What are the opening hours?

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

Sara Soto Photography

Home
United States
Merced, CA
Sara Soto Photography

California-based Portrait and Elopement Photographer. Available anywhere! ✈️
(2)

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!
•

UC Merced grad, UCM graduation photos, UC Merced 2026, Stanislaus State grad, Merced College graduation, Stan State graduate, california state university,

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

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 📬

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

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 /

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

02/15/2025

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

This year I'll be hosting them on Sunday, March 2nd starting at 2 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

Comment 'MINI' below or send me a DM today for more information or to reserve your spot 🤍 LAST DAY TO BOOK: Feb. 28th
/ almond blossom minis / central valley almond blooms / merced couples photographer / spring blooms photoshoot

02/12/2025

You + Rings + Yosemite = The Dream ⛰️

A Yosemite elopement is seriously one of the most inspiring, adventurous & romantic experiences out there.

You're hiking up a rock, saying your vows amongst a sea of pine trees, with the rush of a distant waterfall & the peaks as your witnesses-- Ahh, isn't that the epitome of a perfect wedding day? 🤩

The best part is that Yosemite & the surrounding charming towns offer a variety of things to do to make your itinerary a whole lot more intentional (this is your sign to start a new yearly tradition too 😜).

Need some ideas aside from hiking trails? There's something for everyone:

🪨 beginner/advance rockclimbing class
🚲 guided walking or biking tours
⛷️ snowshoe or ski in winter season
🚂 take a western-style train!
🖼️ do a paint-and-sip class in the valley
🧖🏽‍♀️ book a relaxing spa
🐎 join a horseback riding tour
🔭 skygaze & have a starry picnic

Just a little reminder that your elopement isn't just a day. It's your wedding day & it deserves to be a one-of-a-kind experience too 🫶🏽

How would you spend your elopement day in Yosemite?
/ yosemite elopement photographer / california elopement ideas / yosemite photographer / mountain elopements / nature elopement / california brides / elope in yosemite / elopement planning tips

02/06/2025

Years ago, I used to dream about taking photos at the almond orchards during their blooms but I just never knew how to do it or where to go...

Until I moved to the central valley 😍

Every year, they never dissapoint as they dress up the orchards with those cute tiny flowers-- It's seriously one of the prettiest backdrops for photos & I can't wait for this year's season!

As both a photographer & nature-enthusiast, I have a few tips to keep in mind if you're booking a session this time around:

🌸 Many (if not all) orchards are private property so be sure to get permission beforehand to access them

🌸 Blooms last a short time & only once a year so book a photographer who's familiar with the season

🌸 Dress to match the whites/pinks AND the weather (flowy, pastels, neutrals & layers are usually best)

🌸 Bees love the orchards & may be hard at work so be mindful & calm wherever you're walking!

🌸 Of course be respectful & kind-- Don't pick the blooms or pull/shake the branches
/ california elopement photographer / couples photos merced / almond blossom season / almond blossom minis

11/18/2024

🎄 Holiday Minis at in Merced!

{Comment HOLIDAYS to get more info}

So excited to be hosting indoor holiday photo sessions this year on Saturday, Nov 23, 2024!

😍 The studio has done it again with 3 stunning setups; perfect for families & couples, so don't miss out on this year's holiday photos!

---

What's included?

🎁 15-mins session
🎁 7 full-resolution digital images + print release
🎁 Access to studio with 3 Holiday setups
🎁 Location & styling guides for you!

Sessions are $150 each and spots are limited. Can't wait to see you soon!

10/02/2024

An absolutely amazing day for A & S in the forests of Mt. Hood, Oregon this summer 🌲✨

There's something about choosing to have a little adventure with your boo that truly shows just how happy & free you're with each other.

That's what their vow renewal day was like-- Filled with a little bit of exploring (like they typically do when they travel) & happy tears but still SO full of love & laughter. It couldn't have been a better day for these lovebirds & their closest family.

Every aspect from the decor to the love letters they dedicated to each guest, and even the chef-made dinner, was planned intentionally, 100% made to be meaningful. I'm forever in love with couples that pour both of their hearts into their day 🤍

Thank you A & S for welcoming me into this day with open arms and letting me witness & capture your commitment. Happy 5th wedding anniversary & vow renewal day 🎉💍
/ california elopement photographer / mt hood elopement / vow renewal inspiration / oregon elopement / cabin wedding idea / forest elopement

Address

Merced, CA

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://www.sarasotophotography.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sara Soto Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Sara Soto Photography:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Photography Service in Merced?