A young boy sitting outdoors with a brown and white dog, looking at something in the boy's hand. The boy is wearing a white shirt and beige pants, and the dog is wearing a collar. The background is blurred with natural scenery.
A family of three and their dog standing on a rocky riverbank with mountains in the background during daylight. The woman has dark curly hair and is wearing a white dress, standing in the middle with the man and child beside her. The man has a beard,
A woman lovingly cuddling a young child, both with their faces close together, eyes closed, appearing to enjoy a tender moment of affection.
A woman holding a young child, both with their eyes closed, sharing a tender moment outdoors during the daytime.
A family of three sitting outdoors on a hillside, with the father holding a young curly-haired boy, and the mother smiling behind them
Young boy with curly hair kneeling on a log outdoors on a cloudy day
A young girl wearing a dress and a baseball cap stands on rocks in shallow water at the beach, with waves in the background and a cliff on the left side.
A young girl with long wavy hair wearing a pink floral dress, standing next to a chain-link fence outdoors on a sunny day.
A young child with light brown hair and large dark eyes, wearing a light pink and white patterned shirt, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.
Close-up of a young child with brown hair and light skin, looking down and slightly to the side, wearing a white shirt.
A young child with brown hair and big eyes sitting on the floor, wearing pink and white pajamas, looking up with a slightly sad or worried expression.
A woman in a white dress stands between rows of green plants in a garden with a large tree in the background. The scene is illuminated by warm, natural sunlight.
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair standing on a wooden bridge in a sunlit outdoor setting, wearing a light-colored dress.
A young girl in a turquoise dress and pink cap playing with a large piece of seaweed on a beach with rocks, ocean, and sky in the background.
A young girl in a pink and white cap and blue dress sitting on a pebble beach looking at the ocean.
Group of four people, two women, one man, and one child, sitting outdoors near the ocean with tall grasses in front, smiling at the camera on a sunny day.
A couple standing hand in hand on a cliffside with coastal vegetation, overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A woman and two boys walking down a dirt path through a green field during daytime, with trees and hills in the background.
A family of four and a dog walking together in a field during sunset. The family members are holding hands, and the scene is bathed in warm, golden light.
Family of three standing outdoors near a large, twisted tree on rocky terrain with green grass and shrubs.
A family of three standing outdoors on a dirt path surrounded by grass and wildflowers, with rocky hills and sparse trees in the background. The woman is holding a young boy, and the man is standing next to them, all smiling and looking at each other
A family of three sitting on grass in a park during sunset, with trees and distant hills in the background.
A young boy with red hair and freckles lies on a woman's shoulder, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. The woman is smiling gently, resting her head nearby.

ABOUT ME

As a father of two young daughters, I deeply understand how precious and fleeting life's moments are, and the significance of preserving life’s milestones, both big and small. My passion for capturing these moments has led me to offer my photography services across a wide Southern California region, from my base in Thousand Oaks to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ventura.

For over two decades, my career as a Director of Photography in the dynamic world of film and television has honed a unique blend of technical mastery and creative vision. From the intensity of live broadcasts to the artistry of cinematic productions, this rich experience now informs my photography. I bring that same precision, storytelling instinct, and visual artistry to every still image, crafting photographs that truly resonate with depth and emotion.

Family Photography Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Oak Park, Malibu, California
Family Photography Portrait Photography, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Oak Park, Westlake Village, California.

FINE ART SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY

Fine Art School Portraits

At Ian Serfontein Photography, we're transforming the conventional school portrait into a truly distinctive and artistic fine art experience for every family whose school partners with us. 

Our commitment is to deliver a service that is both deeply personal and uncompromisingly professional. Unlike the hurried, often impersonal approach of large, high-volume photography companies, we consciously limit the number of schools we work with in the LA, Malibu, Ventura area. This allows us to ensure unparalleled customer service and consistently create masterfully crafted artistic images, guaranteeing top-tier quality and efficiency for both schools and families.

Our primary goal is to reveal the genuine spirit of each child. We believe in fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere where kids can be completely themselves, leading to honest smiles and natural expressions. The outcome is a collection of truly heartfelt, artistically refined, timeless portraits that offer a refreshing departure from the stiff poses, bright flashes, and busy backdrops often seen in traditional school pictures. We take immense pride in crafting photographs that resonate with genuine emotion, turning fleeting moments into cherished fine art family heirlooms.

Private Fine Art Portraits

For families not affiliated with a school, we offer personalized house-call sessions in the Greater LA area. Our team will set up a dedicated space in your home for a seamless experience. To book a session today, please complete the form below with your details..

Session - $200

  • One child

  • 20 minute session

  • Minimum of 20 high-resolution images

Additional Child - $150

  • Invite siblings, cousins, or friends to join for their own sessions and save with a $150 discount per additional child!

Travel Fees

  • Travel within the Greater LA area is included in the session price.

Pop-Up Sessions

  • Occasionally, we host sessions at select locations in the Greater LA area, where you can book and drop in for your session. To receive email notifications about these events, send us a message using the form below.

Save the Date: Holiday Mini Sessions

Saturday, November 8, 2025 - Thousand Oaks, CA

Option 1: Classic Studio (Santa-Free)

  • Calm, refined portraits—just your family and a beautiful, styled set.

  • 15-minute studio session designed for timeless images without the bustle of Santa.

  • Includes 10 edited digital images delivered in a private online gallery.

  • Additional images will be added to your online gallery and can be purchased.

  • Great for: clean, editorial looks • little ones who prefer a quieter set • elegant holiday cards

Option 2: Classic Studio (With Santa)

  • A cozy, festive visit with Santa—captured beautifully.

  • 15-minute studio session on a styled holiday set with time for meet-and-greet moments.

  • Includes 10 edited digital images delivered in a private online gallery.

  • Additional images will be added to your online gallery and can be purchased.

  • Great for: magical reactions • siblings & family group shots • keepsake portraits with Santa

What to Expect

  • Date: Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 (limited spots)

  • Location: Professional studio in Thousand Oaks

  • Duration: 15 minutes per family

  • Attire: Neutral, coordinated tones; avoid busy logos

  • Bookings open soon with a sneak peak of what to expect

Sign up to know when booking opens.