Your kids can't break me.

Big Sur · Carmel · Santa Cruz · San Francisco · Napa Valley & Beyond

Family, senior, and maternity portraits, minus the stress. You show up. I handle everything else.

20 yrs
Behind the camera
275+
Five-star reviews
200+
Shoots a year
ZERO
Deposits
The first step

Start with 10 minutes on the phone.

Tell me who's in the photos, where you're thinking, and what the occasion is. I'll talk through the spot, the timing, and what to expect. No pitch, no pressure, no deposit; you don't pay until after the shoot.

Book a 10-min call →
Or skip the call: pick a package and book your session directly.

“I’m so glad we spent all that money on new matching outfits, two hours getting the crying kids ready, and went with the cheapest photographer we could find. WORTH IT!”

-Said no one, ever.

Trust the pros. We won’t screw this up.

Chris Schmauch, GoodEye Photography

Chris here, owner of GoodEye Photography in Santa Cruz. I know all the best beach and forest locations (including Aptos, Capitola, Soquel, Monterey and Carmel), plus we travel throughout the Bay Area as well. I work with small local families, and I often cater to large, multi-generation families that come here from out of town.

I’ve worked with thousands of big and small families and amassed 275+ five-star reviews, so I guess I’m doing something right. Right? There are plenty of cheaper photographers than me, and no shortage of more expensive ones; I try to have packages that cover most budgets.

Book a free 10 minute call with Chris →

Families of two… or 22.

We have all those big (and little) moments covered. Quick, fun, and professional through and through.

Family Portraits | GoodEye Photography

Family Portraits

Sessions as short as 15 minutes to epic half-day hangouts. Big families, small families, and everything in between.

High School Seniors | GoodEye Photography

High School Seniors

You're about to experience all life has to offer. Let's get this moment of anticipation and excitement before it's gone.

Maternity | GoodEye Photography

Maternity

This is the beginning of your family. Let's capture it well.

Casual Couples | GoodEye Photography

Casual Couples

Married or dating, couples hire us to capture their shared love in places that are special to them.

On our couples site: engagement.photography →

But my kids… are little {bleeps} and will never sit still or smile

I promise this will NOT be a stressful photo shoot

I know what you’re thinking: my kids, my family isn’t like all the pretty portfolio pics on this page. Listen, for every portfolio-worthy image I get, there’s at least 15 in-between shots where half the people aren’t looking at the camera, or a child is crying, or a 4-year-old boy has decided to run off waving a newly-discovered stick in the air, only to be chased down by dad. I’ve experienced snot pouring from noses, streaks of tears pouring down little red faces, stressed parents, and sympathetic (yet glad-they’re-not-my-responsibility) expressions on grandparents.

I simply ask you to put a little trust in me, your friendly camera-man, to dig deep into my well of patience and bring out the best in your family. My secret is a combination of zen-like patience, confidence that comes from experience, and being lightning quick. It’s pretty rare that I can’t come out of a session without some real gems.

Worst-case scenario, I offer you a reshoot at no additional charge. If you still aren’t happy, I’ll refund your investment. I can comfortably offer this guarantee because I rarely need to use it.

Recent family sessions

Fresh from the coast, the redwoods, and everywhere in between. Read the session stories →

What families say
★★★★★

275+ five-star reviews

★★★★★

For my father's 80th birthday, my sister found Chris to take our family photos. My 28 year old son has never liked pictures & was rolling his eyes when I told him we were taking pictures before the party. WOW!

He is very impressive and extremely talented in his profession. Our families would recommend Chris to anyone.

Vickie M. · Yelp
★★★★★

We had a great experience with Chris! My daughter was nervous, but he so quickly put her at ease. Man has skills!

He showed up early and ready to roll. Chris has a great sense of humor and quickly made the connection that's needed to capture a moment in time that is so precious. I was truly hoping it was going to be a great experience and Chris delivered.

Will use Chris for future family events for sure.

Melissa N. · Yelp
★★★★★

Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!! Had Chris take pics of my son, wife, granddaughter and grandson as a memory of their first trip to Santa Cruz. Right away within minutes of first meeting him, he had us all at ease, like we had been friends for years.

Then when we got the link to view our pics - blew us away!!! He is for sure our photographer for life and will not hesitate ever in recommending him. HIRE THIS GUY!!!!!!!!

Patricia S. · Yelp
Read all reviews →

San Francisco to Carmel. We come to you, outdoors or in.

We’re based in Santa Cruz, so most clients tap into our local knowledge of the best portrait spots. But you have your own special places too, and it’s not unusual for us to travel all over the Bay Area to photograph clients at their homes, businesses, local parks, or other private and public locales.

So: come to our neck of the woods, or we’ll come to yours. Either way, we make you look amazing.

Browse our favorite shoot locations →

Transparent pricing

Our most popular collections. No deposit; you pay after the shoot.

Mini

from $550

5 finished files · 30–50+ proofs to choose from

Good for a quick family check-in. One setting, a handful of photos to take home.

Book Mini
Most popular

Standard

from $950

25 finished files · 75–100+ proofs to choose from

Good for families who want more to choose from. Bigger keeper set, more groupings.

Book Standard

Platinum

from $1,500

75 finished files · 100–150+ proofs to choose from

The multi-generational special. Every pairing, every generation, and enough candids to settle who Grandma's favorite is.

Book Platinum
See every package + location price →

Let's see how our schedules sync.

Start with a free 10 minute phone call. No deposit, ever; you pay after the shoot.

Book a call →Text Chris: (408) 431-4808