Whether it’s the quiet details or the big moments, I believe every photo should feel personal and meaningful. My goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy the process as much as you love the final images.
When I’m not behind the lens, I’m spending time with my family, exploring new places, or chasing sunsets with a camera in hand. I believe in keeping things simple, relaxed, and fun — no stiff poses, just natural moments you’ll want to look back on forever.
Fine Art wedding & PORTRAIT Photographer
I'm vanessa
i, I’m Vanessa — a photographer with a passion for capturing real moments, genuine emotions, and timeless stories.
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Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving Brentwood, Napa, Sonoma, and destinations around the world
a snapshot of my life
"Every photo told a story—we laughed, cried, and relived the magic all over again when we got our gallery. The candid moments, the golden hour portraits, the little details we missed on the day—they caught it ALL. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they made us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the day. It truly felt like we had a close friend documenting our love story.
Her knowledge of the best photo spots in wine country was a huge bonus, and she worked seamlessly with our other vendors to keep the day stress-free and flowing perfectly. I’ve had so many guests tell me how stunning our photos are—and I agree!
If you’re getting married in Napa Valley or Sonoma County, do yourself a favor and book Vanessa. She is truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of photographer, and we are beyond grateful for everything she captured. THANK YOU, Vanessa!!"
"Vanessa was amazing! She was so easy to connect with. I needed a photographer for my wedding fast! My wedding got bumped up 5 months and She was so nice and made the process easy, if you planned a wedding you know it can beyond stressful at times and booking her was so easy and made one less thing stressful. During the wedding she was awesome, great attitude, very positive, and willing to do whatever to make sure you felt special. Our photos are gorgeous!"
"From the moment Vanessa walked into our hospital room, she brought such warmth, calm, and care. She went above and beyond to capture those first precious hours with our newborn—moments that were tender, emotional, and so fleeting. If you’re looking for a hospital newborn photographer or considering a Fresh 48 session in the Bay Area, Vanessa is the one you want by your side.
Every photo told a story—we cried (happy tears!) the first time we saw our gallery. She beautifully captured the tiny details: wrinkly fingers, sleepy yawns, sweet first snuggles, and even the proud big siblings meeting their new baby for the first time. Her ability to document these raw and intimate moments without ever making us feel posed or pressured"
"Vanessa knew exactly where to shoot for the best lighting and backdrops, and her direction was gentle but effective, which is so important when photographing young kids. She was incredibly patient and made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable for all of us.
When we received our gallery, I was blown away. The way she captured our family dynamic, the personalities of our kids, and even the in-between candid moments—it was everything I hoped for and more.
If you're in Brentwood or anywhere in the East Bay and need a family photographer who truly knows how to create magic, book Vanessa. We will cherish these photos forever. Thank you, Vanessa, for giving us such a beautiful gift!"
"We had the best experience with Vanessa during our family session in Livermore! She made the whole shoot feel fun and relaxed, even with our energetic kids. The photos are absolutely stunning—natural, warm, and full of love. If you're looking for a Livermore family photographer or Livermore newborn photographer, Vanessa is the one to call. We’ll treasure these memories forever!"
"We had the best experience with Vanessa and our photos came out really good. She also was so good with our son who was also instantly smitten with Vanessa. Vanessa was also very responsive, recommended good locations and we got our photos on time. I would highly recommend Vanessa."
You Deserve the best
And shouldn't settle for less! At Vanessa Montano Photography, I take pride in delivering exceptional customer service and creating an experience that gives you peace of mind, knowing your needs and interests are my top priority.
