A couple dances joyfully in a sunlit field, man spinning woman in floral dress with rolling hills backdrop in Dublin, California.
Couple embracing on a sunny hilltop with rolling golden hills and blue sky in the background in Dublin, California.
Couple walking through golden hillside meadow with rolling green mountains and clear blue sky backdrop in Dublin, California.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



PLANNING YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION IN THE BAY AREA

 

Have questions about booking a photography session in the Bay Area? You're in the right place.



I'm Emilie Chuong, a San Francisco Bay Area photographer specializing in portraits, couples, engagements, family sessions and event photography throughout Northern California.


Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about booking a session, what to expect, and how we'll work together to create images you'll cherish forever.

A couple in a redwood forest tenderly holding their newborn baby girl wearing a pink bow headband in Oakland, California.

WHAT TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS DO YOU OFFER?

I offer a range of sessions to capture life's most meaningful moments:


  • INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS cover portraits, headshots, school pictures, graduations, personal branding, and milestones.
  • COUPLES SESSIONS include couples portraits, proposals, engagements, elopements, small weddings, maternity, and milestones.
  • FAMILY SESSIONS are perfect for family portraits, birthdays, maternity, newborns, holiday photos, reunions, generational photos, vacations, and gatherings.
  • MATERNITY SESSIONS capture this season of life, whether it's an intimate solo session or one that includes your partner and family.
  • PERSONAL EVENT COVERAGE includes birthday parties, baby showers, anniversary celebrations, engagement parties, and intimate gatherings.
  • CORPORATE EVENT COVERAGE includes business panels, corporate events, and team gatherings.


If you have something special coming up that doesn't fit neatly into a category, I'd love to hear about it! Let's capture your moment together.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND WHERE DO YOU SHOOT?


Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I photograph sessions across Northern California, from San Francisco and Marin to Oakland, Walnut Creek, Concord, Dublin, San Ramon, Sonoma, and Napa.



Curious about sessions further away? Let's chat!

Two young Asian sister sitting on rocks by a pond in a lush green park, during a family photography session in Danville, California.

HOW MUCH DOES A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION COST?

I believe in pricing that's transparent and straightforward, no hidden fees, no surprises. Here's an overview of starting prices:


Individual, starting at $325

Couples, starting at $375

Families, starting at $475

Events, starting at $450 / $225 per hour


Every session includes all the best edited photos, delivered in a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share them at full resolution, whether that's for printing or social media. No additional packages, no upsells, no picking and choosing which photos you get. You get everything.


For a full breakdown of what's included in each session, head over to my Investment page.

ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS?


Yes! I'm available for travel throughout Northern California, across the U.S., and internationally. From a sun-drenched vineyard in Napa to the Swiss Alps, I love bringing my camera to meaningful destinations.



Have a specific location in mind? I'm happy to bring my camera along.

Just tell me where you're headed.

DO YOU HAVE RECOMMENDED PHOTO LOCATIONS IN THE BAY AREA?


Yes! The Bay Area is full of stunning backdrops for portraits, and I have plenty of favorite spots to suggest. Some popular locations my clients love include:


  • San Francisco: Baker Beach with the Golden Gate Bridge, Land's End, and the Presidio's eucalyptus forests
  • Marin: Muir Woods redwood forests, Tennessee Valley Beach, and the rolling hills of Point Reyes
  • East Bay: Tilden Regional or Roberts Regional Parks in Oakland, and the views of Mount Diablo State Park
  • Wine Country: The vineyards and mustard and lavender fields of Sonoma and Napa


Of course, your own meaningful location is always welcome too. A favorite neighborhood, a park where you got engaged, or even your own home. The best location is one that feels authentically yours.

A joyful family outdoors as a father lifts a child into the air in a red outfit high in the air while the mother watches in Napa, California

 

HOW MANY PHOTOS ARE INCLUDED IN A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

 

You'll receive a minimum of 75 professionally edited images from every session, often more.


There's no selecting favorites or paying extra for additional photos, your complete gallery is always yours.


I believe every meaningful moment deserves to be preserved. What you experience in front of my camera, you'll have forever behind yours.

WHAT IF I FEEL AWKWARD OR DON'T KNOW HOW TO POSE FOR PHOTOS?


Absolutely, and you're not alone! I don't just pose you and click. I'll guide you through natural, flattering poses and prompts that bring out your genuine personality rather than making you feel stiff or staged. A walk, a laugh, a quiet in-between second that brings out your personality naturally. My favorite shots are almost never the stiff "look at the camera" ones. The result is photos that actually look and feel like you at your best.

Still Have Questions? Let's Chat About Your Bay Area Photography Session!

I'd love to help you plan your perfect session. Whether you're ready to book or just want to learn more, reach out and let's create something beautiful together.

Let's Capture Your Moment