Business Details
23 Years
experience
Award-Winning Portrait Photography in Walnut Creek, CA
Laura Cottril Photography has been dedicated to capturing life's most meaningful moments since 2003. As an International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer, we specialize in creating emotional, natural light imagery that transcends traditional portraiture. Our approach combines artistic vision with a deeply personalized experience, ensuring each session reflects the unique essence of our clients. With over two decades of experience, we've honed a process that makes clients feel at ease while producing fine art quality portraits that become cherished family heirlooms.Our work has been featured in prestigious publications like Professional Photographer Magazine and Rangefinder Magazine, and we actively contribute to the photography community through education and mentorship. From families to senior portraits, our boutique service includes detailed consultations and collaborative ordering sessions to ensure your portraits perfectly complement your home environment.
Services
Family Portraits
Senior Portraits
Professional Portraits
Passion Projects
Photo Legacy Services
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of portrait photography expertise since 2003
- Personalized approach with in-home consultations and styling guidance
- Award-winning artistry featured in professional photography publications
- Collaborative ordering sessions for perfect home integration
- Community-focused with $60,000 raised for local schools through portrait programs
Associations and certifications
- PPA Master Craftsman Photographer
- PPA Certified Professional Photographer
What people say
Captured our true selves
At-ease experience
Stunning portraits
Expert display guidance
Community-focused programs
Services
Senior Portraits
Our senior portrait sessions capture the unique transition to adulthood with artistic compositions that reflect individual personalities. We guide subjects through location selection, outfit coordination, and emotional preparation to create timeless images that celebrate achievements and future potential. The experience includes personalized editing and display recommendations for lasting impact.
Family Portraits
Document your family's evolving story through authentic sessions that highlight genuine connections. We specialize in creating cohesive group portraits that preserve both joyful moments and subtle interactions. Our process includes home environment analysis to ensure final portraits seamlessly integrate with your living space while maintaining artistic quality.
Professional Portraits
Elevate your professional image with portraits that convey both competence and personality. We create versatile images suitable for corporate profiles, marketing materials, and personal branding. Our sessions focus on capturing authentic expressions that align with your professional identity while maintaining artistic integrity through natural light composition.
Passion Projects
Explore creative photography beyond traditional portraiture with customized projects that reflect personal vision. We collaborate on conceptual themes, location scouting, and artistic execution to produce meaningful images that tell deeper stories. This service includes specialized post-processing techniques to enhance emotional impact.
Photo Legacy Services
Create lasting family heirlooms through our comprehensive portrait preservation process. We guide clients through image selection, archival printing options, and display solutions that ensure generations can enjoy these visual histories. Our approach combines technical expertise with thoughtful curation to maintain both artistic and sentimental value.
People
Laura Cottril Photography
Owner & Lead Photographer
Award-winning portrait photographer with 20+ years experience creating emotional, natural light imagery. PPA Master Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer featured in industry publications. Specializes in capturing authentic moments that become family heirlooms.
Questions
What makes your portrait sessions unique?
Our sessions focus on emotional connection and natural light composition, creating portraits that capture authentic moments rather than posed shots. We include personalized consultations and home environment analysis.
Do you offer location scouting services?
Yes, we provide location recommendations and scouting services to find settings that best reflect your personal story and complement your home decor style.
What investment is required for family portraits?
Session fees start at $400, with most families investing $1,500-$4,000 for wall portraits and display solutions. We offer various product options to suit different budgets.
How do you help with portrait display decisions?
We provide in-home consultations to assess your space, style preferences, and lighting conditions, offering customized recommendations for frame selection, sizing, and placement.
Are digital files included with purchases?
Digital collections include high-resolution files with printing rights. Most portrait purchases include web-sized files for personal use and sharing.
What professional accreditations do you hold?
I'm a PPA Master Craftsman Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer with awards from International PPA Print Competition and features in major photography publications.
