Anita GarciaGetting everyone to smile at the camera at the same time is usually a chaotic struggle. I totally get it, especially when you are trying to wrangle toddlers or convince teenagers to look enthusiastic.
So, you want someone who can step in, make everyone comfortable, and capture those fleeting moments before meltdowns happen.
When you’re looking for the best family photographer in El Paso, you need a professional who understands that chaos and knows exactly how to turn it into beautiful memories.
To help you out, I’ve narrowed down the top local options for documenting your family’s story without the stress. Read on to get started!
How much does booking a family photography session cost in El Paso?
In El Paso, standard family photography sessions generally range from $150 to $300, while extended packages or specialized holiday shoots can run up to $800 or more.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
| Standard Session | $150 – $300 |
| Extended and Print Packages | $500 – $800+ |
| Mini-Sessions | Varies (Typically Cheaper) |
1. Edward Louis Photography
Website: https://www.edlouis.com/
Address: 601 N Oregon St
Contact: +19153426187
Hours: 24 Hours
Stepping in front of a camera can feel awkward, so Edward Louis brings a relaxed, documentary-style approach to his portrait sessions.
His background in street photography and wedding shoots naturally translates into an ability to capture genuine, unforced moments.
A friend of mine recently booked him for a session at their home, and she mentioned how he focused on building a comfortable relationship with her kids before he even took the lens cap off.
He’s also highly flexible with locations, whether you want to use unique spots around the city or stay comfortably in your own backyard.
Just keep in mind that he works as a single photographer, so his schedule can fill up incredibly fast during busy seasons. If you’re also scouting wedding venues in El Paso, you might see him around since he has a lot of wedding commitments.
Customer Reviews:
“Professional”
My family and I absolutely adored working with Ed! He took pictures for our family portraits and we all loved how they turned out. He also worked in a timely and professional manner, absolutely 0 complaints!
Dianna Guereca | Google Review
“Made us feel really comfortable and confident”
Edward was so amazing to work with! This was the first time we had ever gotten pictures done professionally so we felt a little awkward at first, but he made us feel really comfortable and confident. We could not possibly be happier with our photos and we just want to thank you for the experience.
Sharla Ann | Google Review
2. Gabriela Vreeland Photography, LLC
Website: https://www.gabrielavreelandphotography.com/
Address: 10504 Hidden Pond St
Contact: Online Form
Hours: Monday, Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to utilize local scenery will love that Gabriela specializes in child-led, lifestyle family sessions. She stands out for her soft, neutral tones and the lush greenery in spots like the Rio Grande, which help her capture candid moments.
However, while her aesthetic is undeniably beautiful, you’ll need to pay a makeup artist separately since she does not offer any inclusive styling packages.
On the upside, her child-led approach is fantastic because it keeps kids relaxed, resulting in genuine interactions rather than forced smiles. She also offers tailored maternity and motherhood sessions for those looking to document earlier milestones.
Finally, I love how easy it is to browse her dedicated blog to view full galleries of past shoots. Because of this, it’s a breeze to know whether her golden-hour style fits your vision.
Customer Reviews:
“100% worth every penny”
Gabriela is THEE family photographer! She was so patient with our girls, which was such a breath of fresh air. Doing photos with kids is no joke, but she made it work and allowed our daughter to calm down at her own pace. She was able to work around our toddler’s emotions and still captured the most beautiful shots! 100% worth every penny!
Priscilla Carr | Google Review
“So impressed with her work…”
Gabriela was extremely kind and professional throughout the whole process. She responded to my emails quickly and answered all my questions. On the day of the shoot, she had such positive energy, my family and I were comfortable with her immediately. The photos and moments she captured came out beautifully. I’m so impressed with her work!
Sandra Z | Google Review
3. MERCY’S DESIGNS Photography & Graphic Design
Website: https://mercysdesigns.com/
Areas Served: El Paso
Contact: 9153312767
Hours: 24 Hours
Finding a studio that can adapt to highly specific creative visions is sometimes tricky, but founder Mercy leverages her formal Fine Arts and Graphic Design background from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
With her expertise, she can create versatile, custom-themed setups. She offers 16 different digital background colors for indoor photography, giving you plenty of room to personalize your look.
