Valarie Duran

PHOTOGRAPHY

YOUR ALAMEDA & EAST BAY LIFESTYLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

One day, you'll look back and realize how quickly it all passed …

… The sticky fingers, the messy hair, the way your little ones ran to you for comfort. These are the chapters that slip by, and they deserve to be remembered. 

Through lifestyle family photography, I help families across Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco create honest, artful imagery that reflects their true love story. When the house is quieter than you ever imagined, you'll have something lasting to hold onto.

All families are welcome here: every race, culture, gender identity, family structure, and story.

browse the

Family Photography Portfolio

Here's a peek into maternity, newborns, family bonds, and growing children.

see more on the Blog

I've curated the best stories to help you get a glimpse into our vision and style. 

Our family photography services, 1 to 3 hour sessions, are designed to capture your love story in a way that's uniquely yours, whether you're looking for an Alameda family photographer or planning a session anywhere in San Francisco or the East Bay. Typically booked with 2-4 weeks’ notice.

YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

What's Included?

Thoughtful Planning 

including consultation and guided questionnaires, ensuring every detail is considered with intention

collaborative Session flow

created in advance, with flexibility for child-led moments so your session feels natural, relaxed, and effortlessly unhurried

Location scouting

so that I can visualize lighting, movement, and moments in advance before our session

Gentle direction & prompts 

during portraits so that you can feel comfortable, confident, genuinely connected, and truly yourselves

Sneak Peek Gallery

15 edited preview images within one week, so that you can relive special moments and share the joy soon after your session

private online Gallery

of edited images, so you can easily view, favorite, share, & download each one you love in high/low resolution formats

Gallery Print shop

so that you can turn your favorite moments into archival-quality prints, albums, and fine art heirlooms

No hidden fees

sales tax, service fees, and travel are included in your Bay Area session, so that you can book with clarity and peace of mind

Maternity & Newborn
SessionS

Bay Area maternity photography sessions capture one of life's most meaningful transitions. You want to remember fleeting details like a growing bump or tiny newborn features that change far too quickly. 

Maternity sessions are typically booked between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, while newborn sessions are best scheduled in advance to secure your preferred date. These photographs become timeless heirlooms, telling the beginning of your family's story for generations to come.

Bay Area maternity photography sessions capture one of life's most meaningful transitions. You want to remember fleeting details like a growing bump or tiny newborn features that change far too quickly. 
Maternity sessions are typically booked between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, while newborn sessions are best scheduled in advance to secure your preferred date. These photographs become timeless heirlooms, telling the beginning of your family's story for generations to come.

Milestone 
sessionS

Let's celebrate the beautiful journey of your growing children as they change, learn, and shine in each new stage of life through milestone sessions.

Milestone photography in the Bay Area captures children in discovery and their expressive personalities, preserving the tiny achievements that pass quickly but mean everything: from first smiles to first steps to first birthdays and beyond.

Family and extended Family SessionS

When you want to document this family chapter, the connection you feel every day right now, this is your sign. No need to be perfect. No stiff posing. No pressure.

Just honest, beautiful moments that feel like your family, so that your children have proof of how much they are loved. These are the memories you'll look back on and be so grateful you preserved.

inquire about
Year round Dates

inquire about  Year round Dates

inquire about
Year round Dates

Sonia

“Had the pleasure of working with Valarie and truly enjoyed every minute of it!”

From the get go, she is very professional and responded to all my messages within a timely manner. She is very detail oriented and gave me a thorough plan prior to our family photo shoot. I really loved all of the pictures we received. What struck me most is her ability to capture the moment. It gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling when I see our pictures. I can't wait to print them to hang around the house. I definitely recommend Val 1000%!!!


Sandra

“Valarie is great with babies! She has the ability to soothe them..."

...and make them comfortable in order to capture those special memories. She’s so easy to work with and can help non photogenic folks feel comfortable. Loving my family photos.

Michelle

“She made everything so easy and they all came out so beautifully and exactly as I'd hoped!”

Our experience with Valarie was wonderful from start to finish. She begins by consulting with you to immediately start envisioning what you hope for in photos and offers location suggestions.

jamie

“You can see the cinematic quality in some of her shots carrying through from her videography background.”

Val is dependable, organized, and easy to work with. She is particularly great with natural light photography. You can see the cinematic quality in some of her shots carrying through from her videography background. I highly recommend working with her!

starting at $700

Full Session

A relaxed, playful, uplifting 1-hour session that captures your family at your favorite location across the San Francisco Bay Area, from Alameda and Oakland to San Francisco and beyond. Year round, weekdays or weekends, with special weekday pricing.

Book Your
Full Session today

Booking Process

1. Browse

View my portfolio and read about my services. Like what you see?

2. Get In Touch

Contact me to share your photography vision, preferred date, time, and location. I'll help answer your questions, add to your ideas, and make suggestions.

3. Make It Official

Your session date is officially saved when you sign the contract and deliver a 50% non-refundable retainer.

Ready to Begin

Let's work together, yeah yeah yeah!

Thank you so much for imagining the possibility of collaborating and creating a memorable lifestyle family photography experience.
 
Since becoming a mom, capturing the natural beauty of motherhood, family bonds, and children in discovery has never felt more meaningful. What I look forward to capturing the most is your connection and gestures of genuine care.

To begin, receive a free planning consultation by contacting me here.

Thank you so much for imagining the possibility of collaborating and creating a memorable lifestyle family photography experience. Since becoming a mom, capturing the natural beauty of motherhood, family bonds, and children in discovery has never felt more meaningful. What I look forward to capturing the most is your connection and gestures of genuine care. To begin, receive a free planning consultation by contacting me here.

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