Sara Soto Photography

Sara Soto Photography California-based Portrait and Elopement Photographer. Available anywhere! ✈️
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I heard a quote by floral designer Kristen Griffith-VanderYatch lately about flowers (on slide 4+) & wow, it feels super...
09/02/2026

I heard a quote by floral designer Kristen Griffith-VanderYatch lately about flowers (on slide 4+) & wow, it feels super fitting for these photos I took at the stunning Blooming Farms LLC 💐

I am 37 today. Yup, I'm typing that & thinking to myself that's effing wild!

But to be frank with yall, this past year was a cycle of tough moments. Just like flowers, I "grew," & "blossomed" for a bit; maybe I even slightly "thrived", but by all means, I was also "gone" for much of it.

It wasn't a failure on my part; it was just the process. Dealing with grief, the highs & lows of business, & living through inevitable changes in my personal life...Like flowers, I just had to go through it.

We don't get a choice to stay in the beautiful stage forever.

And it sucked but I practiced not trying to delay, rush or force it; because, I see now those moments are not meant to last either (the good, the bad, and the ugly). And that's why that quote resonated with me a lot 🤍

So here's to honoring present-day me. Look at us. May we get to go through another one 🍾🪩🎂

08/29/2026

but ofc there's more to it 👀⬇️

being a photographer is more than clicks & edits, it's also checking the weather app 11 times the day before, scouting back up locations juuuust in case the first one doesn't work, and being your hype person when the nerves kick in!

💍

I go out of my mind every time I talk about this perfect engagement session! Not only did we get a super beautiful sunny...
08/12/2026

I go out of my mind every time I talk about this perfect engagement session! Not only did we get a super beautiful sunny day, which led to the best shades of green at the gardens, but I also got to spend it with Y & C 😍

Like how could I say 'A better day couldn't have been had' without saying exaclty that?!

I'm seriously still over the moon that they chose me to take photos of them around last year. And ok, I am complelely biased here, but I know now that there's just no better place to have a Bay Area engagement session at. The estate legit looks amazing year-round!

(And with these lovebirds, every moment looks like straight out of one of Monet's paintings 🙂‍↕️)

Thank you Y & C for being so much fun to photograph & for creating this core memory. Cheers to your love!
/ bay area engagement photos, california couples photographer, rose garden engagement session, recently engaged couple, nature-inspired pre wedding portraits, save-the-dates photo location ideas

I don't think my clients realize how much they inspire me 🥲 When we start working together to plan a session, I take the...
07/22/2026

I don't think my clients realize how much they inspire me 🥲 When we start working together to plan a session, I take the time to get to know them a bit, who they are individually & together, and it gets me every single time how, out of the billion of people who exist, we're the ones that crossed paths with each other!

(And I get to photograph them on top of it all?!)

Take G + D for example. They live on the East Coast but during their pre-wedding trip to California, they reached out to me for a sunrise engagement session at Glacier Point, one of the best places on earth, because they wanted *this* to be part of their special day back home.

So there we were: people who live on opposite coasts spending the morning together while the sun came out 🥰

And I've been SO lucky that the universe keeps sending me the coolest & sweetest couples to work with. It's honestly been the highlight of my career meeting couples from all walks of life with their own stories to tell.

Out of everyone in the world, this is how we meet & that's why working together will aaaalways mean more than just a transaction to me. So in case it wasn't clear enough, you'll be the inspiration I need to keep going! 🙂‍↕️

/ yosemite couples sessions, outdoor destination for couples, glacier point engagement, california elopement photographer, cliffside wedding photos, getting engaged on the west coast

It's YOUR year and you've got a big achievement to celebrate. Let's gooo 🎓👏🏽And although you might be busy studying for ...
04/10/2026

It's YOUR year and you've got a big achievement to celebrate. Let's gooo 🎓👏🏽

And although you might be busy studying for finals, finishing capstone projects & mentally preparing to join the professional world (or grad school), here's your reminder to take time to hype yourself up.

This milestone is a big deal!

So make it count & kick off the festivities with a GRAD SESSION where you rock your cap & gown at your favorite spots on campus & let it sink in. You're really doing this 🤌🏽

Because graduation isn't just about crossing the stage but also about seeing your growth through the last few years & honoring the memories you made along the way.

If you're interested in package details + booking, comment 'grad' or send me a DM!
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UC Merced grad, UCM graduation photos, UC Merced 2026, Stanislaus State grad, Merced College graduation, Stan State graduate, california state university,

Almond Blossom Season is here! Now is the perfect time to book your mini session with your family or your boo 🤍This year...
02/16/2026

Almond Blossom Season is here! Now is the perfect time to book your mini session with your family or your boo 🤍

This year l'll be hosting them on FRIDAY, February 27 starting at 5 PM.

