GET TO KNOW ME

Hello there! I am Darlene Sanchez. A lot of people call me “Dar”.

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.

As a documentary and lifestyle photographer, I don’t just claim the title—I live it. My work is rooted in authenticity, with a focus on capturing real, unfiltered emotion. I don’t ask clients to "say cheese," because I'm not chasing perfect smiles—I’m chasing honest 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.