Documentary-style photographer in Coronado, California.
Family. Including: maternity, newborn, motherhood, birthdays, family reunions.
Lifestyle & creative branding for entrepreneurs and artists turning passion into work.
Honest, joyful, and chasing moment over perfection, comfort over curation.
What I capture
The in-between moments and behind the scenes of your life. It's all inspiring even when it doesn't feel like it, and those humble moments are what your legacy is actually made of. So that years from now you can look back and laugh: "Yep, that was their chipped tooth." or "Woof, that was our house with the broken AC."
No two sessions look the same. Your Legacy Session won't look like anyone else's, because it's not supposed to.
My Approach
I'm So-Cal laid back on the day of the shoot, but only because we put in the work leading up to it. I'll collaborate with you beforehand and get intentional about what we're documenting, so that all expectations are set before we start and you can be as comfortable as possible (that's the most important part to me!!).
My goal is to fold into your world and immerse myself in whatever's already happening.
It doesn't need to be a "whole thing" because husbands and kids don't tend to do well with those (LOL). And honestly, most times things don't go as planned. Great. I follow wherever the energy takes us, and those imperfect moments are *chef's kiss*.
Some expectations
I want to be a match for you because you deserve photos you love with heart behind them.
I follow energy, not forced smiles or pixel perfect photos.
I'm also not a well-oiled machine yet. I'm a full-time mom with a dream to grind photography into a real business. This is new, and I'm not pretending otherwise. What I do have is taste, perspective, and an eye for what's worth noticing, and that's been building my whole life. These are my beginnings too. Thanks for supporting me as I get off the ground.
SESSIONS
Legacy Session
starting at $500
Legacy Sessions are about the authentic life you have right now. There's really no bounds for what this could look like, because every family is different. Maybe it starts with waffles in the kitchen and ends with sand angels at the beach. You tell me what your story and we build the time around it.
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1 hr+
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30+ digital images
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2 to 3 film images included
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Add-ons
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Full film roll (~30 images)
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Digicam 1 min homevideo
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Locations: Coronado, Strand, Cays, Imperial Beach. Inquire for greater San Diego.
Mini Session
$250
For when you're short on time or budget, and just need a couple of updated family photos. The photos lean a little more posed. We'll focus on one activity we can capture together, like bubbles in the yard or a walk around the block.
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30 minutes
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15+ digital images
Exclusively Coronado.
By the end of a Mini is usually right when your family starts to get comfortable, so if you're looking to capture the true essence of your family, go with a Legacy Session.
Creative & Branding Session
You're turning your passion into work and you like my photography style. This is where they meet.
Branding or just documenting yourself building something. We'll collaborate heavily beforehand so that I really understand your vision and why, because these photos are how people connect with you and your story.
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Mood boarding
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Creative guidance
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Defining the media, images and/or video
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Website, press photos, socials
service members & first responders
I know what these days look like from the inside. A PCS, a homecoming, the moments between overtime shifts. Don't miss documenting these chapters. Reach out about appreciation pricing. I'm here to serve your family. Thank you for yours.
Always Dabbling
I'm always testing something new: film, cameras, ideas. Follow on IG @raelenakphoto. I'll post calls for discounted creative sessions.
I'm in! What next?
Contact
Prep
Shoot
Recieve
The contact form has a range of questions so I can get a real picture of your story. Share as much as you're willing to. It takes me a few days to review each one properly.
We'll sort a date and time.
A $100 deposit holds your date.
We'll collaborate on your vision, share reference photos and mood boards, and refine the activity (ideas below).
Let's just have a good time. This is a judgment-free zone: meltdowns, giggles, chaos and all.
I'll deliver your photos/video in 2ish weeks via a secure cloud folder.
The TEAM (and always growing)
I have a unique team because it grants me the creative freedom to tell your story. Most of the photos you receive will be digital, but they'll all feel warm and film-inspired.
