Celebrating life's strengths
...and softness.
Welcome to Auderie Photography ("audere" in Latin means "to dare") — where bold femininity meets soft, timeless storytelling. I’m Erika, and in my San Francisco studio, I empower women, mothers and their families to feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully captured. At Auderie Photography, I specialize in modern maternity, newborn, family, boudoir, and milestone sessions — all rooted in soft, natural light and authentic connection. My goal is to honor you — your strength, resilience, and gentle beauty — by creating authentic images that reflect your unique journey.
Menu:
01
ABOUT
Holiday Sessions
MEET ERIKA
Hi, I’m Erika — the photographer behind Auderie Photography, but also a mom who knows how fast it all goes. One day you’re counting tiny fingers and toes, and the next you’re chasing a five-year-old who won’t stop laughing. I get how meaningful (and sometimes bittersweet) it is to pause and preserve this moment in time. One of the reasons I value photography so deeply is because my own mom passed away far too soon. I often find myself wishing I had more photographs of her and us together.
My style is light, clean, and timeless with soft, neutral tones, but the heart of it is connection. I want you to have images you can hold onto forever — the shy smile of a child, the bittersweet longing at a toddler growing too fast, the confidence of a woman who's turn struggle into strength, or the quiet lines in a grandparent’s face that carry decades of love. These are the photographs that matter most, because they last long after the moment has passed. Photography is about more than pictures; it’s about preserving love and connection before it’s too late.
When you come into my studio, my hope is that you feel at ease — no need to be perfect, just yourselves. I’ll guide you gently, but mostly I’ll be watching for the love that’s already there. And together, we’ll create something lasting, something you and your loved ones will treasure one day, too.
ABOUT
Photo Credit: Julia Optende
Erika
"I went in for a maternity shoot with Erika in my 8th month of pregnancy. I appreciated how organized she was and everything from the first time we had contact, to the session, to after was very well thought through.
In person, at the session, Erika was warm and thoughtful and instantly made me feel comfortable. I could tell she had put thought into her photography space, the costumes and the props. She also experimented with various set ups and poses that worked for my huge bump at the time.
Erika got to know me as a person vs a client and I could relate to her own story as a mom. I’d recommend her to anyone wanting not just maternity pictures but a warm experience while doing that."
"Erika was warm and thoughtful and instantly made me feel comfortable."
Sophia D.
maternity Client
From the moment we walked into her beautiful studio, we felt right at home. She is incredibly personable, easy to work with, and made both my husband and I feel so comfortable. She was also an absolute natural with our little one. Her sets are stunning, and she had so many different props to work with. I especially appreciated how our session never felt rushed, and we were encouraged to take breaks.
Our photos turned out so beautiful! We're so happy we chose her to capture these special memories for our family. Highly recommended for anyone looking for family or children's photography!
We recently had the pleasure of working with Erika for our son's 1st birthday photos, and we couldn't be happier with the entire experience!
Julie L.
Family session client
"Erika has a kind and easy energy, that makes it easy to feel comfortable. It felt so special to honor my incredible body in this special moment in time.
I get so nervous when the camera is on me and super awkward. Erika helped to add gentle words and nudges to help me relax and be a bit more natural. In addition, as a really busty, plus size woman, I wasn’t sure if and how her offerings may work or fit. She had stunning choices to pick from that truly highlighted my beautiful curves."
"Erika has a kind and easy energy, that makes it easy to feel comfortable."
heidi h.
maternity client
I had a wonderful experience with Erika! I wanted to gift my husband a boudoir album as our first anniversary gift, and had less than 2 months to pull it off. I had a chat with Erika before booking a session and was grateful that she had some availability the following week, and she assured me that I would be able to receive the album in time.
Erika was so easy to work with, which is especially important during such a vulnerable shoot! I felt super comfortable with her during the couple hours I was on set, and was blown away by the images I got back. The hardest part was narrowing it down! The album arrived within about 10 days of ordering and my husband loved it. I would highly recommend Erika to anyone considering a boudoir shoot!
"I felt super comfortable with her during the couple hours I was on set, and was blown away by the images I got back."
erin v.
boudoir session client
