About Us
Intentional storytelling, heartfelt connection, and a calm you can count on.
We believe a portrait session isn’t just a gallery of images—it’s a piece of your heritage. It’s the way your child’s hand fits in yours, the shared breath between a newly engaged couple, and the quiet, rugged beauty of the landscape that surrounds you.
We’ve moved away from the rush of large-scale events to focus on what we truly love: the intimacy of family and the raw emotion of a proposal. We are here to capture the moments that feel like home, ensuring that your legacy is preserved with the same intentionality and soul that you live your life with every day.
Meet Photographer Kris B.
Hi, I’m Kris—the founder and creative eye behind Brubaker Portraits. I’ve spent over 20 years behind the lens, and through that time, one truth has never changed: the most powerful images are the ones that capture how a moment actually felt. That is why my work has always focused on heritage and heart over staged perfection.
My journey with photography began in the world of film, eventually leading me to study the craft formally. I earned my degree in photographic technology with a focus on fine art, portraiture, and journalism—a foundation that taught me how to tell a complete story through a single frame. After years of navigating the fast-paced world of large-scale weddings, I transitioned Brubaker Portraits into my current brand to focus on what I love most: the intimacy of family, engagement, and editorial portrait sessions.
My style is editorial with a soul—refined, honest, and deeply connected to the landscape. I am drawn to natural light, the movement of the fog, and the quiet subtleties that make your story yours. I don’t chase trends; I create work intended to be a legacy for your family. My photography has been featured in The Knot, Shutterbug Magazine, and the Texas Wedding Guide, and I’ve had the honor of seeing my work on the cover of the Austin Wedding Guide.
I am proud to call the rugged beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur my home. Whether we are exploring the coastline or chasing the golden hour in the redwoods, I want you to feel fully seen and supported.
Serving Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and all of California and beyond
Trust, Artistry, and Legacy
Why People Choose Us
In a world of fast-paced trends, I believe that personal, intentional experiences are what truly endure.
- A Seamless, Elevated Experience: With over 20 years of expertise, I provide a refined process that is consistent, professional, and rooted in trust. From the first consultation to the final gallery, you can expect a polished experience that honors your vision.
- Space for the Genuine: I don’t believe in forced poses. Whether it’s the quiet nerves of a surprise proposal or the laughter of a family portrait, I hold space for real, unscripted moments to unfold naturally.
- Storytelling Grounded in Artistry: By blending fine art techniques with an editorial heart, I handle the technical details so you can stay fully present. You focus on the person beside you; I’ll focus on the legacy you’re building together.