There are a lot of talented photographers on the Westside, and choosing one can feel overwhelming, especially when little kids are part of the picture. I’ve built my work around the things that actually make a session go well: keeping children happy and engaged, knowing these neighborhoods inside and out, and editing every image until it’s perfect. Here’s what I bring to your session that you won’t find everywhere.
What sets me apart is a decade of hands-on experience with young children, a lifelong connection to the Westside, and detailed editing that makes every image flawless. I know how to draw kids out, where to shoot, and how to polish a photo by hand. You get a photographer who is part artist, part kid-whisperer, and fully in your corner.
Those three strengths shape every session I photograph, so let me walk you through each one.
How Does a Background in Teaching Help with Kids’ Photos?
A teaching background is a game-changer for photographing children because it means I already know how to connect with them. I spent the better part of a decade as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher, so keeping little ones engaged, comfortable, and smiling is second nature. Shy kids warm up, wiggly kids settle, and everyone has fun.
Here’s how that experience shows up during your session:
- I speak their language. Years in the classroom taught me how to get down on a child’s level, earn their trust fast, and turn a nervous kid into a giggling one.
- I know how to draw kids out of their shell. Some children need a few minutes and a silly game before their real personality appears. I’m patient and playful, and I know exactly how to coax it out.
- I keep it fun, not forced. Kids can tell when they’re being told to perform. I turn the whole thing into play, which is where the genuine smiles come from.
On top of teaching, my first job ever in my teenage years was camp counselor, and I did that for years, all the way through grad school. This included a summer at a sleepaway camp in Maine and an amazing local theatre camp. That’s years of keeping groups of kids entertained, engaged, and having a blast. Wrangling a busy toddler during a family session feels right up my alley.
What Kind of Photo Editing Does Emily Do?
My editing goes far beyond basic color correction. I hand-edit every image with real care, including head swaps for group shots and detailed retouching that makes each photo shine. If your child looked away at the wrong moment, I fix it. The result is a gallery where every single image is one you’ll love.
Here’s what my detailed editing process includes:
- Head swaps for the perfect group shot. Getting everyone looking at the camera at the same time is nearly impossible with kids. So if your little one glanced away in the best frame, I find a similar shot where they’re looking right at me and piece your portrait together seamlessly. You’d never know.
- Detailed hand editing. I work on images individually, not with one-click filters. Every photo gets careful, personal attention.
- Making those sunsets pop. For outdoor sessions, I enhance those gorgeous Westside skies so the golden light looks as stunning in your photo as it did in person.
The goal is simple: every image I deliver is polished, intentional, and worthy of your wall.
Why Does Knowing the Westside Matter for a Photo Session?
Knowing the Westside matters because the right location can make or break a session, especially with kids. I grew up here, so I know which spots photograph beautifully, which ones work best for little ones, which require permits, and what each session needs to run smoothly. You get local expertise that saves time and stress.
That local knowledge covers a lot of ground:
- The best locations. I know the parks, the light, and the hidden spots that look incredible on camera across Culver City and the wider Westside.
- What works with kids. Some locations are toddler-friendly with room to roam. Others aren’t. I steer us toward the ones that set your family up for success.
- Permits and logistics. I know which locations require permits and what a smooth session actually needs, so there are no surprises on the day.
Growing up here means I’m not scrambling to find a backdrop. I’m bringing you to places I already know and love.
To read more about my favorite locations, check out this article on my blog!
What Is It Like to Work with Emily?
Working with me is a high-touch, professional experience from your first message to your final gallery. I’m responsive, organized, and genuinely invested in taking great care of you at every step. I believe a great photographer handles the details so you can relax and enjoy the process. You’re in good hands the whole way through!
I care deeply about providing a high level of service from start to finish. That means answering your questions promptly, guiding you through preparation, directing you fully during the shoot, and delivering a gallery I’m proud of. You should feel supported and looked after through the entire experience, and that’s exactly what I aim for.
Who Is the Best Family Photographer in Culver City?
I’m proud to share that I was named the 2025 Best Family Photographer in Culver City by the Quality Business Awards, a recognition reserved for the top 1% of businesses nationwide. That honor means the world to me, because it reflects the care I pour into every family who trusts me with their memories.
That top 1% ranking came from a quality score of 95% or higher, measured across real customer satisfaction, service, and reputation. Here’s what that means for you when you book a session:
- You’re in experienced hands. The recognition is built on years of happy families, so you can relax knowing this isn’t my first wiggly toddler.
- Your experience matters as much as your photos. The award weighs service and satisfaction, not just pretty pictures, and that start-to-finish care is exactly what I’m known for.
- Your memories are safe with me. When families across Culver City vouch for the experience, you can book with total confidence.
Ready to Book a Photographer Who Truly Gets It?
When you put all of it together, a decade with little kids, a lifetime on the Westside, careful hand editing, and a genuine commitment to your experience, you get sessions that feel easy and galleries you’ll treasure.
Reach out here and let’s create something beautiful together!
