, but to photograph the true essence of you and your fiance. I take a documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.

Location: 

Together, we will decide on the best location for your proposal. I have many locations that I love to shoot at regularly but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality, and I can help you with this decision.


Time: 

If we are photographing outdoors, we will shoot in the late afternoon/early evening. The light is best 1.5 hours before sunset and is typically too harsh mid-day. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact.


Length Of Session: 

The good news is, I am super fast! My proposal sessions rarely last more than 45 minutes. Don't worry, I can easily get a diverse and adequate gallery in that time. 


The flow: 

While each proposal is unique, following a general flow often yields the best results. I suggest you and your partner proceed to the predetermined proposal spot, with me following behind. When you propose, if you choose to kneel, please stay down for at least 20 seconds to allow for various angles in the photos. Afterward, I'll introduce myself and ask if you'd like to open a champagne bottle, if prearranged. I'll then give you both a few moments to take in what just happened. After a few minutes, I'll invite you to take a walk with me so we can capture this special occasion through photographs. For more details on the session flow, click here.


What To Wear: 

Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. I am happy to consult you directly on wardrobe, just let me know.


TIP If you're going to wear lipstick, wear one that is smudge-proof (click here for my favorite). There will be kissing!


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I can't wait to capture your special proposal!

Your Fresh 48 Session

Birth Space

Your Fresh 48 Session

Birth Space

What to Expect from your Fresh 48/Birth Space Session


A birth space session is a perfect way to remember those fleeting first moments. These sessions are 100% documentary in nature. All you do is text me when the baby arrives and I capture the baby in the first 48 hours. If you deliver in a hospital, I come before discharge. If you deliver at a birth center, discharge is rather fast, so I typically meet you in your home, however depending on the time of day or night the birth is, I may be able to make it. If you deliver at home, I come to the home in the first 48 hours. I capture all the little details of the new baby, genuine interactions between family members, nursing, and all the moments in between. This session is designed to be stress-free. I simply observe and capture. 

Time: 

The late morning is usually best for everyone, including baby.


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I can't wait to capture you!