Sacramento family photographer · Pets welcome
Family photos that look like your family.
I'm Tara Lenehan, a Sacramento photographer. I spent about a decade shooting concerts and festivals, which taught me to wait for the moment instead of manufacturing it. Family sessions work the same way: a little direction to get you started, then I catch the real stuff. The laughing, the wiggling, the dog who will not sit.
How a session actually goes
Nobody has to be good at this. Kids melt down, partners get stiff, the dog spots a squirrel. That's fine. I'll tell you where to stand and give you something to do together. Walk, swing the little one, sit in a pile on the grass. Then I mostly watch and shoot. The photos people end up loving are usually the ones from a few seconds after they stopped trying.
- Outside, in good light. Fall minis happen at Capitol Park, timed backward from sunset so you get the warm, soft light.
- Lightly directed, mostly candid. No stiff, say-cheese posing.
- Bring everyone. Babies, teens, grandparents, best friends: up to 10 people in a mini session.
- Pets of every kind. Dogs stay leashed and I edit the leash out. Cats, bunnies, birds and bearded dragons come in arms, on a harness, or in a carrier between shots.
Ways to book
Fall mini session
$185
- 35 minutes at Capitol Park, Sacramento
- 5 edited high-resolution photos within 5 days, by download link
- Up to 10 people, pets included at no extra charge
- $75 reserves your time; the $110 balance is paid by Venmo, Zelle or cash
- Sacramento weekends through November 8. November 28 and 29 are in the Presidio in San Francisco ($200, including a $15 travel fee)
Full family session
Quoted to your plans
- On location, at a place that means something to you
- More time than a mini, for bigger groups or more than one spot
- Length, number of photos and delivery are set in your quote before you book
Tell me who's coming (pets too) and where you'd like to go. I reply to inquiries within 48 hours.
Send an inquiryBring the neighborhood
5+ families
Want minis at your park, school or street? If 5 or more families book at your location, I'll come to you. Requesting is free and doesn't book anything.
Request a locationQuestions families ask
How much do family photos cost?
Fall minis are $185 for 35 minutes and 5 edited photos ($200 in San Francisco on November 28 and 29). Full family sessions are quoted to your plans: tell me who’s coming and where, and I’ll send a quote within 48 hours. If you're weighing options, ask me. I'll tell you honestly which one fits.
Where do sessions happen?
Sacramento fall minis are at Capitol Park, and I email the exact meeting spot and parking tips after you book. Full sessions happen on location. Tell me where you're thinking and I'll let you know if it works.
Can we bring our dog? Our cat? Our bearded dragon?
Yes, at no extra charge, and any animal that's allowed in a public park. Dogs stay leashed (I edit the leash out). Smaller animals come in your arms, on a harness, or in a carrier between shots. Bring treats.
My kids won't sit still. Is that a problem?
No. That's most of the good pictures. I came up shooting concerts, where nothing holds still, so I give a little direction and then follow what's actually happening.
Can grandparents and the whole extended family come?
Yes. Minis fit up to 10 people. For a bigger group, send an inquiry so we can plan enough time.
What should we wear?
Whatever feels like you. Comfortable layers work well in fall, and colors that sit nicely together look better than perfectly matching outfits. Skip big logos if you can.
What if the weather turns?
For minis, we reschedule at no cost to you and your $75 retainer carries over to the new date. If the forecast looks rough, I'll reach out two days before.
Do you do holiday card photos?
Yes. Fall minis work for holiday cards, and Sacramento dates run through November 8. For another date, send an inquiry and ask.
Can we print and share the photos?
Yes. They're yours to share and print for personal use. Please don't sell them or alter the edits. I may share sessions on my portfolio and social media unless you tell me you'd rather I didn't.
Sacramento · Northern California · Bay Area
Let's get your people in one frame.
Families, couples, kids, grandparents and pets. Sacramento-based; my photos have been published by PEOPLE (BottleRock Napa Valley 2023).