Bay Area Family Photographer

If You’ve Ever Wished You Could Freeze Time
And Hold Onto These Tiny People Just As They Are

The years when your kids are little move faster than anyone warns you. The way they laugh, the way they reach for you, the way they are right now — it’s already changing. Bay Area family photography is how we hold onto it.

  • Child in a lavender field in the Bay Area
  • Family having fun at a photoshoot on the beach in Alameda
  • Family photoshoot in Berkeley
  • Family photoshoot at a lavender field in the Bay Area
  • Boy kissing his mom at a photoshoot in Alameda
  • Mom and son hugging at a photoshoot in Berkeley

Getting everyone out the door is the hard part. I’ll handle everything else.


From the moment you reach out, my goal is to make this feel easy. I’ll help you choose a location that feels right for your family, provide wardrobe guidance so outfit decisions don’t feel overwhelming, and walk you through everything you need to know before your session.

And when it comes to your kids — I use simple games and prompts that draw out real laughter and genuine connection, so what you walk away with actually looks and feels like your family.

Your job is to show up. I’ll take it from there.

Start planning your session
  • Child on a rocking horse in a lavender field in the Bay Area
  • Girl running at a Bay Area photoshoot on the beach in Alameda
  • family with a dog at a beach in Alameda
  • Boy sitting on rocks at a photoshoot in Alameda
  • Family posing at a photoshoot in Alameda
  • Brothers posing for a photoshoot in San Jose

What makes a Megan Rory family session different


Your kids don’t need to perform I use gentle games and prompts that draw out real laughter, real connection, and genuine expressions — no stiff poses, no forced smiles. Just your family being your family.

Gently guided, never stiff Sessions are a balance of direction and freedom. I’ll guide your family into beautiful moments while leaving room for movement, personality, and the in-between sparks that make your family yours.

Wardrobe taken care of I provide styling guidance before every session and have a small client wardrobe available — so you don’t have to spend hours figuring out what everyone should wear.

The location is handled I’ll help you choose an outdoor setting that complements your family’s style — whether that’s coastal, open and airy, or surrounded by blooms. The Bay Area gives us so much to work with.

Your portraits will live in your home I create heirloom artwork designed to live on your walls and bring you back to this season every single day.

Start planning your session
  • brothers in a lavender field in the Bay Area
  • Little girl photoshoot on the beach in Alameda
  • Sisters hugging at a photoshoot in Alameda
  • Boy lying on the grass in a Bay Area family photoshoot
  • Family playing in a family photoshoot in Richmond
  • mom and daughter hugging in a Walnut Creek family photoshoot

About Your Family Photographer in the Bay Area

Hi, I’m Megan — a family photographer in the Bay Area and a mom of five who understands firsthand how quickly these seasons change.

I know what it’s like to look at your kids and already feel this moment slipping away. That understanding is at the center of everything I do — creating sessions that feel calm, unhurried, and genuinely reflective of your family, so what you walk away with feels real and lasting.

I offer family photography throughout Alameda and the San Francisco Bay Area, in beautiful outdoor locations that feel natural and personal to your family.

Let’s talk about your session
Bay Area photographer in a lavender field

A note from a family

“Megan provides such a calm and soothing demeanor that works well for my shy and ‘hesitant of new people’ toddler. And the photos always turn out so beautiful.”

Mom and girl twirling at a family photoshoot in Alameda

Questions About Your Session

Family sessions can be photographed outdoors in beautiful natural light locations, or can be photographed in my Alameda photography studio. I’ll help you choose a setting that complements your family’s style — whether that’s something coastal, open and airy, or warm and woodsy.


The goal is always to create a relaxed environment where your family can move, connect, and simply be together.

If you’re unsure which location feels right, I’ll guide you through the options during planning.

Children photograph best when they are happy and comfortable, which is why I always allow plenty of time for sessions. Typically, a family session lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour, giving children time to play, run around, and have fun, while also giving us their best smiles and expressions.

I recommend light neutrals, soft tones, and simple solids that complement one another rather than perfectly matching. Whites, creams, soft blues, and muted pinks photograph beautifully in natural and studio light.

I also have a carefully curated client wardrobe available to every client — browse a sample here — so you don’t have to stress over finding the perfect outfit. 

Before your session, I’ll provide wardrobe guidance to help everything come together seamlessly so you don’t feel overwhelmed by outfit decisions.

Children don’t need to sit still or behave perfectly for beautiful photos.

My sessions are designed to embrace movement, personality, and connection. Rather than forcing poses, I gently guide and create space for natural interaction. Often the in-between moments — laughter, cuddles, curiosity — are the ones families cherish most.

Very little. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your session so you can show up feeling prepared and relaxed. Wardrobe guidance is provided in advance, and I have a small client wardrobe available if needed. Beyond that, all you need to bring is your family.

I recommend you plan your portrait session at least one to two months in advance. This ensures I will have time in my calendar, and also gives us time to plan your ideal session, choose the perfect location, discuss clothing options, and more.

That said, you’re always welcome to inquire about current availability — even if your desired date is coming up soon. I’m happy to check my calendar and see what’s possible.

Reach out using the contact form below to start planning your custom portrait session. I can’t wait to hear from you!

After your session, we’ll schedule your ordering appointment where you’ll view your curated gallery and choose the collection and artwork that feel right for your family.

I’ll guide you through selecting your favorite images and deciding how you’d like them displayed — from fine art prints to heirloom albums and custom wall displays. Once selections are made, I take care of editing and product ordering so everything arrives ready to enjoy.

Tell me a little about your family — I can’t wait to learn what you’re dreaming of

Get In Touch

Let’s plan something beautiful together

Name
Used for your planning call and session coordination