Candid Family Photography

Real moments over perfect poses.

Family photos can feel like a lot. Trying to wrangle little kids, hoping your teen will smile (just once), and figuring out what to wear—it's overwhelming before you even show up.

But it doesn’t have to be stiff or stressful. I’m Rikki, a Ventura-based family photographer, and my sessions are built around real connection, not perfect poses. We keep things moving, playful, and relaxed—so you end up with photos that feel like your family, not a performance.

What Makes My Family Photography Different

Kids don’t love posing—and that’s normal.

I don’t expect your toddler to sit still and smile on command. Most won’t.That’s why I keep things flexible and fast-paced. We play. We move. I give simple, natural direction that helps kids stay engaged without forcing anything that feels awkward or fake.

Yes, we’ll get a few classic “everyone-looking” shots—but most of the time, I’m capturing in-between moments: a quick laugh, a piggyback ride, the way your kid wraps their arms around your neck when they’re tired.

Teens usually don’t want to be there.

I get it. Most teens don’t love the idea of a family photo session. I don’t try to force big smiles or make them do anything that feels uncomfortable. Instead, I meet them where they are, give them space to just be themselves, and usually—somewhere in the middle of all that—we get a photo they actually like.

Moms are always behind the camera.

You deserve to be in the frame.

This comes up in every session: moms saying it’s the first time in years they’ve been in a photo with their kids. You’re the one capturing all the little moments—this time, I’ve got you covered. I make sure you’re not just in the photo, but truly seen in it. The snuggles, the hand-holding, the giggles between you and your babies—I’m always watching for those.

What to Expect From a Session

I shoot candid, unposed family photography here in Ventura and the surrounding areas. We’ll pick a location that fits your family (beach, park, backyard, living room—whatever feels right), and then we’ll keep things easy.

Here’s how it usually goes:

• I guide the session with relaxed direction so no one feels lost

• We keep kids moving and engaged.

• You get to relax and just be with your people

• We focus on connection, not perfection

There will be moments of chaos—and that’s okay. Honestly, some of the best photos come from those unpredictable, in-between moments anyway.

FAQs

Where do you shoot?
I’m based in Ventura, California, and shoot on-location throughout Ventura County—beaches, parks, homes, or wherever feels most like you.

What should we wear?
Wear what you feel good in. Neutrals and earth tones work great, as well as classic timeless options like jeans and white shirts- but the most important thing is that you’re comfortable. I’m always happy to send suggestions, just let me know if you’d like a few.

Do you take posed photos, too?
Yes—I'll always grab a few posed shots for you to share with family, usually right in the beginning of the shoot. But most of the session is focused on natural, candid, playful moments.

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

If you're looking for a family photographer in Ventura, CA who focuses on natural moments, playful connection, and making sure you actually get to be in the photo for once—I'd love to work with you.

📩 Contact me here to get started

Or take a look at my portfolio to see more of what I do.

Brand Photography in Ventura That Feels Like You

Hey, you. Yeah, the small business owner with 42 tabs open right now…

You’ve got something awesome going on—a service, a story, a spark—and the world deserves to see it. Not through awkward headshots or stock images, but with real, personality-packed photos that feel like you.

I’m Rikki. I’m a photographer based in Ventura, and I specialize in fun, colorful, and totally unstuffy brand photography for small business owners, creatives, and anyone who wants to show up online with confidence (without faking it).

So… what is brand photography?

Think of it as the visual version of your elevator pitch.

It’s:

• You, doing your thing (on camera, but not weird about it)

• Photos you actually like using on your site and social

• A shoot that doesn’t feel like a root canal

I work with all kinds of amazing humans— shop owners, stylists, creatives—basically anyone building something meaningful who wants to show up in a way that feels fun and real.

My style in a nutshell:

• Vibrant (I love color, texture, sunshine)

• Eclectic and cinematic (but never overproduced)

• Down to earth (we laugh a lot—I promise)

• Zero pressure (you get to just show up as yourself)

If you’re quirky, bold, quiet, creative, loud, or somewhere in between—we’ll make magic.

What it’s like to shoot with me

Let’s be real—most people do not love being in front of a camera. I hear it all the time:

“I’m super awkward in photos.”

“I never know what to do with my hands.”

But here’s the thing—I don’t expect you to know how to pose or be “on.”

My job is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and actually have fun with the process.

We’ll chat, plan, laugh, and get you a gallery full of photos that feel like your brand’s best version of itself.

Straight from the source:

“I have used Rikki now multiple times for my brand shoots. What I love about her is that I have requested multiple different styles and editing requests—and without fail, she nailed it every single time. She is very diverse with her shooting angles and can make anything look like a million bucks. If you’re local to Southern California, I highly suggest using her to capture not only your brand, but your family or any lifestyle shoots you want to do. Her turnaround time is quick, which is always a plus, and she is so communicative. I can’t recommend her enough.”

— Kylie B.

Based in Ventura (But Always Down to Travel)

I shoot all over Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara & LA. Whether it’s downtown alleys, colorful murals, cozy studios, or dreamy golden hour fields, I’ll help you find the perfect backdrop to match your vibe.

Let’s Create Something That Feels Like You!

If you’re ready for brand photos that are colorful, fun, and actually feel good to take—I’m your girl.

Let’s ditch the awkward and make space for something that feels real.

Reach out here or find me on Instagram @rikki_films_things and slide into my DMs.