California bay area photographer
I AM A STORYTELLER AND I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT DOCUMENTING THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE
A dreamy outdoor portrait with hanging willow branches framing the scene in soft natural light.

Hello I'm Kim


I'm absolutely thrilled to have you here and share my passion for capturing life's beautiful moments.


When someone hires me, they are inviting me to share in some of their most intimate memories… many that no one else gets to witness firsthand. Through building trust and confidence, my clients open up and share the many layers of their stories, allowing me to capture their emotions and depth. Photographs are one’s legacy, from engagement to wedding day to babies, and beyond.

Silhouette of a person jumping between buildings with a dramatic sunset sky in dark black background.

LIFE IS A COLLECTION OF MOMENTS

photography services

Lifestyle Photography

family & lifestyle portraiture

Wedding Photography

intimate wedding & elopement

Boudoir Photography

intimate bridal & maternity portaiture
Coffee cup and open notebook rest on wooden deck overlooking serene lake at sunset with mountains in background.

1 / 5

1 / 5

testimonials
A scenic garden path archway lined with white trellises and ornamental grasses leads to a romantic outdoor setting.

" Thank you so much for the photos!! You are amazing! They are absolutely beautiful and you captured the pure joy and silliness in us. The photos are natural and timeless. I will look back on these memories with fondness. This is a really special session for me since I was pregnant when I visited Gamble garden, so to be back there with Ryan for the first time makes it so meaningful and I’m truly grateful that you preserved these precious moments. "

kathy l.

1 / 5

testimonials
Mother and daughter in blue dresses pose together under blooming white spring trees in a soft dreamy setting.

" The gallery you created completely blew my breath away and brought me to (happy) tears, thank you so much for capturing these beautiful memories and making them even more magical! You made my dreams come true, I am so amazed. It was such a pleasure working with you. You made our first-time family feel so comfortable and the experience enjoyable. "

THALIA R.

1 / 5

testimonials
A family holds hands while walking through a sunlit field during golden hour at sunset.

" Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. You’re such a professional, and we really appreciate everything you did for us. The girls couldn’t stop talking about how much they liked you. "

ranee t.

1 / 5

testimonials
A child runs joyfully ahead on a dirt path through golden hills while people walk behind on an autumn day.

"Our experience with Kim was wonderful! She was punctual, professional and very sweet to our 3 year old son. She bonded with him to ensure he was comfortable before the shoot. We all had a lot of fun and she managed her time well during the session. The photos came out great and were beautiful!! This was our second session with Kim and we look forward to more sessions with her in the near future. Thank you so much Kim!"

Van + kevin

1 / 5

testimonials
A romantic moment captured between newlyweds in a lush green vineyard during sunset.

"Kim is great! We enjoyed working with her for engagement and wedding photos. She's a true find and so pleasant to work with. She has a way of connecting with the people she is photographing and I think that connection brings out beautiful work. I was very nervous on my wedding day and once Kim arrived, it all felt very real and it was reassuring to have her there. I felt like I not only had a talented photographer there but a friend and that set me at ease. She really has an eye for great shots!"

Liz k.

READY TO Book a Fall Mini Session?

Every year, I watch the leaves start to turn and feel that crispness in the air—and every year, I’m reminded how fleeting these moments are.

As a mom of three, I know how fast time moves. One minute you're packing diapers and goldfish crackers, and the next you're watching your kids sprint off with backpacks almost as big as they are. These seasons—of motherhood, childhood, and life—change so quickly. And if we don’t pause to capture them, they slip quietly into memory.


That’s exactly why I believe so deeply in the magic of fall mini sessions.

These shorter, bite-sized photo sessions are perfect for busy families (I see you juggling soccer games and homework). They’re quick, affordable, and designed to beautifully capture your family as you are—right now.


And let me say this, mama to mama: get in the frame.


I know how easy it is to hide behind the camera or brush off the idea because your hair isn't done or you're not at your “ideal” weight. But your kids? They don’t care about any of that. They just want to remember you. Your smile. Your laugh. The way you wrapped them in your arms during this chapter of life.

These photos are a gift—for them, but also for you. To honor this moment. To celebrate the messy, beautiful, everyday magic of your life right now.


So this fall, don’t wait. Book the session. Jump in the frame. Let’s create something that will last far beyond the season.

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Kim Mendoza is a lifestyle photographer based in Modesto, California, specializing in family portraits, elopements, weddings, and bridal boudoir photography. Serving all of Central California and the Bay Area, Kim is known for capturing natural, emotive imagery that reflects genuine connection and heartfelt moments. Her photography style blends light, romantic tones with a storytelling approach, perfect for families, couples, and brides who value timeless, authentic memories. Whether documenting a quiet elopement, a joyful family session, or an empowering bridal boudoir shoot, Kim creates beautiful portraits that will be cherished for years to come.