Cari Nystrom at work with camera downtown

Hi, I’m Cari.

Enneagram 4. I’m married to Brad and we live in San Jose, California with our 3 kids and a floppy bernadoodle who I’m constantly apologizing for because his love is as big as his size. I’m a born and bread San Diegan and a big theatre geek for many, many years. I studied theatre at Northwestern University, lived a little, and eventually settled down outside of New York City with my husband. Photography came to when when we had our first baby—we hired a photographer and it was a fail. There was none of our personality, none of the reality or tenderness or joy of new parenthood. It was just a gallery full of meh smiles and I wanted so much more. And so my journey began.

I’ve been growing my craft for over 10 years now. I photograph people in ordinary moments, reflecting extraordinary love and joy. We spend SO much time doing regular old things without a second thought day in and out. When you step back though, the people you’re living with are our everything. Our tiniest, simplest acts of love are worthy, beautiful, and life-giving. Nurse a teething a baby all day long? Worthy. Drop offs to pick ups to soccer to homework to dinner? Worthy. Twelve-hour shifts with late night snuggles as your littles drift to sleep? Worthy. And not only are they worthy but they should be remembered with beauty and generosity. Gather your people and we will capture your unique brand of love.

 

Things I love.

 

My favorite play is Barefoot in the Park—I love the couple’s crazy, persevering love in spite of zany circumstances

Warm sunshine

Dogs (sorry cats)

Planners with room for lots of lists

Colors—bright, muted, soft, intense…all of them

Coffee>wine>wine>coffee

Crying. There was a time when it embarrassed me but it’s a pretty natural response to everything for me. So yes, I’m a cryer.

Workouts that almost kill me, which is all of them

My current stage of parenthood—NO DIAPERS!

Security that comes after 40

Human connection