Allison Busch Photography

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United States
Berkeley, CA
Allison Busch Photography

Family, Newborn, and Portrait Photography
in the San Francisco Bay Area I’ve had the privilege of professionally photographing people for the past 14 years.

In that time, I’ve shot more than 1000 sessions. In other words, I have seen it ALL. I’ve seen meltdowns, wardrobe malfunctions, vomiting, blowouts, and wipeouts. I’ve also seen impromptu dance parties, singing with abandon, full belly laughter, and so many hugs and kisses. My point is that real life will happen during our session, and we’ll aim to say YES to all of it. I promise you, I’ll make yo

u something worth remembering. I believe every person is beautiful and worthy of documentation, and I am here to be a safe place for all kinds of families and all kinds of creative folks. I reside in Berkeley, CA, and serve the San Francisco Bay Area. Let's connect so that I can help you tell your story.

05/07/2026

Mom booked it. He tolerated it. The photos? Chef’s kiss. 🤌

I love photographing seniors who aren’t sure about this whole portrait thing. Turns out that real, unposed, actually-you energy always wins.

Shot entirely in his own backyard with nothing but natural light and a little patience. No fake smiles. No weird poses. Just him.

And now? His mom adores the images, and he’s got photos that actually look like him — not some stiff, cheesy version of himself he’ll cringe at in 10 years.

This is what San Francisco Bay Area senior portraits can look like when we ditch the pressure and just let you show up. Whether you’re a reluctant senior or the mom who lovingly made the appointment anyway, this is for you.

Bay Area seniors (and the parents booking sessions for them): Not sure where your session should take place? I made a free quiz that matches your vibe to the perfect Bay Area photo location for your senior session. Link in bio. 📍

04/29/2026

This senior session was a 100/10! 🔥❤️ Senior portrait sessions are always creatively fun and a breath of fresh air after chasing toddlers (no shade on toddlers, I love you! 😜). Gen Z have marvelous ideas and they know their angles. To boot, this gorgeous young lady has been on the other side of my lens since she was toddler. Now she’s driving and counting the days before leaving for college. 🥹

Thank you to Mother Nature for the gorgeous light, the bursts of wildflowers, and the dreamiest, peachiest, wind-free sunset. 🌅

If you’re a senior (or parent a senior), I’ve made a fun little quiz that lets you figure out your ideal photo location based on your style and aesthetic (this session was shot at Redwood Regional and the Albany Bulb). I’ll post a link in stories and you can also find at the link in my bio. ✌🏻

03/31/2026

One of the most common questions I get from new parents: “Will our home even work for a newborn session?” 🧐 I get it. Most San Francisco homes aren’t exactly known for their square footage and floor-to-ceiling windows.

So I put together a real, behind-the-scenes look at five very different Bay Area homes — a Noe Valley one-bedroom, a Hayes Valley apartment, an ‘80s Oakland condo, a modern Oakland condo, a Petaluma suburban — and broke down exactly what I noticed about each one: the light, the rooms we used, what the family wore, and why it worked. 💫You can this guide, which includes galleries from each session, at my link in bio! 💫 My hope is that everyone can see that even their home can be a beautiful backdrop for meaningful photos.

03/24/2026

Here’s what I want you to know before we meet for a beach family photo session:

The sand is going to get everywhere. Your kids will get dirty. Someone is going to end up with wet pants, no question. If that sounds cool with you, we are going to have the best time. 🌊

If it sounds like a nightmare, there are clean parks with maintained landscaping and I will happily meet you there with zero judgment. 😜

The beach is for a specific kind of family. You know who you are.

11/24/2025

Julian turned 15 yesterday. 🤯🥹 He’s now on this app now so I can’t be too cringy and sentimental. 😘 I’ll just share a few recent photos and some favorites from years past.

Julian: we’re approaching a place where you teach me more than I teach you (though I’m happy to share knowledge if you’re open to it 😝), your joie de vivre can light up a room, your passion for all things music, fashion, and skincare are admirable, and I can’t wait to see who you become. I’ll always watch horror movies with you if it means we can snuggle on the couch and hide each other’s eyes. Happy birthday to the boy who made me a mom. I love you to the 🌙 and back.

11/18/2025

Newborn photos matter. This season moves fast and the tiny details will change before you’re ready. Having someone document your days lets you see your new life as a parent with a bit more clarity (and tenderness). 💛 If you’re expecting soon, hit me up! I’d love to photograph you.

11/04/2025

If you’re getting ready for a family photo session with me, here’s what I want you to know 👇

✨ You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you through a variety of ways to stand, sit, and what to do with your hands.
✨ It’s totally okay if the kids are wild. Giggles, wiggles, and even a few tears make for honest, beautiful memories.
✨ Arrive a few minutes early. Giving yourselves a buffer helps everyone feel more relaxed.
✨ Pack water and snacks - they save the day more often than you’d think.
✨ And most importantly… let go of perfect. The magic happens in the in-between moments, not the posed ones.
Your family is already enough, exactly as you are. 💛

09/24/2025

❤️ My baby turned 13 last week. He allowed me 30 seconds to take his photo where he sat. 🤷‍♀️ Sebastian - you’ve changed so much this past year. You’re almost as tall as me, your voice is deepening, you pick up on others’ internal experiences like a wisened elder, and you take no bu****it. I’ll repeat here what I’ve said many times about you - you allow me to be the kind of mother I want to be with you. I love our relationship and I hope we stay this close as more testosterone takes over yuyr body and brain. 😘 For now, here are some favorite photos of you from years past (when you used to loved to have your picture taken 🥹). Last image by the lovely .

09/04/2025

🌸 To all the single moms out there—family photos are for YOU too.

I hear from solo mothers who wonder if a family photo session will feel “complete” without a partner in the frame. Here’s the truth: nothing is missing. Your kids don’t see anything absent - they see YOU. The hugs, the laughter, the way you show up every single day. That’s what matters, and that’s what I love capturing. 💕

Your children will treasure these images of you together—not just now, but years from now when they look back and remember how loved they felt. ✨

08/07/2025

Same beach, different vibes. 🌞🌫️

One of the things I love about photographing at Ocean Beach is how much the light changes everything. On sunny days, it’s golden and glowing. On foggy days, it’s soft and moody. Both are beautiful in their own way—and both make for stunning family photos.

When you book a session with me, I help you choose the right time, place, and light to match the feeling you want in your photos. ✨

Swipe to see how different Ocean Beach can look—and how magical each version is. ➡️

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Berkeley, CA

Website

http://allisonbusch.com/

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