The Peninsula is home to so many families in the thick of the little-years season — growing families, new babies, toddlers who never stop moving, and parents trying to hold onto it all.
That's who I love photographing!
My sessions are relaxed and lightly guided, with room for children to be exactly who they are. I don't expect everyone to sit still or smile on cue. Instead, I create opportunities for connection and let the real moments unfold.
San Mateo Newborn, Maternity & Family photographer
Rebecca Pattison Photography
Newborn sessions are baby-led, relaxed, 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 home to create images that feel personal and true to this moment.
There is no pressure to make your baby cooperate with a schedule. We follow your baby's cues, leaving room for feeding, cuddling, soothing, and all the real moments that come with those first weeks at home.
→ Everything you need to know about in-home newborn sessions
San Mateo 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 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, in San Mateo or the surrounding Bay Area, 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
San Mateo
Maternity photography
San Mateo family sessions are playful and relaxed — with plenty of room for your children to be themselves.
Young children don't always want to sit still, smile on cue, or follow a plan. They run, laugh, explore, need to be held, and sometimes change their minds completely. That's all part of family life, and I work with it rather than against it.
I'll guide your family with simple prompts and playful activities when helpful, while leaving plenty of room for the natural moments and connection that happen in between.
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
Natural, play-based family photography in San Mateo & the Bay Area
Let's Connect
Your child might run. They might need to be held. They might decide they're completely finished with photos five minutes in. That's okay. I'm not trying to force your family into a picture-perfect version of itself. I'm paying attention to what is already there.
As a Bay Area mom of two, I get it.
relaxed & Authentic
What Photography Sessions Look Like
I serve families throughout the Peninsula including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Portola Valley, Woodside, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Redwood City, Belmont, 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 San Mateo & 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 San Mateo newborn photographer?
Absolutely! I am a dog mom and would love to capture ALL of your family. Just be sure to give me a heads up so we select a dog appropriate location. Also please bring treats and a plan that fits your dog's personality for when they aren't in photos.
Can my dog be in my San Mateo Newborn session or family session?
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 San Mateo homes and nearby areas including Baywood, Hillsdale, Shoreview, North Central, and nearby Belmont, San Bruno, Redwood City, and Hillsborough. Newborn sessions come to you, wherever home is in the Bay Area.
Do you travel to San Mateo homes for newborn sessions?
I photograph families throughout San Mateo and the surrounding Peninsula, and I'm happy to help you choose a location that fits your family, the season, and the kind of photographs you're drawn to. We don't have to stay within San Mateo itself — I know locations throughout the Peninsula and can recommend the right fit for your session.
Where do you photograph San Mateo family and maternity sessions?
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.