Hi!
I’m Renata Lutz, The Portrait Mama
I’m Renata Lutz, better known as The Portrait Mama—a San Diego-based newborn, family, and personal branding photographer. Originally from Brazil, my life has been an incredible journey, one that brought me to the United States, where I started a family with my amazing husband. Today, I’m a proud mom to two beautiful boys and two lovable furry companions. This busy, joyful chapter of my life is truly a dream come true.
Photography was never something I set out to do as a career. It began as a hobby—a way to capture the fleeting moments of my own life. But it quickly turned into something more. It became my passion and, ultimately, my mission. Over the past seven years, I’ve been honored to document the most important moments in the lives of families across San Diego, and through my camera, I’ve had the privilege of supporting women-owned businesses, helping them thrive with powerful, personal brand photography.
#My Passion for Documenting Life
But my photography journey goes far deeper than just a career. It’s a promise I made to my future self and my family. Growing up in Brazil, I always wondered why there were so few photos of my own childhood. There were moments I wish I could revisit, memories I wanted to hold onto. When I became a mother, I knew I wanted something different for my children—and for every family I work with. I wanted to ensure that those cherished memories were preserved in a way that could be passed down through generations.
Being a mom has taught me just how quickly time flies. One minute, you’re cradling your newborn, and the next, they’re running through the house with more energy than you thought possible. Every stage of life, every fleeting moment, deserves to be captured in its best light. That’s what I strive to do with my photography—preserve the essence of your most precious moments, so you can relive them over and over again.
When you work with me, it’s more than just a photoshoot. I’m here to create timeless images that you will not only love, but proudly display in your home, share with loved ones, and treasure forever. Whether it’s capturing your baby’s very first portrait or documenting the ever-changing dynamics of your growing family, I’m committed to creating photographs that are as emotive as they are beautiful, standing the test of time.
# Supporting women in business and mompreneurs
In addition to capturing families, I am deeply passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs. As a mompreneur myself, I understand the balancing act that comes with raising a family while running a business. I also know how difficult it can be to step in front of the camera, especially after the transformations that come with motherhood.
That’s why I specialize in personal branding photography for women-owned businesses in San Diego. I have seen firsthand the impact that high-quality brand photography can have on a business. It’s not just about beautiful images—it’s about capturing the essence of your brand, telling your story, and helping you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Through my personal branding sessions, I work with women entrepreneurs to create visuals that elevate their business and showcase their unique strengths. From lifestyle headshots to on-brand social media content, my goal is to empower you with images that make you feel confident and ready to take on the world. I believe that every woman deserves to show up confidently in her business, and I’m here to help you do just that.
Why Work With Me?
Whether you’re a mother looking to document the beauty of your growing family, or a female entrepreneur ready to step into the spotlight of your business, you can count on me to be a supportive ally on your journey. I understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From maternity and newborn photography to personal branding sessions, I’m passionate about creating images that tell your unique story.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create timeless, beautiful images that capture the essence of your life’s most precious moments. When you look at your photos, I want you to not only see the image but feel the emotion behind it—the love, the joy, the pride, and everything in between. Because life is full of beautiful moments, and I’m here to make sure they’re remembered forever.
what I believe in
001.
Motherhood is the hardest yet most rewarding job you’ll ever have
002.
Your time (and the time spent with your family) is your most valuable asset
003.
An image IS (truly) worth a thousand words!
These are a few of my favorite things
Family, dogs, the beach, hot coffee, and nice hotel rooms