They'll be at a private orchard in Winton, CA (just 20 minutes from Merced or Turlock)!

What will your booking get you?

🌸 Permitted access to the private orchard (facilities & parking available)
🌸 15 minutes of photography coverage
🌸 Use of blanket, seating stool and picnic basket to set the mood
🌸 Online gallery with up to 7 full resolution downloads (additional images available for purchase!)
🌸 Location & Styling Guide for you & your party
🌸 A small 4x6" printed album gift!

Comment 'MINI' below or send me a DM today for more information or to reserve your spot
/ almond blossom minis / central valley almond blooms / merced couples photographer / spring blooms photoshoot

🎄 Holiday minis in at in Merced are here! [don't forget to share this with a friend and comment 'holiday' for booking d...
11/11/2025

🎄 Holiday minis in at in Merced are here!

[don't forget to share this with a friend and comment 'holiday' for booking details]

So excited to be hosting indoor holiday mini sessions for the 3rd year in a row at your local studio in Downtown Merced. This year the mini sessions are happening on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025!

The studio has done it again with 3 beautiful setups for the vibe you're looking for (classic, cozy, or chic!). These minis are perfect for couples and small families, so don't miss out on this year's holiday photos 😍

---

What's included in your booking?

🎁 Up to 15 minutes of photography
🎁 Download access to up to 7 digital images + print release
🎁 Access to private studio with decorated sets
🎁 Location and style guide

Sessions are $150 each and spots are limited now. Can't wait to see you at the studio!

Comment 'holiday' or send a quick DM and I’ll send booking details your way. And feel free to share with a friend who would love this 📬

What if you gave yourself a pause? If you're planning a traditional wedding, with guests, a ceremony & a reception, you ...
07/22/2025

What if you gave yourself a pause? If you're planning a traditional wedding, with guests, a ceremony & a reception, you can absolutely embrace that.

Because if the community & celebration bring you joy, why not?! 🤍

But what if somewhere, in the middle of all that, you planned something just for the two of you?

Not a choreographed moment but an actual, intentional pause.

In nature.

Away from the timeline & hussle of the day 😮‍💨

It could be a short hike before the day begins. Or, sitting somewhere, sharing a warm drink in the evening, along the sunset-lit cliffs.

It doesn't have to be something big (unless you want to!)

All you're doing is allowing space for your inner world, even on a traditional wedding day. Especially if you're the kind of people who feel the most grounded when it's just you two.

So yes, have the ceremony, dance, hug it our & clink your glasses 🥂 And also, give yourself time to be still; to drop your shoulders & breathe.

Your day doesn't always have to be either/or.
/ california elopement photographer / coastal wedding photos / big sur elopement photographer / big sur weddings / elopement planning tips / elope in california

For the awesome grads, it's YOUR year now and you've got a big accomplishment to celebrate. Let's gooo 🎓👏🏽And although y...
04/08/2025

For the awesome grads, it's YOUR year now and you've got a big accomplishment to celebrate. Let's gooo 🎓👏🏽

And although you may be busy studying for finals, finishing capstone projects & preparing to join the professional world, here's your reminder to take time to celebrate yourself.

This milestone is a big deal!

So make it count & start the celebration now with a GRAD SESSION where you get to wear your cap & gown at your favorite places on campus 📸

Because graduation isn't just about crossing the stage but also about seeing your growth through the years & honoring the memories you made along the way.

If you're interested in package details + booking, comment 'grad' or send me a DM! 📨
/ UC Merced grads / UCM grad photos / UC Merced 2025 / Stanislaus State grad / Merced College graduation / Stan State graduate /

It's not everyday I get to photograph parents-to-be, but when D & D reached out with dreams of documenting this meaningf...
02/24/2025

It's not everyday I get to photograph parents-to-be, but when D & D reached out with dreams of documenting this meaningful moment in Point Reyes, I didn't hesitate to say yes.

There was something about chatting and laughing with them as we stood at the top of the cliffs...

And the way the wind tugging at out hair or the waves stretching out foreeeever & how the hills caught that sunset light 😍 It was quite the adventure!

With these framed bits of their lives, I know this place holds a special memory for them now. And one day, I hope it'll be a 'full circle' moment too.

I hope they come back, little human in tow, to show them where the ocean meets the sky & where they too can come to be playful & inspired.

Nature isn't just a backdrop. It's the better part of us; helping us build our stories & celebrate our milestones. May it live & be preserved forever 🤍

(This post is dedicated to all NPS staff & supporters who have and will continue to fight to help fully preserve these beautiful spaces. You're appreciated & your work is valuable-- Thank you for all that you do!)
/ california couples photographer / point reyes couples photos / bay area photographer / couples goals / nature maternity session

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Merced, CA

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

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