Let me start saying that if I could go back in time I would. I would be more proactive and I would make sure every single detail before signing a contract with this unprofessional, manipulative women. This way we wouldn't get fooled and controlled like we were! You might like her pics online but... Please take the time to read our entire experience ( see pictures followingthe numbers, because yelp mixed all the pictures) with Diana Hinek. We were not sure about hiring Diana's service at all because $3000 it is/was steep for us. We had to save up for all the other expenses we're going to encounter w/ a newborn, private midwife, pregnancy expenses, the fact I wasn't able to work and my husband's job was going to get hit hard by COVID . She offered us a 'maternity photoshoot' included on her price package (I really wanted), so we used our emergency savings, signed the contract and paid in full by the 36th week of pregnancy just as she asked us. Because of Covid, around April/May of 2020 we didn't want to risk going out in public to do the maternity photos, baby as expected for mid-May, Diana then offered us to exchange for a newborn session and we accepted. The home delivery was nothing we expected. We had to get transferred to the hospital in a state of emergency. Diana wasn't able to come with us inside of the hospital, (understandable) so she offered to do a video of all 3 of us and a few more pictures at our home as soon as we were back and ready. I had a complicated delivery; I could barely walk for many days so we got in touch with her 2 weeks after we arrived home. She came to our home and without consulting us she already came up with a plan. She was going to film us narrating all the facts starting when we got transferred to the hospital and then she would make a video clip with the pics/video footage she took it, the ones my husband took it in the delivery room and match the audio with the images to have a story with beginning, middle and end. We didn't like the idea much and we were absolutely not ready to be looking at a camera lens to tell what happened, the whole thing was a bit traumatic, but she insisted the results would be good so we end up agreeing with her. We were concerned about syncing our voices with the images and footage since we were narrating in Spanish and Portuguese. She told us not to worry about it because she understood Spanish (she's Italian) her husband understood Portuguese (he's French I believe) and he would help her syncing our history to the images showing on the video. Ok then, we trusted her. After her visit we started having some issues with our son, we spent a lot of time going to pediatrician offices and emergency rooms. It was hard to make an appointment for the newborn photoshoot, we had to cancelled twice. One of the times we had to cancel without giving her too many days of notice, the priority it was/is my baby health!!! (We need to be clear here, because that wasn't a priority for Diana). After that, there the problems started!!!!! We were expecting to be able to choose the pictures we wanted so she can edit and add to the video. Also, the presentation, the music, the style of the editions, and the voice over we recorded, etc. Exactly like you do for a wedding or any type of photography job. For our surprise we weren't able to choose the song for the video! I was able only to say that I like, Andrea Bocelli and Bach, and she said that she would see how would work because of the song has to filled the full length of the video. ! read more

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I cannot speak highly enough of Diana, who took on a tricky assignment -- photographing a large extended family with babies and toddlers on the beach in not great weather -- and somehow pulled off INCREDIBLE pictures. I never thought it would be possible to please everybody, but our whole family loves the pictures!! Diana was so easy to work with, communicative and easygoing and kind. And her work speaks for itself! Can't wait to bring her back for more photos next year. read more

We chose to have our maternity and newborn photos taken with Diana and we're so happy we did! From the very beginning, Diana responded promptly and even set-up a facetime call to get to know more me better and ask questions about my expectations for both shoots (she usually does this in person, but covid times called for a virtual call). Diana has such a calming presence- my husband and I felt completely comfortable and at ease with her. For some of the photos she gave us cues for hand, chin, and body placement, but for most of them, she instructed us to just talk to each other, enjoy each other's presence, and pretend she wasn't there. These made for the most beautiful, natural unstaged looking photos! For our maternity shoot, we decided to take them on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier at sunset. We chose two tentative dates, however Diana was super flexible and checked-in the week of to make sure I was feeling well and was able to do the shoot that day. Before the shoot, she gave us outfit recommendations. She was super patient, allowed us to change outfits as many times as we wanted, gave the mama-to-be plenty of time for rest breaks, and made sure we got all of the photos/poses that we wanted before the shoot was over. The photos turned out beautiful! My husband and I will forever cherish the photos of one of the last times as a family of two. For our newborn shoot, Diana came to our apartment. We were a bit nervous about a photo shoot with a newborn, but Diana assured me she would meet him wherever he was and she did just that! She arranged the shoot around his mood- took the close-up photos of him with props that she brought after nursing when he was fast asleep and took our family photos when he was slightly more awake. She was SO patient and gave us our space to change, feed, soothe, and give us breaks as needed. The entire shoot felt so natural in our own element. She also took a short video for us that we absolutely adore! Diana is so talented and is a natural when it comes to maternity/newborn photography. Her calm, flexible, kind, peaceful, and accommodating personality made both photo shoots feel stress-free. My husband (who usually is not a fan of the photo shoots I encourage him to do) even said after that he felt totally at ease with her and even enjoyed the intimate family-bonding time we had during both of our shoots. We will forever cherish our maternity and newborn photos. I highly recommend Diana! read more

