Family Matters

Four local photographers on capturing life’s special moments.

Ashlee Burton

ARE YOU BASED IN MARIN? I am. I was born and raised in Marin, but haven't always lived here. I came back once we started our family.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING PROFESSIONALLY? This is my 10th year of business.

TIPS FOR CALMING GRUMPY TODDLERS? Make the session fun for the kids. There is nothing better than a light, easygoing session and it's so much more enjoyable for everyone. I think if you can be a little silly with the kids it encourages connection which ultimately helps them to see you as someone other than a photographer with an intimidating camera between you guys. But for me, as a mom, the photos I cherish the most are the ones where my boys' real personalities come through, not necessarily the ones where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. You'll get those photos at a later time in life, when they're able to keep their bodies still and can follow directions more easily. I usually remind the parents to stay close and to connect with their child whether that's an embrace, reaching for their hand, a gentle kiss on their temple, etc. and if the kids aren't having it, let them run around and be themselves. I'll do the chasing.

WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE? The people I have met from my sessions. The families I have gotten to know. Seeing some families year after year and being totally taken aback by how much the kids have grown. The absolute best part for me is the connection I feel fortunate enough to make with my clients. throughalenz.com

Tumay Aslay

ARE YOU BASED IN MARIN? I am originally from Istanbul, but have lived in the Bay Area since I was 16 years old. I shoot all over Marin, San Francisco and surrounding areas.

HOW DID YOU ORIGINALLY GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? My first major in college was early childhood development and I worked as a professional nanny for over 17 years after that. When I graduated from art school later in my life with a photography degree I decided to merge two of my biggest passions, and that’s how Tiny Forest Photography was born. I solely focus on portraits of newborns, babies, children and their interactions with their parents. I believe that my background in child care allows me to have a unique perspective into my subjects and that translates into my photographs.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF YOUR JOB? I’d say how unpredictable the weather and fog can be in the Bay Area. I just never really know how the lighting is going to be during my sessions till the day of. I have clients who look forward to shooting during golden hour or who want to have the Golden Gate Bridge as their backdrop, but the weather doesn't always work in our favor.

WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE? The feedback I get from my clients once they see their photos is magic. I love my job because I love my clients. I get to walk into so many incredible people’s homes during such intimate times in their lives and create such deep connections. Knowing that the images I capture will be cherished for generations to come make it all worthwhile. tinyforestphotography.com

Cameron Cressman

ARE YOU BASED IN MARIN? Yes. I was born and raised in Mill Valley in the ‘90s, attended all public schools and got my degree from UCLA in 2013. Shortly after receiving my degree I moved to San Francisco to start my professional corporate career, which then led me back to Mill Valley as I started my very extensive full-time job as a Professional Mother. Photography was the natural progression of what job best suited my passions, all while caring for my children.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING PROFESSIONALLY?4 years hobby-ing and 3 years professionally.

TIPS FOR CALMING GRUMPY TODDLERS? First word “candy,” second word “bar.”

WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE? Photography is a very intimate and vulnerable activity between a photographer and their subjects. To be trusted as that special person to be around your family is an honor. Being able to connect with families all over Marin on an intimate and vulnerable level has caused immediate friendships for me all over the county. It is almost a constant job of heart opening. Helping someone feel good about their spirit and soul all while helping them feel good about themselves and how they look on camera. It is a delicate space that I am honored to work in. When clients need extra hand holding leading up to our shoot I like to remind them that a photography session with me is just like hanging out with me and I happen to have a camera that day. cameroncressmanphoto.com

Torrey Fox

ARE YOU BASED IN MARIN? Yes, I am a Marin-based, born and raised here — a third generation Marinite! I now live in Larkspur with my husband, who is also a photographer, and our two girls.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING PROFESSIONALLY? I have been shooting professionally for more than a decade. I started right around the time I was graduating college in 2012, when I met my now husband who was studying photography in San Francisco. I shot my first weddings with him and even though we both have our own businesses today, we still always shoot weddings together.

TIPS FOR RELAXING ANXIOUS FAMILY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES? I love to tell clients during their session that there is no rush, no expectation, no right or wrong and there is nothing we have to be doing. Each person is unique and I want to capture that for their family. I can guarantee we’ll get amazing photos if you relax into the moment and just let your kids be themselves.

WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE? Loving what you do! I love photography, it's not about the job, it's not about success or bookings. It's about creating images that I'm proud of, and proud to put my name on. I think of myself as an artist first and a businesswoman after. torreyfox.com