LIFESTYLE + DOCUMENTARY
ENGAGEMENT . ELOPEMENT . FAMILY . MATERNITY . MILESTONES
Hello there! I am Darlene Sanchez. A lot of people call me “Dar”.
Personal Life: I was born and raised in California, married my husband in 2002, and am a proud mother of two children. Our home is also shared with two beloved cats—Kodak and Gigabyte (affectionately known as Gigi)—a sibling duo full of personality. I love spending quality time with each of my daughters: my oldest and I catch up over matcha dates, while my youngest and I take drives filled with car karaoke and a lot of laughter! The girls both enjoy movie nights out with their dad—he’s the real film buff in the family. Me? I usually leave them to it and enjoy the quiet at home. As a family, we like to come together at home or at a park, where homemade meals and shared stories are our favorite way to connect.
“To me, the most beautiful images aren’t staged. They're lived.”
Professional Life: As a documentary and lifestyle photographer, my work is rooted in authenticity, with a focus on capturing real, unfiltered emotion. I don’t always ask clients to "say cheese," because I'm not chasing perfect smiles, I’m chasing honest moments. I believe the authenticity always lies in the smallest moments. My sessions are designed to be relaxed, guided only when necessary, so that genuine expressions have space to unfold naturally. While I may gently direct when needed, I never force poses. What I deliver is a mix of meaningful candid shots, quietly observed in-between moments, and lightly posed portraits that still feel like you. To me, the most beautiful images aren’t staged. They're lived.
The photography industry's competitiveness is a constant challenge, yet the privilege of being chosen to capture meaningful moments fills me with immense honor. Your unique story is waiting to be told through my lens, and I would be truly honored to embark on this photographic journey with you.
Fall Minis
Have you've been putting off updating those family photos? Whether you want to capture your growing family, celebrate your relationship, or finally get some gorgeous shots of your furry family members, fall provides the most beautiful natural backdrop.
I'm excited to offer fall mini sessions again this year:
October 18th - San Gabriel Valley locations
October 25th & 26th - Inland Empire locations
These shorter sessions are perfect if you want beautiful portraits without the time commitment or investment of a full session. You'll still get that same quality and attention to detail, just in a more compact format.
My books are open for full and extended family sessions too. Sometimes you need that extra time to capture everyone at their best!
Ready to book or want to chat about what would work best for your family? Check out pricing and session details here, or feel free to reach out with any questions.
Can't wait to work with you this fall season!
There are 2 dates to choose from: September 28th & October 5th of 2025 and just 10 spots total (no more, no less). This helps me keep things relaxed, personal, and intentional.
Tap the button to reserve your spot for these Pumpkins Harvest Minis before they’re gone!
By signing up, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from Darlene Sanchez Photography. We respect your privacy, never sell your info, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT ME
“Darlene is easy to talk to and lovely to work with! Having worked with her twice already, I know we will work with her again in the future. Her photography skills are amazing.”
“Darlene has a wonderful demeanor and is incredibly creative with her craft. She not only knows how to bring out the best of her subjects, but her professionalism is exemplary.”
“So happy to have found Darlene when we loved to La Verne! She was a fabulous eye for capturing sweet and authentic moments. I’ve loved to capture my daughter’s childhood with her amazing talent.”
