Business Details
Your Trusted Costa Mesa Family Photographer
I began my journey in photography at age 14 with a Pentax K1000 35mm film camera gifted by my father. Throughout high school, I honed my skills by photographing fashion-inspired shoots with my younger sisters and their friends in natural settings. After earning a Bachelor of Art in Illustrative Photography from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, I relocated to Southern California with my husband Justin. Now based in Costa Mesa, I specialize in capturing candid moments of families, newborns, and children in their natural environments. My approach prioritizes natural light and spontaneous interactions to create authentic, emotionally resonant images.I understand the importance of preserving fleeting moments, from a newborn's first weeks to a child's playful energy. Sessions are conducted on-location or in clients' homes, with scheduling flexibility to accommodate nap times and natural light conditions. My work extends to lifestyle and interior design photography for commercial clients, offering tailored solutions for diverse projects. I am committed to delivering personalized service that transforms ordinary moments into cherished keepsakes.
Services
Family Photography
Newborn Portraits
Party Coverage
Lifestyle Photography
Interior Design Photography
Highlights and features
- We specialize in natural light photography for authentic family moments
- Our sessions adapt to your family's schedule and natural rhythms
- 20+ years of professional photography experience with formal training
- We prioritize comfort through in-home newborn photography sessions
- Proven expertise in capturing children's spontaneous interactions
Services
Family Photography
Documenting authentic family interactions through natural light photography. Sessions focus on capturing spontaneous moments in home environments or outdoor locations. Ideal for preserving milestones and everyday connections between parents and children.
Newborn Portraits
Specialized in-home sessions for infants under two weeks old. Using gentle techniques to photograph sleeping babies in their natural environment. Emphasizes safety and comfort while capturing delicate details and parent-child bonding moments.
Party Coverage
Candid documentation of children's birthday parties and celebrations. Focuses on capturing genuine emotions and interactions during special occasions. Available for both indoor and outdoor events within Orange County.
Lifestyle Photography
Creating authentic visual narratives of family life through observational photography. Sessions emphasize natural interactions and emotional connections in everyday settings. Perfect for families wanting to preserve their unique story.
Interior Design Photography
Professional photography services for interior design projects and lifestyle brands. Captures spaces in their best light to showcase design elements and product features. Tailored solutions for marketing and portfolio needs.
People
Alison Bernier
Photographer & Owner
Professional photographer with formal training from RMIT University. Specializes in family and newborn photography, using natural light to capture authentic moments. Based in Costa Mesa since 2008.
Questions
What locations do you photograph in?
I primarily work in Orange County homes and outdoor locations. Sessions outside this area require a travel fee.
When is the best time for newborn photos?
Newborn sessions work best within the first two weeks when babies are still sleepy and flexible.
How long do portrait sessions last?
Full sessions typically take 1-1.5 hours to ensure we capture all special moments comfortably.
Do you use artificial lighting?
I exclusively use natural light to create soft, organic images that reflect genuine environments.
How do you handle scheduling conflicts?
I work around family schedules, including adjusting session times to accommodate nap schedules and daylight conditions.