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Diana is made of magic. Her photography is gorgeous; she captured with honesty the moments of my labor where I was -in it-... But more importantly, she brought the most amazing energy to my sacred space. She was tender towards my kids, helping them feel loved and cared for as I was bringing their brother earthside. She helped me find strength when I was exhausted. Diana is so wonderful, I'd do another labor to work with her again. read more

I found Diana on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her work! Little did I know I'd be getting more than these priceless photos of such a special moment. Having Diana as a part of my birth team made my home birth so much more meaningful. Her energy was genuine, calm, sweet, and assertive...she flowed around the birth scene so effortlessly. I'm 3 months postpartum and she checks on me often. I can say that I've gained a friendship in Diana when I thought I'd only be getting birth photos. Her work is amazing, and her heart is genuinely sweet! You would be delighted to have her as your photographer for any occasion, I'm sure! read more

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There is so much to say about Diana. She isn't just talented with her photography but her heart during your session is so big. she captured my entire birth experience and she knew exactly what to capture. I didn't even have to tell her what I wanted. She goes above and beyond all expectations. What I love the most about her, is her generous and loving heart. While she took photos, she also cared about my well being during labor. If you're looking for someone who is down to earth, who has a heart of gold, and is incredibly talented, she's your woman! We love you Diana! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. read more

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I hired Diana as my birth videographer and she encapsulated my placenta. Diana was beautiful to work with. Her energy is very welcoming and peaceful. She was not only helpful with all of that, but knowledgeable as well. She helped me understand the placenta pills and how and when they are useful. I had a home birth for my 4th and last baby and I wanted every moment captured, and that was received. Diana was wonderful to work with. read more

I wasn't sure I wanted maternity photos, but my husband encouraged me to go for it since I'm a first time mom. After working with Diana, I can confidently say that I am so happy I did it. Diana is a talented and kind photographer who has a way of making you feel comfortable and beautiful... even if you are suffering from a little insecurity that goes with your larger-than-normal body. And in the end, my husband and I love how our photos turned out! They definitely helped me embrace the goddess within. Also, we will work with Diana for our baby's newborn photos after she arrives. We can't wait! If you are looking for someone who will make you feel at ease, is flexible, and takes gorgeous photos, I would highly recommend Diana. read more

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I am long overdue in writing a well deserved review of my experience with Diana as my birth photographer in August 2017. Diana met with me well in advanced to understand all of my hopes and expectations for the day. Diana agreed to my booking despite it cutting very close to her vacation return. She arranged not one but two back up photographers in case I delivered earlier and also organized meetings so they would also understand my desires. I ended up being induced at 10 days past my due date. Diana came and met us when we were being admitted. She stayed a few hours and returned in the morning when things were starting to happen. My husband was initially concerned about having a "stranger" in the room as he wasn't able to meet her in advance. It was so easy to have Diana around. She never imposes and is very in tune with everyone. She is so graceful and sweet. She is also a doula and was very familiar with the hospital and staff. The pictures came out amazing! Diana was very prompt in turnaround. She even brought us a delicious gourmet cookie gift when she personally delivered the memory stick and mini books. Diana is a beautiful soul and an amazing photographer who I highly recommend!!!! read more

Diana was my doula in April and I could not be happier or more grateful for her support and services as a first time mom. My husband and I were so blessed to have been connected to her by a friend. Diana started working with us in my last month and did home visits to help us prepare and provide us with resources that would be helpful as we got closer to the birth of our son. When I went into labor it was so great to have Diana present as a constant support, encourager, and advocate. She was present in our home while I labored there, and then with us at hospital. At home I hit a point where I felt I was not progressing and unsure of how far along I was was in my labor, and Diana reached out to midwives in our area and was able to have a wonderful midwife come and assess. This brought relief and comfort. Diana loves what she does and it is very evident in the way that she cares for her clients, and honestly, you leave this experience with her not feeling like just a client, but someone you connect with and continue to follow up with. After having my baby she did some home visits, was very thoughtful and brought us a meal and continued to provide resources and support as first time parents. I am so happy we decided to have a doula, and even happier Diana was the person who we crossed paths with. read more

