Family Photographers Near Me - Westlake Village
Family Portrait - Los Angeles and Ventura County
Karen Vaisman is an award-winning professional photographer based in Agoura Hills, specializing in family portraits, professional headshots, and photo restoration. With 30 years of experience, Karen creates heirloom-quality portraits for families across Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley.
30+ Years Experience
Serving Agoura Hills, Los Angeles & Ventura since 1991
Master Retouch Artist
Professional Education
BFA from Syracuse University
Studio Program at RIT
“I was so lucky to find Karen and that our schedules could coordinate to capture an important event for my family. Karen's talent and professionalism were evident at every interaction — from consultation, to shoot, to selection and especially to the finished product. She has great vision and is also open to new ideas which led to amazing images. Her finish work is exquisite!”
— Lisa Williams Read on Google
Quick Answers About Your Family Portrait Session
How long does a family portrait session take?
Most sessions run 60–90 minutes. Extended family groups may need extra time — we’ll plan your shot list in advance.
Do you retouch our images?
Yes. Every final portrait is professionally retouched for a polished but natural look — no heavy “filters,” just magazine-quality finishing.
Can we choose studio or outdoor locations?
Absolutely. Select our controlled studio lighting for a timeless look, or nearby parks and scenic spots for a natural, outdoor feel.
What should we wear?
Coordinate 2–3 complementary colors and avoid heavy patterns. We can review outfits before the session.
How soon will we see our photos?
Preview & ordering appointment is typically within 1–2 weeks. Finished artwork timelines vary by product.
What if it rains or the kids melt down?
We reschedule for weather. With kids, I pivot quickly with games and posing — no stress!
“We had family portraits done for a special occasion, and Karen did a fantastic job! Five adults, 2 active toddlers and a cranky infant with unseasonably hot outdoors temperatures during a photo shoot in the park — she created several beautiful pieces as end results. It was an amazing result, from a really challenging situation. We are very happy with our pictures!”
— Angela Ling Read on Google
Finding the perfect family Photographers near me is a challenge
Take a peek at Special Moments as a Westlake Village Family Portrait Photographer ...
Big People, Little People, and Pets Too!
(818) 991-7787
Your Perfect Los Angeles Family Photographer for Portrait Photography
When heirloom quality family portraits are what you seek …
Professional Portrait Photographer and Master Retouch Artist Karen Vaisman is Here to Help!
Many people ask, "Where can I find good family photographers near me?" Finding that unique match between a creative portrait artist and a client seeking a specific "look" of photography they like, can be a challenge. There should be a bit of "butterflies in the stomach excitement" when you land on a website that displays that exact emotion you want to capture during those fleeting moments with your children.
Finding the right professional might take some work, but the photographic legacy they will leave for your progeny is worth the time you have invested in the search.
One focus of my website is on corporate headshots, which you may have noticed. But as a mom, my heart holds a special place for children. I have a bittersweet pang in my heart that my girls are grown and gone, but that doesn't mean as an empty-nester I can't still help you capture your family memories (I admit, a bit vicariously) with the same passion that I have photographed my own family! I am originally from New York and went to college for my passion: photography.
After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from Syracuse University, I moved to California to the Conejo Valley, the Westlake Village area. You can find out more details about me and my family on my about page.
Below please take a look at some of my sample family and children portraits. Don't you just love the unending innocent curiosity in their eyes? I love to tell a story with their expressions!
Call to find out more (818) 991-7787
“A person’s a person, no matter how small”
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In Studio or Outdoor Family Portrait Sessions
Capturing the moment
Capturing that moment in time can take place in a beautiful in studio family portrait or environmental portraits set outdoors. As family photographers near me is always a challenge to find, I pride myself on my passion by looking at relationships in a unique way. When people pose side-by-side in a portrait, over the years I have learned many things.
Visual Clues on Family Relationships and Posing
Personal space between people is almost tangible. I often have to coax everyone to move closer, lean in farther (yes, a sister may actually "touch" her brother with "cooties!") The space between people tells the viewer almost as much as the expression on a person's face. We are very lucky to reside in such a safe and loving community like Westlake Village.
Direction based on Rapport with Your Photographer
Family photographers need to take control of the fleeting moments during a portrait session and direct everyone while keeping all the smiles fresh and the dog looking in the right direction. It is often like juggling to keep all the moving parts coordinated. It is part of the challenge that I love. So, Mom & Dad, let me take all that stress off your hands, I'll handle everything! (By the way, I LOVE animals so your pet is more than welcome to join in the family photography fun!)
Creative Ideas and Planning Your Portrait
Do you have a creative idea you would like to discuss for your own family portrait before your family photoshoot?
Perhaps a meaningful family heirloom or a vehicle you love as a prop?
Maybe your whole family has a favorite sport, dance, or music, you might like to incorporate into your family photo session?
I love to include grandparents for a "generations" family portrait session!
