Family photos

Our Approach, Pricing & Process

Family Photography in Santa Barbara

Recent Beach Family Pictures & Family Photography Studio Portraits

-One of the Top Rated Family Photographers in Santa Barbara

There are lots of local choices for family portrait photographers and locations for family photo shoots in and around Santa Barbara, including different genres like maternity photographers, newborn photographers and even some that specialize in really elaborate formal in studio fine art seated portraiture.

My family photoshoots can range from a large group formal portrait to a highly mobile outdoorsy and kinetic family photo that captures things on the verge of total chaos and collapse, but beautifully on that edge. Often they are done around large family anniversaries or reunions or senior or graduation pictures for groups that enjoy having a good time in beautiful resort or natural surroundings and creating candid, highly kinetic and spontaneous moments of mirth and mayhem with animals and without. With my assistant we usually do some behind the scenes video too just to capture the speed and zaniness of life and love as it unfolds.

As Byron Katie says, “when you argue with what is, you lose, but only 100% of the time” and that is doubly true of family portraiture, especially with animals or young ones involved. I also have a small outdoor courtyard area and family portrait studio space that allows for private and more controlled family portrait sittings in downtown Santa Barbara. I don’t require print orders or collections or limit you to a certain number of images from your session. Your gallery of high res selects will be ready to enjoy on your own private gallery within three weeks of your family photo shoot.

Photoshoot Prices and Rates for hiring a Family Photographer in Santa Barbara

Pricing for family photos and portraits in Santa Barbara ranges depending on the size of the group and experience level of photographer from $300 on the low end to over $1500 on the high end for high end print packages/collections. I offer two different packages depending on the group size and length of time and attention span you may have. The 45 minute mini session is $495 and the 75 minute full or the standard session for groups of six or more is $695, which includes both web and high res digital downloads and all post production as well as retouching of your favorites.

Feel free to reach out and email me with any questions as you plan your family vacation or stay here in Santa Barbara and are looking forward to creating those epic christmas card photos or wall or desk art of your family, without being stuffy or overly posed.

Best Locations for Family Photos in Santa Barbara

The beach is generally the first location people think of, especially here in the American Riviera, but there are a few hazards to be aware of, not the least of which are the tides, the winds, the crowds, and sometimes the oily tar that can accumulate in the sand and gather on the bottom of your feet. I have some quieter more sheltered and secluded beach photo locations I can clue you into that are tide agnostic.

There are several more forested/natural settings here in Santa Barbara that still have beautiful California colors and foliage, including Alice Keck Park, Douglas Preserve, the Foothill Preserve, and of course, our Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which is one of the most frequently photographed spots in all of California. For more urban vibes we have our funk zone and then if you want to go nautical, we have a great seawall with a breakwater.

What to Wear for Family Photos

For Montecito family photos and Santa Barbara family portraits generally long sleeves, pants, pastel colors in similar color tones are ideal. I am a fan of rolled up pants and no shoes at the beach and you will want to avoid stripes, saturated colors and large logos and text on clothing as it draws the eye. In general no one really wears jeans and white shirts at the beach, and if you decide to go all white as a group it can begin to look a bit cult-like so be careful of that! If you really want to take things next level you can come up with two complementary colors that contrast well with either a green/foliage background (like at a park or Montecito estate or backyard of an Airbnb) or a beige and light blue background like you generally encounter at the beach. Common complementary colors for professional family photos that are fashion styled include blues and earth neutrals, burgundy or dark olive and khaki, and pale greens and blues.

"Doug Works From The Heart With Clear Awareness, Sensitivity And Creativity. And He Was Very Respectful Of And Tuned Into Me And My Needs."

Terry Tillman

“Doug Ellis Is Such An Extraordinary Photographer. Not Only Is His Work First-Rate, He Is So Great To Work With. Professional, Encouraging, And A Real Pro. He Gets My Highest Recommendation!"

J.DL, Actors Lab

“I Loved Working With Doug On My Recent Photo Shoot For A Picture On The Author's Page Of My Forthcoming Book. He's Super Professional And Talented, Really Knows What He's Doing. Everything About His Whole Operation Is Top Notch, Which Gave Me A Lot Of Confidence.”

Jill S, Author And Therapist