Oakland is practically my backyard. As an Alameda-based photographer, I'm in Oakland constantly: sessions at the Rose Garden, walks through Rockridge, coffee on Piedmont Avenue, afternoons at Lake Merritt. This isn't a city I drive into from somewhere else. It's right across the estuary, and I know it genuinely.
Oakland Newborn, Maternity & Family photographer
Rebecca Pattison Photography
Pregnancy can be beautiful, exciting, uncomfortable, exhausting—and often all of those things at once. Your maternity session doesn't need to feel like another thing you have to perform perfectly.
I'll guide you through the session so you know what to do without wondering whether you're posing correctly. We'll move naturally, with gentle direction and plenty of room for genuine connection.
Whether it's just the two of you or your whole family, I'll help you choose a setting that feels like you — from the Oakland hills and redwoods to the gardens of the Rose Garden. My goal is for you to leave feeling like you got to actually experience this moment, not just pose for it.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area maternity photography sessions
Oakland Maternity photography
Newborn sessions move at your baby's pace, not a shot list — calm, unhurried, and built around this first quiet week together. I'll work with the light and space you already have.
I'll follow your baby's cues, leaving room for feeding, cuddling, soothing, and all the little moments that make these first weeks yours. I come to you, working with the natural light and spaces in your home to create photographs that feel personal to your family.
Whether we're documenting those first days at home or heading outdoors for a newborn session, the goal is the same: photographs that bring you back to this fleeting season.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area newborn photography sessions
Oakland newborn photography: completely baby-led
Oakland family sessions are playful, relaxed, and built around letting your family be yourselves.
Children do what children do during a session. They climb, get distracted by a dog walking by, ask to be picked up, or decide two minutes in that they're completely done with photos. All of it's part of the session, not an obstacle to it.
I'll bring simple games and prompts when a session needs a nudge, but mostly I'm just watching for the connection that's already there between you.
From the Rose Garden to the redwoods and Oakland's many neighborhood parks, we'll choose a setting that gives your family room to move and feels right for you. The goal isn't perfect behavior or perfect photographs. It's creating images that make you remember what this season actually felt like.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area family photography sessions
Oakland family photography: natural and play-based
Let's Connect
You don't need your children to behave a certain way for the session to work. They don't need to sit still, smile on cue, or interact perfectly with each other. I guide when needed, but mostly I'm paying attention to how your family already works together — that's where the connection worth remembering comes from.
As an East Bay mom of two, I get it.
relaxed & Authentic
What Photography Sessions Look Like
Based in nearby Alameda, I serve families throughout Oakland and the wider East Bay — including Berkeley, Piedmont, Kensington, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Pleasanton and the rest of the East Bay.
Family and maternity sessions take place outdoors at locations across the Bay Area. Newborn sessions come to you, wherever home is.
Serving Oakland & East Bay
I have received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible within 1-2 business days. I cannot wait to chat with you!
THANK YOU!
If you’re looking for family photos that feel natural and reflective of this stage of life, I’d love to work with you.
Share a bit about your family, the season you’re in, and what you’re hoping to remember most.
I’ll be in touch within 48 hours to begin planning something meaningful together.
I recommend reaching out during your second or third trimester — ideally by week 28 to 30. This gives us time to plan timing and logistics before baby arrives. I stay flexible around your due date and confirm the session once your little one is here.
How far in advance should I book an Oakland newborn photographer?
Alameda and Oakland are just minutes apart, literally across the estuary. For in-home newborn sessions in Oakland, I'm typically at your door in 10 to 15 minutes.
How far is Alameda from Oakland for newborn sessions?
Wardrobe greatly impacts the results of your images. I provide detailed tips on styling your family, and am available to help you coordinate outfits so everyone looks and feels beautifully in sync.
Do you offer styling?
Yes — I regularly photograph newborns in Oakland homes throughout Rockridge, Temescal, Grand Lake, Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, and the surrounding neighborhoods. I come to you, work with your home's natural light, and create images that feel true to your space and this moment in your family's life.
Do you photograph newborns in Oakland homes?
The Oakland Rose Garden is beautiful in late spring when the roses are in full bloom. Redwood Regional Park is stunning for families who want something dramatic and forested. I'm also happy to shoot at your family's favorite local park — sometimes the most meaningful location is simply where you already spend your time together.
What location is best in Oakland?
Yes! I have two of my own, volunteer weekly in a school classroom of 3-5 year olds, was a former elementary volunteer and now primarily photograph younger families. While some children may need time to warm up to the camera, I know we will be able to capture memories you'll cherish during our session.