For the beautifully real, joy-filled seasons of family life — right here in Palo Alto and throughout the Peninsula.
Palo Alto Newborn, Maternity & Family photographer
Rebecca Pattison Photography
Family photos don't have to mean getting everyone to sit still and smile at the camera. I photograph families in a way that leaves room for movement, personality, and the little interactions that make your family yours. Whether we're exploring a Peninsula trail, wandering through a garden, or documenting those early newborn days at home, I'll guide the experience while giving your family room to simply be together.
Newborn sessions are calm, baby-led, and completely unhurried. Your house doesn't need to be perfect — you just had a baby.
I come to you — working with the natural light and comfort of your own home to create images that feel personal and true to this moment.
There is no pressure to make your baby cooperate with a schedule. The session follows your baby and your family, which means we have room for all the real moments that come with those first weeks at home.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area newborn photography sessions
Palo Alto
newborn
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 having to wonder whether you're posing correctly. There will be movement and plenty of opportunities for genuine connection.
Filoli's gardens shift with the seasons: tulips in spring, roses through summer, and golden light in fall. Arastradero Preserve is a beautiful alternative if your family wants open hills and trails instead of a formal garden, and there are also several nearby beaches if you're looking for something more coastal.
You don't have to feel completely comfortable in front of the camera or even particularly comfortable in your changing body to create beautiful photographs. My goal is for you to leave your maternity session feeling like you got to actually experience this moment, not just pose for it.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area maternity photography sessions
Palo Alto Maternity Photography
Palo Alto family sessions are play-based and unhurried — I work within the beautiful chaos of family life, not against it.
Young children run, laugh, get silly, need to be held, change their minds, and sometimes decide that taking pictures is the very last thing they want to do. That's all part of this season of family life—and it's exactly what I'm prepared for.
I'll guide your family with simple prompts and playful activities when it helps, while paying attention to the natural connection that's already there.
Arastradero's trails give kids room to actually move during a session instead of just posing on a lawn. Filoli works beautifully too if your family wants more of a garden feel.
The goal isn't to make your family look perfect. It's to create photographs that make you remember what this season actually felt like.
→ The complete guide to Bay Area family photography sessions
Palo Alto family
photography: natural and play-based
Let's Connect
If you're worried your children won't cooperate, I promise you're not the first family I've photographed who feels that way. I don't need perfect behavior to make beautiful photographs. I just need the chance to see how your family naturally connects.
As a Bay Area mom of two, I get it.
relaxed & Authentic
What Photography Sessions Look Like
I serve families throughout the Peninsula including Menlo Park, Los Altos, Portola Valley, Woodside, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Redwood City, Belmont, San Mateo, Burlingame, San Francisco and beyond.
Family and maternity sessions take place outdoors at locations across the Bay Area. Newborn sessions come to you, wherever home is.
Serving Palo Alto & the Peninsula
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.
The sweet spot for those sleepy newborn photos is typically 7-14 days old. If that timeframe does not work for your family, you haven't missed your chance. Honor your family's timeline. Babies older than one month will offer more eye contact, connection and potentially sweet smiles.
When should I book a Palo Alto newborn photographer?
Absolutely. I serve families throughout the Peninsula and greater Bay Area — San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Woodside, East Bay, Marin and beyond. I'm happy to suggest locations wherever feels right for your family.
Do you travel outside Palo Alto for 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 come to you. In-home newborn sessions are available throughout Palo Alto and surrounding areas like Menlo Park, Redwood City, Los Altos, Santa Clara, San Carlos, etc. I work with your home's natural light and the details of your own space to create something personal and true to this moment in your family's life.
Do you photograph newborns in Palo Alto homes?
Filoli gardens shift with the seasons — tulips in spring, roses through summer, golden light in fall. Arastradero Preserve is the pick for families who want trails and open hills instead of a formal garden. I’ll help you decide between these locations and others that fit your family and vision.
What location is best in Palo Alto & the Peninsula?
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.