Elm Photography

Elm Photography Photographer specializing in children, teens, and family portraiture based out of Lompoc, California Photographer of children, families, grads and couples.

E-mail me for a price quote and booking.

The Joy Family SessionWhen I was around 7 or 8 years old, my family hosted two Japanese exchange students during the sum...
05/31/2026

The Joy Family Session

When I was around 7 or 8 years old, my family hosted two Japanese exchange students during the summer. They were only with us for a couple of weeks, but it stuck with me all these years later. So when Sarah told me they wanted to include their exchange student, Asahi, in their family session before she heads back home to Japan, I was immediately excited about it.

This session was such a good reminder of how meaningful these experiences really are. Hearing them talk about life with Asahi, the memories they’ve made together, and the relationship they built over the past year was honestly really special. And Asahi herself? Absolutely sweet as can be.

I told them how much I remembered my own experience growing up and how something that seems temporary can stay with you forever. So if you’ve ever thought about hosting an exchange student, this is me gently encouraging you to do it. It’s a pretty incredible thing.

Also, their last name being Joy feels extremely fitting because this family was exactly that.

And somehow, after all these years photographing around Lompoc, this was my first time shooting at River Park. Between the relentless wind and everyone trying not to become airborne, we still found some really beautiful little pockets of filtered light tucked into the trees. Honestly, River Park surprised me a little.

Rivers Cap and Gown SessionTime for the tissues, parents. We are officially down to the final week before graduation and...
05/28/2026

Rivers Cap and Gown Session

Time for the tissues, parents. We are officially down to the final week before graduation and I don’t think any of us are emotionally prepared for it.

I photographed Rivers for her senior session back in the fall, so I was so excited when she asked me to do her cap and gown photos at Babcock too. Rivers is one of those people who is effortlessly fun to be around. Playful, sweet, full of personality, and somehow still graceful while walking through uneven grass in heels, which honestly deserves its own diploma.

And her mom? Holding the props, helping with the little things, smiling through it all... but I could feel it. That quiet ache so many of us parents are carrying right now. The realization that this chapter is almost over and our babies are stepping into the next part of their lives whether we are ready or not.

As a mom of a graduating senior myself this year, these sessions are hitting differently lately. I find myself standing behind the camera trying not to cry right alongside the parents. It’s such a strange mix of pride, joy, nostalgia, and heartbreak all wrapped together.

I’m really grateful I get to be part of these moments, not just for my own child, but for so many families walking through this season too.

Here’s to you, Rivers. You did it.

One of my favorite things about branding photography is getting to step into someone else’s world for a little while and...
05/25/2026

One of my favorite things about branding photography is getting to step into someone else’s world for a little while and document the thing they’ve built with their own hands.

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph Adrie of while she worked her magic creating the sweetest setup for her son’s 5th birthday party. And honestly, watching someone operate so naturally within their craft is always inspiring to me.

Adrie plans beautiful events for clients throughout LA and Orange County, all while balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and the thousand moving pieces that come with owning a business. The amount of work that happens behind the scenes before guests ever arrive is something most people never fully see.

I’m always grateful for opportunities like this, not just to photograph beautiful work, but to support another hardworking local businesswoman doing what she loves.

Thank you, Adrie, for trusting me to capture what you do so well.














The VonProtz Family SessionWe had to reschedule this session from Saturday because of the wind. The first time I’ve ever...
05/21/2026

The VonProtz Family Session

We had to reschedule this session from Saturday because of the wind. The first time I’ve ever done that and honestly, if I rescheduled every time we had wind on the Central Coast, I’d never photograph anyone. Now, wind alone is not usually a reason to reschedule, but when the gusts are hitting “small toddler may become airborne” levels, it had to be done.
..and I’m so glad we did.

We ended up with the prettiest filtered light, just enough breeze to keep everyone comfortable, a shy toddler who slowly decided I was acceptable, and one very spirited one year old who, honestly, might already be cooler than all of us.

This is one of the reasons I love photography so much. It freezes time for just a second. It lets us hold onto the good moments a little longer, leave the messy ones behind, and keep moving forward with life.

Ellie Newborn SessionLast Tuesday I had the pleasure of hanging out with my nephew and meeting their newest addition, li...
05/17/2026

Ellie Newborn Session

Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of hanging out with my nephew and meeting their newest addition, little Ellie. I was there to meet Ellie, but I was completely entertained by Emma, who has already fully stepped into her role as best big sister.

I’ll be honest, toddlers are usually very interested in my camera. They want to know what it’s doing, if we’re almost done, and whether snacks are involved. They are rarely interested in me.

But the last few years, that’s changed a little.

And Emma? She just wanted to hang out with me all night.

Honestly, it made my whole evening. She showed me every toy, every trick, and every important toddler detail while Ellie was being fed, soothed, rocked, cuddled, and lovingly convinced that sleep was a good idea.

Ellie disagreed.

She had absolutely no interest in sleeping. She wanted to know what was happening at all times, which honestly felt fair considering there was a whole production crew standing around her with cameras and lights.

But somewhere between the toddler tours, the baby snuggles, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with bringing home someone brand new, we captured this sweet little season exactly as it is.

And that’s always my favorite part.

Happy Mother's Day to all the momma's out there.
05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the momma's out there.

I love when a client really commits to the pose.
05/10/2026

I love when a client really commits to the pose.

Flowers while I wait for you,whether in the sand or at sea,they always bloom,they always breathe.
05/07/2026

Flowers while I wait for you,
whether in the sand or at sea,
they always bloom,
they always breathe.

Rios Family's Maternity SessionIt’s hard to believe that we’ve already celebrated several big milestones for this wonder...
04/25/2026

Rios Family's Maternity Session

It’s hard to believe that we’ve already celebrated several big milestones for this wonderful family. I am truly honored they continue to invite me along for their journey. Baby number two is on the way, and this family couldn’t be more deserving. Congratulations, Rios Family!


LHS Prom 2026Three of the LHS Prom Queen Nominees here! 👑
04/19/2026

LHS Prom 2026

Three of the LHS Prom Queen Nominees here!

👑

Address

Lompoc, CA
93436

Telephone

+18057577606

Website

https://elmphotowest.pixieset.com/booking

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Elm Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Elm Photography:

Shortcuts

Share

Category