Portrait photography in the most genuine way.
Hi, Iβm Joy -
a San Francisco Bay Area based lifestyle portrait photographer for over 12 years - capturing families, newborn + child, maternity, corporate headshots, high school seniors, weddings, engagements, and education and sports. With a BFA in Photography from the Academy of Art in San Francisco 2003, I have spent most of my career, over 20 years, as a commercial photographer and stylist, concentrating on lifestyle, product, interiors, soft goods, and kids on-figure. Fweew. Sounds like a lot. But it keeps me on my toes!
To be honest though, I can never figure out just which of these is my favorite. I am an advertising and retail creative junkie at heart, enjoy making things beautiful, and love seeing businesses thrive from my work. But I love love love photographing people, whether models or real people. The energy that is exchanged in the moments working with people is often very inspirational to me. I do feel extremely honored to be the trusted one to capture moments that last lifetimes. Itβs a big deal!
The shy kid who comes out of their shell because we are just straight having a blast. The couples who shed the layers of fear during our engagement shoots because they realize they just get to be themselves. The larger multi-generation of family members that come together to capture heirloom photography. The father of the bride speeches. The look on a new mom and dads face while holding their 5 day old babe. Itβs raw. Itβs personal. Itβs intimate. Itβs life. Itβs love. It moves me.
Where I started and where Iβm at.
Where I started
It all began when I was about 9 years old and would borrow my fathers camera to take pictures. I would take my stuffed animals and dolls and arrange them on the couch for group portraits.
Along the way
My first major in college was psychology, and loved my human behavioral classes. Something about these courses and knowledge moved me but at the time I didnβt understand how it fit into my life. And as I continued to explore my interests, I studied floral design, interior design, photography, art, and dance. After receiving a BFA in Photography, and learning all of the roles creatives had on set, I began my styling career alongside my photography journey.
What now?
I could sit and philosophize for hours on how our experiences in life lead us to where we are at. But the short story for me is - that between the human behavior studies, the varied design work, and having comprehension and skill in multiple roles of commercial photography - has brought me here. It has inspired my approach to my photography. It has supported how I interact with my clients, and helps me see design and composition quickly. I have the pleasure of meeting so many people and creatives in the commercial, wedding, and family portrait worlds and am grateful for all the work I get to do and the folks I get to meet.
letβs make magic!
Drop me a line and letβs get this party started!
joy@joycoakleystudio.com | 415-505-5794
Joy Coakley Studio is located in Alameda, CA.
**Studio hours by appointment only.