Whether this is the first time you’ve considered booking professional outdoor family photos, or you’ve worked with another photographer in the past, it’s important to make sure I’m a good fit for your family. That’s why I’m sharing what to expect during your NJ outdoor family photo session.

Sessions are relaxed and fun for everyone

As your NJ outdoor family photographer, I’ll guide you through a laid-back and enjoyable session experience. We’ll play games and I’ll provide prompts and direction that let your genuine personalities shine through.

You’ll ENJOY being with your family, while I handle everything else. Expect to laugh and hug your loved ones during your session.

I aim to capture connection and natural expressions

When families book me to take their family photos for the first time, they often tell me that they love how natural, relaxed and connected everyone in my family portfolio looks. Because I keep the focus on connection over perfection, and capturing your interactions, your session will feel effortless. You might even forget you’re in front of a camera!

Your outdoor family photos will reflect your family just as you are

Every family is unique and I will work with and honor your family’s unique vibe. Whether your family is lighthearted, silly and full of energy, or a bit more serious and subdued, I’ll capture images true to your spirit.

It’s important to recognize that your images will reflect who you are and not someone else’s photos. Some toddlers are a ball of energy and always on the go, while others may be quieter and shy around new people and super snuggly with you. If you’re hoping for images showing lots of laughter and energy, but your toddler prefers to stay by your side and snuggle, your images will show her quieter side, but still be beautiful.

I don’t use props in NJ outdoor family photo sessions

Besides a blanket to sit on for seated photos, I don’t use props in outdoor or in-home sessions, so if you’re looking for posed holiday portraits in front of a styled set, I’m not the photographer for you. I’d be happy to refer you to another photographer that offers that service.

While I don’t include props in photos, I encourage families to consider an activity that they enjoy together. Reading a book to your toddler is a great option. I also love to capture kids picking up leaves during fall. When you and your children engage in any activity it helps to tell your story.

Other things to expect:

I aim to capture, (when baby/toddler allows) a traditional portrait with everyone looking. Most, but not all of the time, I do get one.
Most of the photos in your gallery will not show everyone looking looking at the camera. Instead, photos will show your family interacting with and looking at each other.
I’ll capture a variety of shots with different groupings (e.g., kids individually, kids together, parent with each child or parent with all children, parents together, etc.).
I will ask you to snuggle, hug, and be affectionate with your children and spouse.
I will not ask your kids to smile or say cheese, and ask that you refrain from doing the same. One of the biggest mistake I see parents make during a session is to tell their kids to smile “or else”, or to try and control their kids’ behavior. Trust me when I say that will not result in the desired outcome, or images showing happy and natural expressions. During my many years photographing children with all different personalities, I’ve learned that allowing kids to be themselves and incorporating playful games into sessions is the best way to avoid meltdowns. When you leave all the directing to me, I’ll be able to capture your family at its best in a natural and candid way.

What to expect at your NJ outdoor family photo session — We might not be a good fit if:

You’re looking for a more formal and traditional approach to family photos and don’t feel comfortable playing, sitting on the ground with your kids, letting them run or skip.
You’re not comfortable showing affection.
You would be very upset if your photos don’t include one or more very specific images you imagine from a Pinterest board or a past session.
You’re hoping for mostly images where everyone is smiling and looking right at the camera.