I appreciate her versatility, too. Mercy is perfectly capable of handling on-site photography for massive family reunions or outdoor events.
I recently spoke to a parent who used her services, and they raved about her flexible holiday mini-sessions for Mother’s Day.
However, because Mercy’s business is extremely broad, covering everything from real estate to business headshots, she doesn’t specialize strictly in family portraits.
Customer Reviews:
“Absolutely amazing…”
Mercy’s Designs Photography was absolutely amazing at capturing our family pictures! Her professionalism and attention to even the smallest details made sure our photos turned out perfect. She was so understanding throughout the whole process and communicated clearly every step of the way. I definitely recommend her for any family photos or design needs you may have. Highly recommended!
Evelyn Meza | Google Review
“Highly recommend…”
We had an amazing experience with Mercy’s Designs! She made our family feel so comfortable and captured the most beautiful moments. The photos are stunning and truly reflect the love and joy we share. Highly recommend for anyone looking to preserve their special memories!
Margeaux LeCompte | Google Review
4. Houdini Portraits
Website: https://www.houdiniportraits.com/
Address: 4826 Montana Ave.
Contact: 915-242-7484
Hours: By appointment only
Some families prefer a highly controlled environment over an unpredictable outdoor shoot, and Houdini Portraits offers just that!
This Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) pairs a comfortable, professional studio setting with versatile on-location services to preserve your milestones.
They’re also completely transparent with their service offerings, allowing you to book your packages directly through their website with zero hassle.
I also like that they offer specialized options, such as maternity and newborn sessions, as part of their standard lineup
One major downside is their strict cancellation policy, which slaps you with a 50% kill fee on top of a forfeited deposit if you cancel within 72 hours.
Still, it’s a plus that they’re highly experienced in managing high-energy, culturally significant events like Quinceañeras, which is great if you’re currently working with event planners in El Paso for a big celebration.
Customer Reviews:
“So grateful…”
We booked grad pics session for our daughter and the pictures were amazing! We had family pics taken as well in her grad gown. It was so easy and comfortable to work with Mr Darnell Smith and his studio is big! He was very accommodating and very professional. The whole package prices are reasonable as well! You guys better book him fast! We are so grateful to have found him. We will certainly avail of his services again! So worth it!
Randall Paradela | Google Review
“Smooth and enjoyable…”
A phenomenal and patient professional! Despite the weather not cooperating, Darnell was incredibly flexible and responsive, agreeing to a last-minute sunrise shoot less than 24 hours out, and even accommodating a change in location. He made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable, and I couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out. To top it off, he delivered the final edits within 48 hours! I was so impressed with his professionalism and the quality of his work that I booked a second shoot. Book him ASAP, you won’t regret it!
Davina Davis | Google Review
5. Maya Isabella Photography
Website: https://www.mayaisabellaphotography.com/
Address: 7714 Hermosillo Dr
Contact: (585) 747-8999
Hours: Monday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Those who hate traditional, posed photography will appreciate Maya Isabella’s organic artistic direction.
She brings an award-winning, documentary-style perspective to her work, deliberately avoiding stiff poses in favor of authentic imagery. She’s also widely praised for her strong composition and intentionality in every single shot.
Furthermore, because she’s highly experienced in large-event coverage, she can easily wrangle and organize large family groups without losing her cool.
I also appreciate that she delivers premium wall art and custom albums so you can actually display your photos instead of leaving them on a hard drive. It’s a one-stop shop setup that’s totally convenient!
The only catch is that she primarily markets herself as a wedding photographer, which can severely limit her availability for family sessions during peak season.
Customer Reviews:
“Top notch”
Maya Isabella Photography is top notch! Her images are stunning. She has a talent for capturing her clients personalities and making them feel comfortable while doing it. Maya is fun and her chill personality makes you feel like you are hanging out with a friend. I would happily hire her to photograph my family year after year!
b5 dance | Google Review
