San Francisco based portrait photographer Alpana Aras-King has travelled the world to creative narratives for a diversity of clients, corporations and non-profits. Her work has won awards, been commissioned by the New York Times and been displayed internationally with companies such as Apple Inc. Her art-school education and advertising background go hand in hand with her ability to see the big picture. Client hire Alpana for her authentic storytelling ability to create unique and engaging content.
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Or are you the person who wants to learn how to take everyday photographs of the story of your life? As a mom, I know that one day my fourteen year old son will walk out of the house carrying his suitcase instead of his backpack. There is so little time to capture who he is now, in this moment, in this tiny pocket of time, where he wavers between who he is and who he is so quickly becoming.
What distinguishes Alpana among family/newborn photographers is her AMAZING gift for making photos that are true "art" rather than simply great photos! My husband and I wanted to capture the fleeting and precious moments of our newborn in his first few weeks of life. When we saw Alpana's work it was love at first sight.
We have had four sessions with her since our oldest child was born, and she continues to amaze me even when i don't think it is possible, she outdoes herself! Her photos are proudly displayed throughout our home and bring daily smiles to my face. We've used her art for holiday cards, grandparent gifts and to decorate our home.
If I had to count five things that are dear to me, the above box of photos is one of them. When I left India to come to the United States for my Masters, I brought this box of memories. My business Storybox Art draws inspiration from this precious photo box that always lives in my heart. It is my connection to my history, and I believe everyone should have their own box of memories to reflect upon. When our time is through, I want you to have art that you can hold in your hands and hang on your wall.
Reviews (15)
Aki Raymer
Dec 28, 2018
Angie H.
Sep 20, 2013
WOW! Alpana was amazing. Somehow she was able to allow my 10 year olds to stay distracted and got the best candid pictures of them! She has such a relaxed personality that you just feel at ease with her. The pictures came today and I can't wait to get them put up on the wall. They are truly a work of art!
Chantal Stoner
May 26, 2013
Kristie Lavelle
Oct 28, 2012
Alpana did a fantastic job with our family photos. I was hoping to come away with a few good shots and in the end there were over thirty photos that were absolutely incredible. Her artistic eye for backgrounds and lighting show up in every photo. We are thrilled with her results and would happily work with her again in the future.
Rita A.
Apr 20, 2012
What a pleasurable afternoon we spent with Alpana last summer! She patiently worked with three generations of my family, capturing each individual perfectly. Alpana has great artistry, and wonderful vision. She is so professional and meticulous--scouting locations ahead of time and picking the time of day carefully to secure the best possible natural light. We're simply delighted with the joyful, natural portraits of our family members rendered in beautiful light.
Tony M.
Mar 24, 2012
Storybox Art provided wonderful photography for our wedding. Alpana was extremely flexible and was very outgoing to document the beautiful details we worked so hard to create, and the spontaneous emotions of our friends and family. With luxurious color, skilled use of depth of field and composition, we now have a lasting collection of photographs that help us remember a joyful occasion. Alpana put lots of time and effort to meet with us before the wedding so she could understand our needs, and went far and beyond our expectations on the day of to capture the ceremony and reception.
While she was busy clicking away, she was not intrusive at all. She also succeeded in getting the most photo-shy of our family to loosen up and embrace the moment. Her sense of humor and commitment certainly helped us move past the stress of the details, and she made a lasting impression on everyone present. We will definitely be calling her again when and if we have children!
While she was busy clicking away, she was not intrusive at all. She also succeeded in getting the most photo-shy of our family to loosen up and embrace the moment. Her sense of humor and commitment certainly helped us move past the stress of the details, and she made a lasting impression on everyone present. We will definitely be calling her again when and if we have children!
Jw B.
Jan 21, 2012
We hired alpana to do a newborn/family session in our home. I picked her after looking at more than a dozen other photographers in our area as her work really stood out as being truly special. Her work captures the real beauty among her subjects. But beyond her spectacular photos, she is wonderful to work with. She is patient, great with children, compassionate, and also listens to what you want. Our photos turned out so beautiful, we will cherish them forever.
R. D.
Dec 20, 2011
Alpana's photos of my son are gorgeous. She first photographed him at 6 1/2 years and recently did another session now that he's 8 1/2 years old. I wanted to capture not only his growth but also the cute gappy smile he has right now before it's gone and he's a big guy with all of his teeth. I can't say enough about her amazing talent -- she is truly an artist.
I am so grateful to have photos capturing all of his many expressions from serious to silly. I love that nothing looks super posed or forced -- every picture is so natural. Adding to the beauty of the photos is Alpana's eye for detail in the locations she chooses. She's very into the details and we arrived at our location precisely at the magical time of day when the sun is beginning to set and the light is soft.