There are no words to describe the beauty captured in the pictures that Diana captured. We had our maternity pictures taken a few weeks back, and while we were hesitant about the hazy weather due to the fires and our number 1 location being closed, we went ahead with Diana's encouragement. She promised the pictures would turn out great and she certainly pulled through. We have had so many comments about how they must be the best maternity pictures they have ever seen. Not one second did we feel uncomfortable or rushed. Diana is one of a kind and I can't wait for her to photograph our newborn pictures! Thank you, Diana! read more

We are so happy to have worked with Diana to capture our home birth, newborn photos and we even did holiday family photos with her too. She is so good, we hardly noticed she was at the birth and she was incredibly helpful in getting photos quickly and efficiently with a toddler, a 1 week old and a very tired, postpartum mama. The photos and video we received are GORGEOUS, I'm beyond happy with them and grateful we chose Diana!! read more

One of the best things I did (in all that there is to do along this journey called birth) was to hire Diana to be my birth photographer. First, let me say, that every woman should have a photographer/videographer in the room if they can. It is priceless to have this moment documented. I still weep watching the video, and I've seen it so many times already!! And the photos are gorgeous. I weep when I look at those too! Not only does it remind you of what was happening in that moment, but it reminds you of everything and how it all worked together. Having a birth photographer is an extra expense, yes, but it just seals in all that you put into your journey. Sure, you can have your hubby take pics, or your Doula, but wouldn't you rather they be doing what they're supposed to be doing (and that's paying 100% attention to you), not trying to get a good shot? And how many shots are you really going to get? Hiring a birth photographer means you get your birth story, complete, in focus, in color &/or black & white...forever. And DIANA!!! She is Epic. She perfectly fit into my birth team. She was a team player (I had a very long birth). She is also a Doula, so she knows how to be in the space, hold the space, without pulling focus or being in the way. She's a beautiful spirit. It was a joy getting to know her. The final products came out beautifully and they arrived timely. I have only glowing things to say about Diana! If I have another baby, I hope I have the honor of having her in my birth space again. If the birth of your child is one of the biggest moments of your life, hiring Art Shaped Photography is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. Eternal gratitude, Diana!! Tremendous love, Angela read more

Diana is an absolute angel! We hired her for both maternity and birth photography and I am beyond glad I found her. Her kindness and mellow attitude made shooting my maternity photos so relaxing and it was so nice to get to know her during that, and then have her attend the birth of our baby boy. Being able to look bad at the moments she captured while I labored and birthed my babe, and bonded with him after, is something I will always treasure. read more

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I was lucky enough to have Diana as my maternity photographer AND my birth photographer. She listened intently to what I envisioned and it all came to fruition, and then some. My family says it looks like I had a photo journalist at our birth; the photos are so raw and lovely. Knowing that she is a doula as well added a certain level of calm to our home birthing experience. She is a delight and her work speaks for itself! read more

Dear Birth - Maternity shoot in Santa Monica - Session Photography Near Me

Diana was wonderful to work with. She came to my home to meet me and discuss our birth plan and what we wanted from birth photographer. She was flexible with my concerns about having a photographer since I was due around Thanksgiving. She set us up with a back-up photographer that we ended up having to use because baby came thanksgiving week. Back-up photographer was wonderful as well and seemed to have really communicated with Diana and knew what we wanted! Diana edited those photos beautifully and also did our newborn photo shoot. She provided us with high quality albums of these photos and got us the photos soon after the photo shoots. Her communication was great leading up to our kiddo's birth and everything went smoothly like we hoped. I'd highly recommend her if you're looking for a wonderful birth photographer who communicates well and is flexible with your needs! read more

Diana brought such a calming, compassionate & helpful presence to the birth of our twins; we'll be forever grateful for her being there! We were gifted her photography services from a friend and were lucky enough to have her doula abilities shine throughout the labor & assist us with a calming demeanor. Our plan was to have a home birth with the boys but they decided that's not how their story was going to be told which meant a long 24+ hours. Diana not only drove to our place in Topanga in order to capture the beginning of labor & our home surroundings; she followed our birth team across 2 hours of traffic to our hospital of choice! Having her there to capture those moments was so vital but having her step in as a doula/advocate for us at the hospital meant the world to our family. The images are absolutely amazing as is the video (I burst into tears every time I watch it!); moments captured that will pull at our strings forever. Thank you Diana for EVERYTHING you did for the birth of our boys - if you're looking to hire a doula or a photographer she is hands down the BEST! read more

