Family Love

There are a lot of types of families out there. Some that we are born into, and some that we make for ourselves. Our families are those people who love us unconditionally. 

Sometimes getting everyone together for a family session can be a real struggle, but trust me it is absolutely worth it! I specialize in helping even the most resistant members of your family loosen up and start having fun. 

Family sessions are co-created before the session even happens, so you can be sure that you'll love the final images and can't wait to hang your beautiful artwork in 

Let's Connect

Crystal is a super-star with kids! She got along so well with our 3 year old. Our daughter set through the shot, looked unto camera and was so comfortable that we got all sorts of her fun expressions caught on camera. She is very easy going and knows all the right angles and tricks to make your photos look amazing! Love the experience and would highly recommend Crystal for any occasion you what to memorize.

Natasha

Client Love

She was so good with our 2 kids, and so patient with us. She took great candid photos of my family interacting, while offering guidance whenever we needed it. I am so excited to see how our photos turned out. She was great to work with and I will recommend her to anyone!

Reviews

Amy

My sister and I decided to surprise our mom with a family photo shoot for her birthday. Since I live on the other side of the country I turned to yelp for help, and found Crystal. She was so easy to communicate with and was super professional and accommodating. It was a multi generational photo shoot and she handled it beautifully. The photos came out great, everyone had a good time and we have some great memories. Highly recommend Crystal for your photography needs she has a great eye, and is a true professional.

Reviews

Polina

Crystal did our holiday family portraits for us. She was amazing. She was very flexible with scheduling a date. She was super professional and her contract tool was excellent. She made a great recommendation for where to take the portraits, and had some great ideas for our photos. We have a four year old and she does not like to take photos, but with Crystal she was all smiles and poses. Crystal definitely knows how to get kids to sit still and brings out the best in them for the photo. The pictures came out amazing and Crystal was so quick to get us the pics back. I am definitely saving Crystal's info for our next family portrait session.

carina

Reviews

Crystal did an awesome job with my two young girls, ages 6 and 8. She brought lots of good props and knew the perfect locations to get beautiful shots. She really did well making my girls smile, laugh and just have fun. The pricing for her package was very reasonable and the quality of the pictures were amazing. I highly recommend her!

Liza

Reviews

I had such an amazing experience. I had never had a professional photo session done and Crystal exceeded all of my expectations with the shoot. From the first time I reached out to the moment she delivered my pictures I didn't have not one problem with her service! She made me feel beautiful, she had my husband and I laughing so much, and I can honestly say that my pictures came out so perfect! If you are looking for someone to capture all your beautiful moments please call her! I will definitely be calling her again for all of my future photo needs. Thank you so much for everything Crystal!!!!

Reviews

Nancy

We had an amazing in home photo shoot. She brought the studio setup and props to us which was amazing given we have a newborn. She was fabulous with our older daughter and really got her to open up and get amazing photos of her and our son. We are so happy with all the photos she took and would absolutely recommend her!!!

Elizabeth

Reviews

So happy how my maternity photos turned out. Crystal has a natural talent and knows exactly what's she's doing when it comes to photography. 

Annie

Reviews

Crystal was amazing & brought out the best and most natural shots from us!! We even discovered sides to our photographing selves that we did not existed! We planned out what we had wanted together. Her goal was to ensure customer satisfaction and the outcomes we had wanted no matter what it took! & she did exactly that. Really glad we were able to go with her after a lot of searching. Can't wait to invite her back soon in the coming weeks and months for more!

Varsha

Reviews

The Experience

with you every step of the way and beyond. 

A first phone call, is like a first date, lol. We will get to know each other a bit better and decide whether a 2nd date a.k.a. consultation is in order. 

*Let's Chat!! 

Time to meet face to face, either in person or via zoom:) At our consultation we will go get to know each other more. I will learn about your hopes and desires for your childs' portrait session. Digging deep really allows us to design your session, before it even takes place. 

*Consultation

*Let's secure your date!

*Pre-session Planning

*The ordering appointment!

Now that we have gotten to know each other, let's figure out a date and time that works for both of us. Dates are secured by signing the agreement and paying the creative fee. (Reschedules are allowed for illness or emergency)

Time to plan your wardrobe, props, locations, etc.. Let's schedule a zoom meeting to finalize all of the fun details, to ensure that every look and every image will bring a smile to your face. Plus, I will have you send me images of your homes walls, so I can design artwork sizes just for you!!

After the session, we will schedule an in-person where we get to relax, enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic bubbly, sit back and enjoy a beautiful slideshow of all of your images. 

Then we will go through and choose all the artwork you'd love to have in your home and fun gifts you can send to loved ones. 

*Delivery

The artwork has arrived!!! It's time to schedule a time to personally deliver the artwork to your home, or mail if you happen to be located outside of the Bay Area. 

This is my absolute favorite part!!

FAQ's

The Women Behind the Lense

Crystal Summer Bear

I am thrilled that you are considering me to capturing loved ones! Helping families, young kids, teenagers & women feel special and beautiful through every stage in life, is my reason for being! 

From capturing your new and growing family to doing a mommy  and me themed session to an extended family session, we are here to ensure that these treasured moments will be apart of your home for years to come. 

Each session is filled with fun and laughter. I will draw out all those sweet precious and magical moments, that make life so special.  The images we co-create will bring you joy every time you look at them for years.

We are dedicated to creating a customized experience and artwork for each and every client to cherish for decades. There are a lot of people who can take a great photo, but together we will create timeless art! 

We Can't Wait to Hear from You!!

Note: Text Messages won't be answered

FAQ's

* How long have you been a  photographer?

I have been photographing families since 2016. 300+ families and counting:)

* Are the digital files included?

I specialize in creating heirloom art pieces that get cherished every day and for decades to come. Digital files get lost in cyber space or your hard drive. However, I understand how important it is to share photos your excited about online. Every piece of artwork that you purchase will include social media sharable digital files.

* How long are the sessions?

Our senior sessions tend to be longer as there are usually multiple outfits. There are 3 types of senior sessions to choose from. Our family and portrait sessions are about getting the images we've chatted about during our consultation. Sometimes that means 30 minute, sometimes it takes an hour. 

* Is travel included in the investment?

Travel is included within a 35 mile radius of Martinez. I love traveling to different locations for family sessions. Some include Lake Tahoe, Oregon and even Germany. Travel is a customized quote. 

* What happens if you are injured or ill?

In the case of sickness or injury I will reach out to reschedule. 

* What is your refund policy?

The session fee is non-refundable, but can be applied towards a later session or given as a gift to someone else:)

* Change of date or postponement policy?

I include one complimentary change of date due to an emergency, national or world crisis. Please let me know asap. 

 a fresh cup of coffee

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