Family Photo Shoot in New York: Did you all know I went to high school in New York? Upstate New York that is, but I’ve been going to New York City for as long as I can remember. On one of those many trips to the city, one of my sister’s mommy friends requested a family photoshoot to document their time in the city, as they were about to move to Europe.

We started the shoot on the rooftop of their Midtown apartment building, which had amazing views of the city skyline. With a rambunctious toddler and amazing spring weather, Central Park was an easy choice for the second location. Although little Ved was skeptical of me and my giant camera, with a few snuggles we were able to catch some smiles and tender moments between these three.

Scheduling Family Photo Shoot

Most of the time during the shoot the family thinks that none of the photos turned out. When actually we get a ton of great shots every time. It’s our job to make sure we do. And it’s easy to see how. The kids are so darn cute! Trust me, photographing kids is not nearly as bad as it seems.

Although a family photo shoot can be tricky to schedule, documenting milestones like this are such an investment in the future. With family photo shoots I suggest keeping them short and sweet, with few wardrobe and location changes. Keep them fun and low pressure and I can guarantee that we will get some amazing shots.

Ultimately I’ve seen these photos cherished for many years afterwards. These photos are often used to decorate the halls of homes. How special for a family to make memories with the background of more memories. I can guarantee that no one has regretted having a family photo shoot.

I’ve realized that I don’t often post my family and newborn photography as much as the other types. Which just isn’t right because I love these types of baby, maternity and family photo sessions! I’m hoping to shoot much more in the near future. Especially since we will have a great little natural light photo studio in the back of our new home – a true dream for a Colorado portrait photographer.

This newborn session is especially dear to me in so many ways. This session is the reason why the beautiful mom, Naomi, and I initially connected, and we have since become good friends. I can’t imagine the last few years without knowing her. Of all the people in DC, she is high on my list of people I am missing since we moved. I hope she reads this and know how much she means to me 🙂

As a film photographer I love natural light and as a Colorado portrait photographer I love shooting outdoors. Charlotte’s newborn photos, however, are proof that those two things are not mutually exclusive. We captured sweet little Charlotte in her parent’s bedroom with the most beautiful natural light steaming in. The family’s neutral outfits perfectly complimented each other and we have to Charlotte’s super sweet bow.

As a Family photographer springtime is a great time to update family photos in DC! Even if the weather is unpredictable all you really need is a room with decent light. I love working with past clients like my brides on keeping their family photos updated. For this session, the mom, and interior designer, dressed the girls in perfectly coordinated chambray shirts and black bows. We spend less than hour chasing the girls around and I am so in love with the results!

I know it can be hard to wrangle the kids, get them dressed in coordinating outfits and to wrestle a bow in their hair – but it’s usually worth it for some heirloom family photography. The whole process here was less than 45 minutes and we got a ton of great imagery and I believe we captured the true and distinct personalities of these two kiddos.

With family and kid photography it really is about preparation. I always suggest doing the shoot when they are in their “best mood” which is usually in the morning. Keeping lots of snacks and bribes around is helpful to get them to follow instructions! But after a few photos of smiling and looking at the camera I prefer to let the family loose to relax, draw, spin and do as they like so that we can get more relaxed photos. This is much more possible in an “at-home” session rather than at a park where they can run much farther, and faster, than any of us!