Bay Area Adventure Photography

Outdoor Sessions for Families, Couples & Adventurers

No stiff poses, no artificial lighting, just real moments in real places. If the outdoors is part of your story, your portraits should reflect that.

Outdoor photography sessions designed for people who feel most like themselves outside - hiking, exploring, climbing, wandering, or simply spending time together in beautiful places.

Your Story, Told Outside

You don’t need a studio background to create meaningful images. The places you already love - redwood groves, coastal cliffs, mountain trails - become the setting for photos that feel honest and alive.

Villa Montalvo Family Session woman and boy love
Glacier National Park Family Portrait girl with horse
Glacier National Park near iceberg lake boy smiling with missing teeth
Yosemite El Capitan adventure photo - man jumps on top of El Capitan - half dome in background

Client Reviews

"Matthew made our family hike session feel effortless and fun. We chose a favorite Bay Area trail, and he captured the kids running ahead, us laughing, and quiet moments just being together. The photos feel so alive and true to who we are. We treasure them and can't wait to book again!"

— Sarah & Mike T., Mountain View

"We booked Matthew for a session in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and it was perfect. He guided us to spots with beautiful light, let us wander and talk naturally, and captured the little glances, laughs, and quiet closeness that mean everything to us. Thank you!”

— Elena & Jordan L., Los Gatos

"Matthew absolutely nailed capturing my climbing session. The photos show the real grit, the wind, the focus, and that rush when you top out. I’ve never had portraits that actually felt like me doing what I love. They’re powerful, natural, and I still smile every time I look at them.”

— David M., Berkeley, CA

Not a Photoshoot. An Experience.

Glacier National Park Iceberg Lake - Picture of photographer Matthew Duncan looking very happy in outdoors

Most people feel awkward in front of a camera. That is why every session is built around movement and environment - not posing.

We might

  • Hike to a favorite overlook

  • Explore a foggy coastline

  • Walk a forest trail with your kids

  • Climb, surf, or simply wander.

The places you return to — the trails, the coastlines, the quiet pockets of light — shape who you are. I photograph people in the environments that feel like home, because that’s where the real moments happen.

No studios. No stiff posing. Just you, the landscape, and the light we’re given.

How it Works.

Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains Individual branding shot of woman on railway tracks abandonedg shoes.

Reach Out

Share what you’re envisioning and the places that matter to you.

Plan the Adventure

We choose a location for your comfort level, aesthetic, and logistics.

Spend Time Outdoors

You explore, wander, and let moments unfold naturally. No rigid posing.

Receive Your Gallery

You will receive a curated gallery of edited, high-resolution images ready for print and sharing.

Session Offerings

Standard Outdoor Session — $450

3 hours | 1-2 locations | 20+ edited images

Perfect for families, couples, or individuals looking for a focused outdoor session. We'll choose one beautiful location or explore a nearby second spot, capturing natural moments as you hike, play, or simply spend time together.

Half-Day Adventure Session — $900

5 hours | 2-3 locations | 40+ edited images

For those who want a more relaxed pace and variety. We'll explore multiple locations, take breaks, and let the day unfold naturally. Ideal for families who want to hit a favorite trail and beach, or couples wanting both forest and coastline backdrops.

Full-Day Story Session — $1,800

6-8 hours | 3-5 locations | 60+ edited images

A comprehensive documentation of your adventure. Perfect for epic day trips, camping experiences, multi-sport days, or brand storytelling that requires extensive coverage. We'll follow your journey from sunrise to golden hour.

Elopement and ceremony coverage available - pricing starts at $1,800

All of my services are available in three session lengths, designed to match the scope of your vision and the adventure you want to capture.

Learn more about specific services: Family Adventure | Action Sports | Personal Lifestyle.

Stanford University Cactus Garden Family Adventure portrait family of four smiling and natural

What to expect

Yosemite National Park Adventure shoot in snow woman standing with headphones on

Natural Light

I work exclusively outdoors, using the light, weather, and landscape to shape each image.

Meaningful location

We’ll choose a place that reflects your story — somewhere that feels right, not forced

Collaborate Openly

You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.

A Calm, Grounded Experience

My goal is to make the session feel like time outside, not a photoshoot.