Family pictures near me:
When you are ready to schedule your portrait design consultation so we can collaborate on your unique family portrait, please let me know! I help you every step the way. We help you select your photos with our professional guidance, our personalized service focuses on you, we do not offer an online gallery leaving you to flounder making your photo selections.
Here is more detailed session information.
Feel free to download my free guide for 11 Tips on how to prepare for your portrait!
(818) 991-7787
Precious Maternity and Baby Portraits
“Let me love you a little more, before you are not little anymore.”
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us …
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![family portrait, asian family outdoors in park, karen vaisman photography]()
Angela L.
“We had family portraits done - five adults, 2 active toddlers and a cranky infant with hot outdoors temperatures. She created several beautiful pieces as end results. It was an amazing result, from a really challenging situation.”
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![girl with candle in composite image by karen vaisman photography]()
Rachel W.
“Karen is one of the finest portrait photographers. She is able to capture that 'moment'! She took Bat Mitzvah photos and transformed them into a stunning montage and designed custom invitations and thank you cards too. Karen is very patient, professional, has a great artistic eye, and is a very talented photographer. I highly recommend her for her talent behind the camera and retouching expertise! THANK YOU KAREN!”
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![family of 4 in the park]()
Lisa G.
“I truly appreciate the incredible result Karen delivered. The attention she gives her customers is exemplary. When we asked to incorporate pets into our family photo, she handled it with patience and aplomb. Karen suggested outdoor shots and those just popped! I highly recommend Karen - her photos are works of art that never go unnoticed by visitors in our home.”
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![woman and son family portrait, karen vaisman photography]()
Natalya B.
“Love Karen's work - it transforms even the gloomiest day into a sunny one! Her pictures are so vibrant, saturated with love for people and life itself. When I look at the pictures of my family she took for us, so much is captured in a single picture.”
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![man dressed as cowboy, karen vaisman photography]()
Rick & Renitta L.
“Karen’s skills are endless & her creativity above the board. She has captured some very personal family moments for me of my brother Rick, that I will cherish forever. I would recommend her to any of my friends & family.”
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![bride under veil holding flower]()
Lana F.
“Karen really cares about capturing precious moments from an angle that enhances the beauty. She has a true passion & love of photography and it shows in her photos. She is creative and highly skilled. I would recommend her to anyone looking for amazing, creative, & beautiful photos that capture moments that will last a lifetime!!”
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![Group of kids holding a girl in a family portrait indoors]()
David P.
“Karen has taken most of my family's most treasured photographs.. She has an incredible ability to capture the perfect moment in time and set up a magnificent family photo — complete with pets! She has even made me look like a superstar singing on stage! Can't express in words how great she is.”
Are Professional Family Photos Worth It?
Time is something we can never recover.
Once that new little member of your family is conceived the clock starts, and waits for no one! Being prepared, and knowing you would like to find the perfect Westlake Village family photographers near me who can capture those treasured moments is the best gift you could give yourself, your child and your family. Researching and finding the right professional to bring into your life, BEFORE this very emotional time is truly prudent.
Finding a Photographer you Can Trust
Lack of sleep compounds all the new responsibilities your family will be experiencing, adding to the happily planned chaos. Knowing in advance you found a trusted talented professional photographer who will capture those memories will be a load off your mind. Planning early will help you focus on your new bundle of joy! Scheduling a newborn session can be a moving target, but I'm used to it, and more than happy to work with you.
Family Portrait Consultation - Planning Simplies everything!
Contact me in advance and I'd be happy to set up a portrait design session to discuss your goals and ideas. We will chat, I can share with you the different products I offer, including wall portraits, albums, gift prints, custom designed baby announcements and gallery wrapped canvases, so this will be one more item you can check off your list in preparation for your new bundle of joy! As your family photographer I want to capture those irreplaceable moments that matter to you and your family the most, photos you will love for a life time!
Find our session information here or give me a call to discuss your ideas! (818) 991-7787.
Taking Action to Capture those Family Photo Memories….
Once your little ones grow, you may have need for high school senior pictures for your Los Angeles family. A common question is "Where can I find a photographer near me that I can trust to do a fabulous job?" I focus on my local Los Angeles - Ventura - Westlake Village service area in order to pamper my family clients. Studio photography offers a beautiful and artistic level of control to the lighting, but I am happy to travel to your location for an outdoor family photo session within a few hours drive from the Los Angeles county, Conejo Valley, California (additional fee applies). I offer both black & and white and color based on your tastes.
Reviews - Karen Vaisman Photography
Feel free to view my 5-Star Reviews on Yelp and Google I'm honored that these wonderful people have trusted me to capture moments in their life (families, seniors, children) that will become part of their own family visual legacy.
Find out more about my sessions here.
Feel free to email any questions!
info at KarenVaismanPhotography.com
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Dreading your next professional headshot? Fear not! As a veteran Los Angeles photographer, I've helped countless camera-shy clients shine in their photos. With the right techniques and a supportive environment, anyone can look confident and approachable in their headshot – yes, even you who just thought, "But I'm not photogenic!" Let me show you how to transform your headshot experience from nerve-wracking to enjoyable.