Dear Birth - Session Photography Near Me

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We met with several doulas before we chose one, and my husband and I both agreed that Diana was the right choice hands down. She is very down to earth which can sometimes be challenging to find in that field. She provided us with wonderful support before, during, and after the birth of our first daughter (and especially was such a champ through a looooong, challenging labor) and I really don't know how my husband and I would have managed without her. I also appreciated her suggestions and the questions she answered-she really helped us to just trust our instincts and not get caught up in the whole birth industrial complex. We also had her take photographs of our daughter when she was about 6 months old. I had a particular style in mind (more spontaneous and not posed) and I knew Diana would be perfect for it. She captured exactly what I was looking for-a day in the life of our new family. The photographs are lovely and she created a beautiful book for us that we will treasure forever. read more

We wanted to remember our little girl as a newborn and needed a professional photographer to help capture her beginning months in a creative way. Diana was exactly what we were looking for. Not only was her work amazing, but she was patient with us and the baby and just an overall nice person. Our daughter's first photo shoot was a success and we would do it again in a heartbeat. We will absolutely work with Diana again! read more

I have known Diana for several years now. What a wonderful and strong woman she is!! We instantly knew she had to attend our HBAC . I have a beautiful friendship to her and she has taken our family photos before. Not one second did I feel like she was interrupting. Diana is very discreet but super present at the same time. She was an additional island of peace during the birth and incredible helpful! The room was flooded with good vibes and love, also because she was there for me and the birth team that she also gracefully works with. When you look at the pictures she takes, you notice her passion, love and dedication that follow her calling to be a photographer/ doula in the birth world. Her appreciation in new life, the miracle and magic of pregnancy, the unborn life and the role of the becoming mother. Diana and I also met during my pregnancy and for newborn pictures, so I have a collection of wonderful unique images. Unique in the "here and now" in her own tasteful creative way. She documented everything so well , that i remember everything ,even though i was riding my waves. I would always hire Diana again for all my photography/ doula needs because i dont know anyone else with so much talent and compassion. I wont ever regret the investment because its so worth it and honestly, you dont want your partner taking iphone pictures because lets face it, you want him holding your hand and kissing your forehead when you breath through your surges (and Diana documenting it) She is family now and created beautiful memories that i will forever cherish and remember. I will show and tell my kids about them and I hope they eventually look at the pictures and feel the same way about it like me and my husband do. I hope they will see themselves in them and feel the love , so they can give the same and bigger love back to their own children in the future. When the pain of labor and birth is forgotten ( and that will happen fast because that way we can and want to have more children) you can swim in the memories and flood of emotions when you look at your pictures. Thank you Diana for your friendship, love and compassion for everything you are and do! read more

Dear Birth - Session Photography Near Me

From the first time we met I knew that Diana needs to be part of our journey. Even before we officially hired her at 35 weeks she had already motivated us to talk and investigate home birthing with the right people and not go half sure into our second birth. She was able to read into anything we said and veered is into our right direction. We had switched from the conventional OB way to a home birth with a midwife within a week. She checked up on us for the following weeks and up until the birth. We were well informed thanks to her and we were able to build a bond early on, so by labor time we were nice and loving (which I was initially worried about that when thinking about hiring a doula). I labored for 4 days (!) and Diana was there for most of the time! Always caring and always making sure we were all taken care for. We walked and walked and did all sorts of things to get the labor to progress. She was in contact with our midwife, which was also great that didn't need to worry about when and how much to contact the midwife. We had to move on to the hospital on my call. Diana and the midwife knew how Much I wanted a home birth but also how much I wanted a successful VBAC, so when I had to make the decision at 3am Diana was great and empower me all the way and made sure (Along with our amazing midwife) that I feel empowered by the move and not discouraged. At the hospital Diana was our protector! She helped to make sure things are still going out on way and that we're not pushed in the wrong direction. Her postpartum was great as well, especially at that delicate time. I have to also say how amazing she was with our older daughter. It was a journey for her as well as it was for us. She took care of her and gave her the attention she needed. We have an amazing set of pictures that she took from the entire time. Just amazing pictures of a time you want to remember so much (but your hormones won't let you sometimes). I feel empowered, I feel strong, and I feel like I want to do this again. And, I am certain that Diana played a major role in it! I fully heartedly recommend her! She was what WE needed every step of the way. Thank you Diana! We love you! read more

