One Year Old and Family Pictures: Canandaigua NY

"Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." (Alice in Wonderland.)

We couldn’t agree with that quote more, because it’s impossible that this little lady is one, AND already walking! If you’ve followed her journey from newborn to now, you’ll know that this one year old is pretty special. Her first year pictures were nothing short of magical.

We ventured to Sonnenberg Gardens for the most adorable Spring family pictures. We explored the flowers, the mossy Rock Garden, the Italian Garden and more.

Say hello to Luna in Wonderland!

Family Pictures at Sunken Gardens in Rochester NY

3 Month Old Pictures

Family pictures with a 3 month old aren’t always this easy. This little love was content to observe the world around her and accept all of the snuggles from her wonderful, albeit tired (she is only a 3 month old after all) parents.

Sometimes we shot candid family pictures of the three of them, other times we tried to get her to smile. There’s a magical power that most mom's have. It’s the ability to make your own 3 month old grin in her second portrait session. It was the first time I’d seen it happen in real life, and my heart can’t take the sweetness.

I mean, seriously, look at these - can your heart handle it?

Why Candid Family Picture Mini Sessions Make Sense for Your Family Portraits

Recently I shared a blog post full of tips for family portraits. As I wrote it I noticed, that many of the reasons parents dread family pictures, are the exact same reasons we formed our portrait membership program / candid mini session events.

So - below are my thoughts on why our candid event sessions a PERFECT fit for family pictures.

1) Your kids aren’t always “on” for the camera.

If you child has a bad day on the day of your once a year family portrait - that’s your memory of that day. With candid member events, you have chances all year long.

2) Your children get to know your family photographer.

When you book a different photographer for every session, it’s not a surprise that your kids won’t be their real self with them. The kids in our membership get to know us and our silly sides. They trust us more each time we see them, which allows us to capture amazing moments.

3) Real life happens all year long.

And it doesn’t happen in poses either. Sure, it’s nice to have a posed family picture once in a while. But that’s not real life. Our events are different every month, changing with the seasons. They give you a way to play, but also a way to remember that play.

4) Get in front of the camera.

Be honest, which parent spends more time taking pictures with their phone, and which parent is in more of the pictures? Wouldn’t you rather enjoy the moment without the pressure of capturing it? See? We’re solving a problem you didn’t realize you had! Be in the pictures!

5) Variety is the spice of life.

Did I mention you can get photos in all seasons? Prefer fall family fun to winter family fun? That’s fine, but you can have both. Heck, you can even have spring and summer fun too.

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to the kind of family portrait you like, and we offer more than one option. We just really believe in these candid mini session events. We have families that have been with us for years, and it’s amazing to see them grow. So if you want to know more about it - take a peek here.

And if you want to talk more? Hit that cute little button below.

Mini Member Sessions: Fairport NY Family Portraits

In June, we called our Member Mini Session the “Pandemic Portraits.”

We asked our families to show us what or who kept them busy during their time at home together. Because as hard as it all is, it’s real at this moment in their lives. And man, did they ever deliver.

Our members showed us everything from gardening to their brand new puppies. It was the first time in months we’d seen them and it felt amazing to be able to capture their families again, even if it was only for a few minutes.

We don’t know what the coming months will bring, but we know that these families can handle anything, as long as they’re together.

Highland Park Family Portraits: Rochester NY Family Pictures

Years ago, we photographed this family at a day in the life session at their cottage near Sodus, NY. This time though, they wanted portraits that showed their fun and closeness as a family. It was fall, and the scenery was beautiful but they knew that the focus wasn’t about getting a quintessential Fall Family Portrait. The emphasis to them first, foremost and always was on family.

I loved to see them hug, play, and laugh through Highland Park on one of the last beautifully warm fall days of 2019. It was important to me to see this group having fun together, and sharing real smiles whenever possible.

Capturing them in one of their most photographed moves, jumping, was the finale to a great session. I know that these photographs will be cherished as precious moments of lives well loved.