East Bay Family Photography

What makes my family photography sessions different?

The experience! Get ready to move, laugh, and enjoy yourselves! No awkward standing around with forced grins on my watch! As your family photographer, my mission is to capture your true personalities and connection through a fun and active session.

Forget about standing around and staring at the camera hoping for that one decent shot with everybody’s eyes open. Your family is one of a kind — let’s make photos that are just as unique! Here’s what some of my clients would like you to know:

Get ready for your fun and active family photo session in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

Shelly is a wonderful person to work with who takes beautiful photos and makes the photo shoot easy. Her best personality puts the family at ease which makes for the beautiful pictures. She was very accommodating with regards to when the pictures were taken and in being respectful of keeping the necessary social distance. Shelly is an excellent photographer and a fun person.     – Faith T.

Shelly took the most beautiful outdoor photos of my entire family—3 generations plus the dog! I was so struck, after the fact, at what a gift this was—especially with grandma & granddaughters together. With all our iPhones and gadgets, we may think we can selfie our way into beautiful photos, but Shelly can capture that moment you didn’t know you were looking for. Shelly’s relaxed demeanor put everyone at ease. Her portraits do not rely on studio poses (thankfully), but focus on capturing natural moments. We highly recommend Shelly Rivoli Photography if you are looking for a supremely talented and professional photographer —skilled at capturing the perfect portraits in exquisite light in outdoor settings.    – Charlene T.

Capturing the generations together is some of the most important work I can do, and what an honor it was to capture three generations of women together in this family!

Do you have a special use for your photos in mind?

Perhaps there’s a wall in your home crying out for a fun display? Want a table-top or wall-ready photo to gift loved ones? Sending out a holiday, anniversary, or other special occasion card? I’m here to help!

I’ll help you find the perfect way to display your treasured photos from our session.

When I deliver your online gallery of photos from our session, I’ll include some recommendations of great ways to display your family’s portraits in your home. In fact, I can even show you how they’d look on your own walls–just ask!

You’ll also be able to purchase a custom designed photo album (a brilliant option when you have limited wall space) and digital files (printable up to 8″ x 10″) from your session. See more details on my pricing page.

Where will we take our photos?

I have some favorite places that can change throughout the year and depending on current conditions. I’ll give my best recommendation for the timing of your session, the specifics of your group, and your wishes for how and where you’ll use your photos. Just tell me all about it in the details of your Session Request!

Do YOU have a special location in mind for your photos?

Just let me know! I will scout out the location for lighting and other “nuances” to help determine the best timing for the shoot and any other issues (permits, etc.) that might be required. For locations beyond our Emeryville / Berkeley / Albany / El Cerrito / Richmond area, a travel fee may apply. I will let you know what that would be for your desired location and date.

Special event photography may also require an additional fee. I’m happy to provide a quote on request–just include your specifications in your session booking request.

Winter and early spring make for some spectacular golden hour and sunset family photos in the East Bay Hills with views over San Francisco Bay.

Here are links to more information about my East Bay family photography services:

Family Portraits Portfolio

See my tips for What to Wear for Your Family Photos

Send me a Photo Session Request

Outdoor East Bay family photography with pet-friendly photographer Shelly Rivoli.

Providing outdoor, socially distanced family photo sessions in the El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Kensington area of the East Bay.