Community

As I continue to document life’s milestones—weddings, growing families, while exploring my own creative work—I’m reminded again and again that photography can also be a way of giving back.


I have had the opportunity to support a few local organizations whose missions inspire me. I wanted to share a bit of that with you—not only because these experiences were meaningful, but because they reflect something at the heart of my work: people, purpose, and the beauty of everyday life.


Each of these experiences reminded me why I do what I do. Whether I’m documenting a community gathering or a meaningful moment shared among loved ones, it’s about presence—being there for the real moments, big and small. 


These stories, yours included, are what I love most: authentic, full of heart, and deeply worth remembering.


Mendocino Film Festival

 The Mendocino Film Festival brings bold storytelling and fresh cinematic voices to our coastal community each year. It celebrates filmmakers who see the world a little differently and invite us to do the same. Photographing this year’s festival felt like being part of something intimate and alive—full of conversation, connection, and creativity.

Noyo Food Forest

Noyo Food Forest empowers youth through sustainable agriculture and food education. Their annual Earth Day event fosters ecological awareness and brings the community together in celebration. This year’s gathering featured live music, local makers, and performances by Circus Mecca—offering joy, connection, and shared purpose. The event reflected how creativity and community can come together to support something larger than ourselves.

Good Farm Fund

The Good Farm Fund supports small, local farms and works to increase food access across Mendocino and Lake Counties. I photographed their benefit dinner at Mendocino Grove—an evening of fresh food, local music, and gratitude for the hands that grow what sustains us. The evening honored the people and practices that keep local agriculture thriving.

Mendocino Dance Project

Mendocino Dance Project is a dynamic dance company that brings dance into theaters, redwood groves, schools, and community spaces, helping art thrive in rural areas and encouraging fresh perspectives on connection, nature, and the human experience. Photographing their performance in the redwoods felt moving and alive, revealing a powerful harmony of movement, light, and landscape.


Photography Packages


All of the photography sessions include: 

  • Online proofing  of your images to share with family and friends
  • Professionally edited high resolution digital images for you to keep
  • Online store with an à la carte menu of products

Porch Garden Series

Traditional Portraits


•  $750-$900-$1200-$1600 sliding scale dependent on number of people plus other variables (number of individual photos, number of group photos, travel)

• approximately 40 minutes of photography

• one location

FPJA Award Winning Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle Sessions


• $1025-$1800 depending on location and time.

• average package $1200-$1500.

• time is flexible ~2 hours just hanging out.

• 4-8x10 prints.


Family Lifestyle sessions are fun and relaxed. We’ll focus on every day moments and connections where you can just be you. And we take our time. Sessions take place at home, at an outdoor location or a combination of both.

Dr. Robin Serrahn, "What does life require of me now?"

Storytelling Through Photography


Customized Short Story Portrait Sessions

Commission a short photo essay, a visual narrative that reflects holds personal sentimental value for someone close to you.


• $2400-$4200 depending on location

•  3-4 photography sessions

— ~1.5 hours first session, up to 45 minutes following sessions

• 8" x 8" photo essay image book

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@jperlman_photography