SF BAY AREA AND OAKLAND CALIFORNIA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Documentary-style family photographer capturing the candid in-between moments of your life.

A family photo session shouldn't be so stressful.

Inspired by film and the importance of everyday moments, Rikki Ward brings a natural down-to-earth approach to her sessions, which are relaxed and actually enjoyable. She documents cherished family moments without interfering with the action while still making sure everyone looks their best.

Capture the growth and change that happens in your family with images that transport you to that moment in time for generations to come.


Some of the benefits

Feel relaxed

With Rikki's natural easy going manner, your family can be comfortable in front of the camera.

Have all your images

Package pricing with all high resolution digital negatives provided so you can have all your photos.

Never wait for photos

Fast image delivery within 3-5 days so you never have to wait long for your portraits.


Image gallery

What clients are saying…

  • "To photograph a family is a feat in itself. Rikki is incredibly patient and able to maneuver a family to get some incredible family photos with a 1 year old and 4 year old. Highly recommend!"

    - Carol C. in Berkeley, CA

  • "In three and a half years, nobody has been able to take photos of our family as amazing as the ones Rikki was able to capture! She was calm, patient, completely went with the flow (a very important piece of photographing little ones) and the results are amazing! She'll definitely be our go to photographer from now on! Can't say enough positive things!"

    - K. B. in San Francisco, CA

  • "I would recommend Rikki in a heartbeat to anyone needing a family or event photographer. She was calm and patient and put us all at ease (and none of us really loves posing for the camera so that is saying something!). Rikki made sure that she understood what we were looking for and she also gave us other great ideas that we hadn't considered. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon her and will absolutely be calling her in the future."

    - Gina S. in San Francisco, CA


What is photojournalism?

The photojournalism photography approach means documenting real moments in a way that tells a story. This requires having a wide range or skills. Not only knowing how to use the camera, but also being able to instantly put people at ease, capturing flattering angles without interrupting the action, and moving quickly to never miss an important moment. If you've ever felt that the best photos of you are the ones you didn't know were being taken, then photojournalism could be perfect for your needs.


Portrait of Rikki Ward, documentary family photographer in Bay Area, California.

Meet Rikki Ward

As a professional photographer with more than 20 years experience, Rikki started with classic film photography and still brings that aesthetic into her work today. She has traveled the world photographing people, making connections, and having adventures. Now, she is a mother to two young children and knows firsthand how challenging being a parent can be. She finds joy and humor in everyday life and aims to bring that sense of awe and inspiration to every session with her clients.

Let’s tell your story together

1. Phone consult

Book a call with Rikki below to chat about your needs and make sure this is the right fit for your family.

2. Photo session

Your family can relax and simply spend time together as Rikki captures candid moments beautifully.

3. Enjoy your photos

Your portraits will be delivered in an online gallery within 3-5 days so you can enjoy them right away.

Portrait packages

  • A Shoot for All Seasons

    A great way to document a year’s worth of memories and begin (or add to) the family photo album library.

    Collection includes 4 individual photo sessions of up to 90 minutes + an album.

    Includes a total of about 100 photos per shoot (400 total images)

    Includes online gallery + custom album with about 80 images

    $2979

  • Heirloom

    Mix of candid and posed family moments at the location of your choice.

    Have a park that you love? Adore your home?

    I’m game for either.

    1 hour(ish) of photography

    In the home or outdoors

    Typically 75-100 portraits

    Includes online gallery

    $1079

  • Snapshot

    Short and sweet. Perfect for holiday cards, quarterly milestones, events, or gift.

    30 minutes(ish) of photography

    In the home or outdoors

    Typically 20-30 portraits

    Includes online gallery

    *Available seasonally. Please inquire as to scheduled dates.

    $449

$100 deposit will hold your session date, with the remainder due on the day of your photoshoot.


Heirloom Album

Complete your Portrait Package with a custom designed premium album containing 10-20 of your favorite images. With layflat pages, professional printing, and hardcover design, this album will easily become part of your family's cherished legacy to be passed down to future generations.


Spring outdoor family session image of dad having fun with his son. Documentary family photo session in Bay Area California by Rikki Ward.

Family photoshoots usually aren't fun or relaxing.

Family photoshoots are often filled with anxiety, worry, and stress, especially for Moms. That's why documentary photography is the perfect solution for busy families who still want heirloom-quality portraits without having to get dressed up and sit still for a pose.

Rikki's experience with photojournalism means she anticipates priceless moments before they happen and is able to capture them in the best way possible. She instantaneously puts her clients at ease with her down to earth approach and allows joy and love to flow naturally. She knows the best angles to capture so everyone looks their best in portraits. These photos will bring you back to that full, rich moment that you may not be able to appreciate at the time but will cherish for many years.

Here is how it works. First, we'll have a phone call to get to know each other and make sure this is truly the best fit for your family. We'll select the best date for your session and it will be reserved for you with a $100 deposit. The final balance is due on the day of your photoshoot. Rikki will arrive at your home and will help everyone settle in and feel relaxed with the process. During the photo session, all you have to do is have fun with your family, spend time together, and enjoy each other. Rikki will provide guidance and direction as needed, but mostly it will feel like she's not even there. About 3-5 days after your session, you'll receive an invitation to view and download your final high resolution images in an online gallery (feel free to share with grandparents!) and the option to finish your Portrait Package with a beautiful heirloom album celebrating this time in your lives. Don't wait to book a photo session for your family.

Parenting life can be hectic and it's so hard to slow down and really cherish this moment in the present, which will be gone before you know it. Don't miss it. Book a complimentary consult call below and we'll go from there.


Let's Chat

Schedule a complimentary phone consultation with the photographer to book your session by selecting the date and time on the calendar.