A Peek Inside Hi & Hello Studio: A Bay Area Space for Fun, Colorful Portraits

welcome to my east bay photo studio

Welcome to Hi + Hello Studio, a natural light portrait studio located in Emeryville, California. If you haven’t been here before, or you’re curious what the space looks like before booking, this post is your virtual introduction to one of my favorite places in the world.

Hi + Hello Studio is not your typical photo studio. This isn’t a JCPenney setup with stiff poses, heavy studio lights, and overwhelming backdrops. Instead, I designed the space to feel open, minimal, and comfortable — so you feel at ease in front of the camera, and we’re free to create something fun, vibrant, and totally unique.

Getting to the Studio

Hi + Hello Studio is tucked into a quiet corner of Emeryville, right by Powell Street. First things first: parking is a breeze. There’s plenty of space right outside the building, which makes arrival simple (and stress-free).

The studio is part of a larger creative building filled with lofts, workspaces, and other businesses. Once you park, send me a text and I’ll welcome you in, then we’ll head up a short staircase to the second floor. You’ll see my corner studio with Hi + Hello on the door and if you peek through the glass and see lots of bright colors and big windows, then you are in the right spot!

When you walk in, you’ll step into a smaller room that functions as my office. While I occasionally work here, this space is for you during your session. Feel free to drop your bag, change of clothes, or any extras you don’t want to carry during the session.

There isn’t a bathroom inside the studio, but there’s a convenient shared restroom just down the hall.

Inside the Studio

Now for the fun part: the main studio space.

Hi + Hello Studio is bright, open, and full of natural light, thanks to large industrial windows that wrap around two walls. The light is beautiful throughout the morning, afternoon, and early evening, giving us plenty of options for scheduling your session.

The walls are neutral and minimal, creating a clean canvas for your family. Instead of overwhelming you with props or equipment, I keep the space simple with couches, chairs, benches, and stools that we can mix and match depending on your vibe. Kids love having something to climb or lean on, and parents love that it feels natural and relaxed.

For backdrops, I use Savage seamless paper in a variety of colors. Each month, I rotate a color for studio mini sessions and kids get to choose their favorite color for kids’ portraits. For family sessions, you can request one in advance if there’s a shade that really speaks to you.

And of course, the crisp white backdrop and neutral walls are always available for a timeless.

I Love This Studio

I might be a little biased, but Hi + Hello Studio was designed with care after years of photographing families all over the Bay Area. I knew what I needed to create a beautiful session, and more importantly, what families needed to feel comfortable.

It’s not overwhelming. It’s not cluttered. It’s not a cookie-cutter backdrop setup. Instead, it’s a creative space that lets your family’s personality shine. The studio gives us the flexibility to play, laugh, and be a little weird, all while keeping things easy, fun, and stress-free.

Ready to See It for Yourself?

Whether you’re booking a colorful kids’ portrait session, a quick family mini, or a full studio session, Hi + Hello Studio is a place to relax, have fun, and create portraits you’ll love for years to come.

✨ Let’s hang out in the studio.