Give Light: A community project celebrating every family

Family walking along Baker Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, photographed for the Give Light community family photography project in the Bay Area.

Family photos matter — especially when life gets difficult. Give Light offers free family photo sessions for Bay Area families who want meaningful images but can’t make a paid session happen right now.

Sessions are simple, relaxed, and focused on real connection. A small set of images is shared publicly as part of the project; names and personal details are always optional.

Give Light exists to make family photography accessible when it matters most.

See past Give Light photos here

View Give Light Gallery

  • Give Light is a free, community-driven family photo project in the Bay Area. It’s here for families who want meaningful photos but can’t book a paid session right now.

    Sessions are relaxed, outdoors, and focused on real connection. No pressure, no staging — just honest moments with the people you love.

  • Becoming a parent — and photographing many families — showed me how important these moments are, and how often family photos feel out of reach.

    Give Light is my way of offering meaningful photos to families who want them but can’t book a paid session right now.

  • Give Light is for Bay Area families who want meaningful photos but can’t make a paid session happen right now. Hard seasons look different for everyone — this project is simply here to support families who need it.

    The goal is to offer care, dignity, and beautiful images when they matter most.

  • Families apply or are nominated through this form. It asks for a few basic details and a couple of recent snapshots.

    I review every application personally and prioritize families who want photos but can’t book a paid session right now. Spots open on an ongoing basis, and I reach out by email when one becomes available.

    If you’re not selected right away, you’re always welcome to reapply.

  • Apply or nominate here.

    Sessions are outdoors, relaxed, and focused on real moments — no need to pose perfectly. I’ll guide when needed, but kids can just be themselves. After the session, you’ll receive a gallery of edited digital images.

  • You’ll get a digital gallery of edited photos from your session. A small selection will be shared publicly as part of the Give Light project, but names and personal details are always optional.

    You can see photos from Give Light sessions here.

  • Give Light is a small, personal project, and any support helps it grow sustainably:

    All support is optional, and deeply appreciated.

  • Who is this for?
    Families who want meaningful photos but can’t book a paid session right now.

    Will our photos be shared?
    Yes. A small selection becomes part of the Give Light project and may appear in my portfolio, website, social media, or editorial stories. Never used for commercial advertising.

    Can we stay anonymous?
    Yes. Names and personal details are optional. You can stay unnamed or partially anonymous if you prefer.

    How many sessions do you offer?
    A limited number throughout the year, based on availability.

    How do you choose families?
    I prioritize families who are currently stretched or going through a difficult time and wouldn’t be able to access a paid session.

    Where are sessions held?
    Outdoor locations around the Bay Area.

    How long are sessions?
    About 30–60 minutes.

    What do we receive?
    A digital gallery of edited, high-resolution images. (You can view sample work here.)

    Can I nominate someone?
    Yes — anyone can apply or nominate a family.

    Can we reapply?
    Absolutely.

    How is the project funded?
    Through my paid sessions and community support.

  • If you’d like to be considered for a Give Light session — or nominate someone you know — you can submit a short form here. It only takes a few minutes, and simple answers are perfect.