We absolutely love our family photos from ArtShaped Photography, which include a very busy and stubborn 3 year old, two teenagers and a dog! Diana was extremely easy to work with both before and during the session. I highly recommend reading her tips for preparing for the photo session - it helped me choose the background and clothing and I couldn't be happier having these photos (and pops of color) on my walls now. Diana had very clear ideas on how to "arrange" us for the photos and it really made a difference, the photos are composed beautifully. To my 3 year old's delight she brought bubbles and thought of very cute ways to make her smile ("tell me what you had for breakfast .... did you have gummy worms?". Diana ability to quickly connect with our family and her lighthearted yet professional approach resulted in the some of the best family photos we have - I highly recommend her for your family photos or an event! read more

Diana was my doula and photographer for my second home birth and she was the perfect addition to our birth team. Going into my second birth at home, I wasn't sure I needed a doula, but knew I wanted professional photos this time around. I saw Diana's work, which is beautiful, and set up a meeting to see if she was a good fit for our photographer needs. As soon as my husband and I met her, we both knew she was perfect for our team and when she left our house after the meeting, we both had the same thought: she should be our doula and photographer. She had such a calm, maternal vibe, but also knew her stuff and you could tell wouldn't back down when you needed her to be strong for you. I knew if I needed support during labor, she would be able give me what I needed to get through rough patches, but if I didn't, she would have more time to take photos. It was a win/win. As soon as we hired her, I felt 100 times more confident about my birth. During my pregnancy Diana stayed in touch, always reaching out to see how I was doing and offering recommendations for any help I needed along the way. My son ended up being 10 days past his estimated due date and having her to talk too through that journey was fantastic. She even drove me to a doctors appointment my husband couldn't make at the end of my pregnancy and it was so nice to have her by my side! During labor she was proactive to help me through contractions and had all sorts of tools and tricks. I had a very fast and beautiful labor thanks to my birth team. After my birth she checked in on us and paid visits many times. The photos and video she captured were beautiful and sent to me very quickly. All in all, we are so happy we had Diana on our team. She is a caring, talented doula and photographer anyone would be lucky to have by their side. read more

We totally adore the work by Diana of ArtShaped Photography. She captures the great beauty of a Mom soon to give birth, incredible moments with a newborn baby, and her portraits of our family are the best. What a talented artist Diana is, and her breathtaking photography is such a lifetime gift for our family: truly the portraits of ArtShaped Photography by Diana are works of art. Thank you, Diana! read more

Diana attended my birth in May and I am not sure I can express in words how grateful I am to have had her with us for our special day. The photos she took are incredibly beautiful and evoke so much emotion. I will forever look at them and remember how I felt and the energy of those moments- she genuinely captured it all. Her editing is stunning and artful. Amazingly though, the finished product is just the icing on the cake.... her presence at my birth was a gift in itself. Diana has a such a calm, compassionate energy about her. My older children were immediately comfortable with her, as were my partner, my mom, and I. She had a lovely way of being a comforting presence and also mysteriously fading into the background to take her photos. I don't know how she managed to snap some of the shots she got without ever interrupting a special moment. If you are looking for a doula or photographer to have present at your birth, I highly recommend Diana read more

Oh my goodness!! Diana is amazing. I had a super fun experience with her during my pregnancy photo shoot. We walked around Venice beach seeking out unique and interesting places to shoot, and she was very creative with her ideas. To top off our super fun day, the pictures turned out better than I could have hoped. Diana made me feel very comfortable in front of the camera and helped me feel natural and beautiful. I highly recommend Diana to anyone who is looking for an incredible photographer. I'd give her 10 STARS if I could :) read more

Diana is a gem!! Diana took photos of our family immediately after birth as she also came to pick up our placenta to provide encapsulation of my placenta. She was also our back up doula in case anything came up so we had numerous interactions with Diana before birth. She arrived so fast early in the morning to pick up the placenta since we'd forgotten our cooler in the rush to the hospital. She also took some photos then and made arrangements to come back so she could capture our daughter meeting the baby for the first time, which was the original plan for the photos. She was incredibly accommodating at all times and clearly wanted so much to support us both emotionally and in having the birth we wanted. Diana was always very professional while also demonstrating much warmth and thoughtfulness. Diana also checked in on me many times both before and after birth, and made me feel so cared for. Her photos are gorgeous and I love her deep passion for birth--it comes across in her gorgeous art, as well as her services. I highly recommend her! read more

I had the pleasure of working with Diana for our recent family photographs and my experience couldn't have been better. Diana is very friendly and down to earth and was extremely patient with my young children who can be a bit wily at times! Our session was easy and pleasant - Diana brought her own ideas and seamlessly incorporated ours - and we are very happy with the resulting images. Diana has a natural, casual style that is a perfect fit for our family and in the end there were many great photos to choose from. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for family photos or to document an important event! read more