Los Gatos Family Photography

A family portrait featuring two adults and a child sitting together with a cat in a studio setting.

My family photography in Los Gatos is for Bay Area families who want everyone in the photos, parents included. Sessions take place at my private studio in downtown Los Gatos, with a mountain-like backyard for outdoor images, at your home, or at a Bay Area location you choose. Every session includes an in-person vision and wardrobe consultation, hair and makeup for one person, and as much time as your family needs.

A note for my newborn and maternity families: I now photograph newborn and maternity sessions for returning clients only. If we’ve worked together before and there’s a new little one on the way, email me at gaby@gabyclark.com and we’ll set it up.

Bay Area Studio Family session: A smiling mother poses with her teenage son and daughter, dressed in formal attire against a neutral gray studio backdrop.

What your family session includes

You show up. I take care of the rest.

  • An in-person vision and wardrobe consultation before your session
  • Professional hair and makeup for one person on the day of your session
  • Use of my studio wardrobe
  • No time limit. We take as long as your family needs, breaks included.
  • An ordering appointment where we choose your images together
  • Wall art design, plus complimentary in-home installation
  • A lifetime warranty on wall portraits and products

Where we can photograph your family

Most families choose my studio in downtown Los Gatos. It has professional lighting, a warm space for little ones, and a backyard for outdoor images.

You can also pick a place that means something to you. That can be your own home, a favorite park, or a garden like Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. Some parks and gardens require a photography permit. I’ll let you know ahead of time if your location needs one.

SF Bay Area: Family Session Four members of the Coward family pose together, with a young woman in a black floral kimono beside relatives in traditional and formal attire.

It’s so rare as a parent to get a moment where you can actually look at your family.

This is your life.

LET’S CREATE PHOTOS THAT EVOKE THE JOY IT HOLDS.

San Francisco Bay Area family photography displayed on a living room wall, highlighting diverse family photoshoot moments.

This time, you’re in the photos

If you’re usually the one taking the family photos, this session is for you too. Professional hair and makeup is included for one person, and I guide every pose so everyone looks relaxed and natural. Then I retouch every image you choose, so you love how you look.

Before and after hair and make up and styling collage .Woman with long dark hair in a strapless beige dress, posing confidently and close up insert of the woman before hair and make up
Bay Area Outdoor Family session: A family of five stands with two curly-coated dogs beneath a towering redwood in a leafy forest, smiling together.

Check Out The Family Gallery For Inspiration

How a family session works

Step 1. We meet in person for your vision and wardrobe consultation. We plan the location, the outfits, and the groupings you want.

Step 2. On session day, I direct everything. Kids can take breaks, and pets are welcome.

Step 3. Within 1 to 2 days, we meet for your ordering appointment and choose your favorite images together.

Step 4. Your retouched images are ready within 2 weeks of your selection. If you order wall art, I design it with you and install it in your home.

Trusted by families around the San Francisco Bay Area

When you have quintuplets plus two older sisters, finding a photographer who can handle the beautiful chaos is nearly impossible. Gaby was incredibly patient and never once made us feel rushed, even when three of the quints had meltdowns at the same time. She worked with each child’s energy level and somehow made the whole experience feel calm despite seven kids. The photos are stunning, she captured each child’s personality and the love between all nine of us. If she can beautifully photograph our family of nine, she can photograph anyone!”

– Nicole, mom of 7

A family portrait featuring two adults and seven children, including quintuplets, seated together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photography

When is the best time to schedule a family photo session?

Many families book once a year so they can watch their kids grow in their photos. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, and the holidays fill up fast. My Los Gatos studio works year-round, so the weather never decides for you.

Where do family photo sessions take place?

Most sessions take place at my private studio in downtown Los Gatos, with professional lighting and a mountain-like backyard for outdoor images. I also photograph families at their homes or at a Bay Area location they choose. Some parks and gardens require a photography permit, and I’ll let you know ahead of time if yours does.

How long does a family photography session take?

There’s no time limit. We take as long as your family needs, especially with young children who need breaks. I never rush a session.

What should we wear for family photos?

I provide complete wardrobe consultation as part of your session planning. Generally, coordinating colors work better than matching outfits. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid busy patterns or large logos. During our in-person vision and wardrobe consultation, I will guide you on what works best for your family’s style and the look you want to achieve. I also have wardrobe options available in my studio.

What if my kids do not cooperate during the session?

I have extensive experience photographing families with young children, and I know how to work with kids of all ages and temperaments. I make sessions fun and engaging, not stressful. We will take breaks when needed, and I have techniques to capture beautiful, authentic moments even with wiggly toddlers or reluctant teens. My studio is designed to be comfortable and welcoming for families.

Can we include our pets in family photos?

Absolutely! Pets are family too. I love including dogs, cats, and other well-behaved pets in family portraits. Just let me know in advance so we can plan for their comfort and safety during the session.

Is professional hair and makeup included?

Yes. Professional hair and makeup for one person is included in every family session. Most families choose the parent who’s usually behind the camera, so they can relax and enjoy being in the photos for once.

How do we prepare for our family session?

After booking, we will meet in person for a vision and wardrobe consultation to nail down all of the session details. During this consultation, I will help you with wardrobe selection, discuss your vision for the session, plan any special groupings you want, answer all your questions, and provide tips on scheduling and how to prepare your family for a smooth, stress-free session.

When will we see our family photos?

You will view all your images within 1-2 days after your session for selection at your ordering appointment. Final retouched images are delivered within 2 weeks of your image selection.

Will you retouch our family photos?

Yes, full professional retouching is included for every final image you select. I will remove blemishes, stray hairs, and any distracting elements while keeping everyone looking natural and authentic. Your family will look polished and beautiful while still looking like yourselves.

How many images will we receive?

That depends on the collection you choose, and I walk you through every option at your consultation. At your ordering appointment, you’ll pick your favorites from many different groupings, poses, and expressions.

Do you offer prints, albums, and wall art?

Yes. I offer fine-art framed prints, canvas, metal prints, custom albums, and folio boxes. I design your wall art with you, install it in your home at no extra cost, and every wall portrait comes with a lifetime warranty.

How much does family photography cost in Los Gatos?

A family session is a $450 session fee plus the image collection you choose. The session fee covers your in-person vision and wardrobe consultation, hair and makeup for one person, and the session itself, with no time limit. Collections start at $1,790, and the full breakdown is on my pricing page.

How far in advance should we book?

I recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially during busy seasons like fall and the holidays. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you will have in scheduling.

What is your rescheduling policy?

I understand that life happens, especially with families. If you need to reschedule due to illness or an emergency, your session fee will carry over to your new date. I do charge a rescheduling fee of $250 to keep my schedule running smoothly.