The photos are lit up with a gorgeous glow. Alpana has made me think about photography in a different way -- as art to hang on my walls and also as a special keepsake to enjoy for years to come. Looking forward to next Spring when she is going to do photos of all of us.
I am so grateful to have photos capturing all of his many expressions from serious to silly. I love that nothing looks super posed or forced -- every picture is so natural. Adding to the beauty of the photos is Alpana's eye for detail in the locations she chooses. She's very into the details and we arrived at our location precisely at the magical time of day when the sun is beginning to set and the light is soft.
The photos are lit up with a gorgeous glow. Alpana has made me think about photography in a different way -- as art to hang on my walls and also as a special keepsake to enjoy for years to come. Looking forward to next Spring when she is going to do photos of all of us.
Kristina B.
Feb 28, 2011
I came across Alpana's site Storybox Art after searching bay area family photographers. It was a Friday night, and I spent the next couple of hours amazed by every photo I saw! I loved her use of natural lighting and decided to call her up and book a family session. I've used photo studios before, but I really wanted to capture my 5 year old (superhero) in action, and my sweet 9 month old just as they are right now.
In a posey photo studio, that's hard to do! When we received our proofs, we were so happy with them, they were amazing! The outcome we received with Alpana's work is definitely no comparison to a boring photo studio. Seeing our babies in such natural, beautiful pictures was enough to make me tear up! It was so hard to choose. I truly believe that these photos are an investment, and I know I will be using Storybox Art again in the future!
In a posey photo studio, that's hard to do! When we received our proofs, we were so happy with them, they were amazing! The outcome we received with Alpana's work is definitely no comparison to a boring photo studio. Seeing our babies in such natural, beautiful pictures was enough to make me tear up! It was so hard to choose. I truly believe that these photos are an investment, and I know I will be using Storybox Art again in the future!
Helen C.
Feb 20, 2011
Alpena's work is absolutely beautiful. She has a wonderful eye for just the right shot and the resulting photographs are just stunning. She helps you through the whole process from giving advice on the best outfits for the shoot and the location to providing high quality products to display the resulting photographs. She gets to know your family and tells a story in pictures. Her quiet way of connecting with your child puts everyone at ease. A great experience resulting in pictures we will treasure forever.
Jennifer G.
Jan 22, 2011
I have worked with Alpana twice now and her work continues to amaze me. She really can't be compared to traditional family photographers as her work is true art. She is able to capture family moments to create memories to be cherished always. Her photographs of our family not only hang on our walls at home, but also were the perfect gifts for grandparents.
I also recently used her for some professional headshots. Candidly, I was a little bit uncomfortable with the idea of getting pictures of just me without the family, but Alpana really set the stage for me to feel completely at ease - she helped with suggestions for clothes, make up and hair and then created a really relaxed atmosphere for the photo shoot. Alpana's work really does speak for itself!
I also recently used her for some professional headshots. Candidly, I was a little bit uncomfortable with the idea of getting pictures of just me without the family, but Alpana really set the stage for me to feel completely at ease - she helped with suggestions for clothes, make up and hair and then created a really relaxed atmosphere for the photo shoot. Alpana's work really does speak for itself!
Maridette C.
Jul 26, 2010
I just love her unique and artistic style of photography. She really creates and relaxed and fun photo session. We had a blast. As a result, fabulous pictures that I will treasure forever! My friends and family loved the photos. My friend had already a photo session with her to take photos of her boys. Gorgeous!
Heather O.
Dec 28, 2009
We weren't sure what to expect when we signed up for a New York mini-session with Alpana this fall, and the cold rain in Brooklyn seemed likely to squash our plans. But she worked quickly and cheerfully, in between showers, and the result is what is universally regarded as the best Christmas card of our lives. Go Alpana!
Jennifer P.
Jan 28, 2009
Alpana is a One Woman Band and a Mistress of All the elements toward a successful photo shoot! From the business side, to the creative/artistic, fashion/style and professionalism, she will bring forever joy to your world with her passionate work in the form of amazingly beautiful photo prints as well as the memories of the time spent with her. Thank you so much for working with our family of four woodland leprechauns! (Which included two very squiggly children, ages two and four.)
Michael S.
Nov 03, 2008
Incredible photos of my children. Can't wait to give them to my wife for Christmas. Alpana definitely captures the joy and playfulness of the kids. The photos show the dedication and love of her craft. Alpana is as easy going as you can get which make for a relaxed photo shoot. The kids enjoyed the time with her. Her attention to detail and help with the presentation of the photos are excellent. Thank You again, Mike S
