Family can mean many different things to many different people. I know, in my own life, that idea and experience has changed over time. Not always the family we’re born into, sometimes the people we “collect” along the way become the family we need. But no matter what your family looks like, capturing those relationships honestly boils down to just one specific idea for me: it’s all about the in-between moments. It’s not about the most flattering pose or the just-right outfits. Though, I love a girl in a pretty dress and a well-dressed man as much as anyone. It’s those small interactions that happen naturally through conversation, through play, through movement, and physical touch. This is the essence of family, and New York family photography. And, that’s how we get to the good stuff!
The Essence of Your Family Identity
I Really Do Like Getting to Know You
You’ll find that I enjoy a good conversation, with a healthy heaping of humor. I have had the honor of photographing some families for many years, so it’s like seeing old friends every time they step in front of my cameras. And, when meeting new families for the first time, I try to lay that same foundation. It’s important for clients to feel comfortable, to trust that your family is in good hands, to find laughter together. I’m genuinely curious about who you are, what you do, your likes, your don’t-like-so-much, the best book you read, your favorite ice cream flavor. And, if you want to know my two cents about visiting national parks with kids, you’re speaking my love language! Think of my approach as grabbing coffee with an old friend – we catch up, we enjoy some conversation, and my cameras just happen to be there too.
The Essence of Your Family Dynamics
The Magic is in the Movement
If there’s one thing I’m known for in my family sessions, it’s that we’re always moving. Moving and talking, talking and moving. Whether it’s at home or on location, I guide all New York family photography sessions (or wherever we happen to be) from one setting to the next as a way to help hold short toddler attention spans, provide space for the teens, and allow for glimpses of your natural family dynamic to peek through in the process. Movement is the vehicle through which I am able to keep interests held and energy up. But, don’t worry, we stop for quiet breaks too.
Be Ready to Play
Little kids have this part down to a science. It’s the grownups and tweens/teens who need a reminder that it’s okay to play. Whether that’s climbing in a tree with your five-year-old, playing tag with your teenagers, breaking out the family’s favorite board game, or singing along to the most awesome playlist…play is literally a mood lifter. As a general rule, the older we get the easier it is to take ourselves far too seriously. So, play gives us all the permission to be silly and a little frivolous, to find humor in the moment. Laughter is powerful. I will never stop looking for any opportunity to inject it into a session, and capture the essence of your family in photographs.
Physical touch
Though it might seem obvious, I saved this for last for a reason. As human beings, we’re wired to seek the comfort of human touch. That contact showcases a vulnerability and trust in relationships – it’s powerful to see, and I give the space and time for these quieter moments to naturally occur in the in-between. While I’m known for my more energetic, colorful imagery; some of my favorite family photos in recent years have come from these quieter, more intimate moments.
All of these things combined lead to the candid exchanges of those in-between moments that truly tell the story of your relationships. So, what is the essence of New York family photography? Well, for me, it really boils down to the essence of family in photographs to me? It means setting the scene for the freedom to play and explore. It means giving you the time and space to enjoy unhurried conversation with each other. It means feeling the uninhibited chance to hug and be hugged in return. It means remembering the joy of play and laughter. They say family is what you make of it; let’s see what we can make of yours!
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