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Back in March, Allison found me through a Google search for a family photographer and reached out about planning a family session for June. I absolutely love when a client books early and already has a clear idea of what they are looking for. It gives us plenty of time to thoughtfully plan the location, wardrobe, and all the little details that help make the session feel special.
Allison asked for more information about my full family photography experience, so I sent her everything included in the session. Full family sessions include up to 60 minutes of photography in the studio, at home, or outdoors, along with up to six immediate family members. Moms also receive access to the dresses in my client closet and can add professional hair and makeup with an artist who comes directly to their home or meets them at the studio.
After the session, clients receive an online proof gallery where they can select 25 beautifully hand-edited digital images and purchase additional images if desired.
Allison chose to wear a dress from her own wardrobe, but she loved the idea of having one of my professional hair and makeup artists come to her home before the session. This allowed her to relax, enjoy a little time for herself, and arrive feeling polished and photo-ready
Planning an Outdoor Family Photo Session in Bergen County
Allison decided that an outdoor family session would be the perfect fit, especially with the warm June weather and lush summer scenery.
One of my favorite parts of planning family sessions is helping clients choose a location that complements the look and feeling they want for their portraits. Over time, I have curated a list of beautiful photography locations that are easy to access, family-friendly, and filled with natural backdrops that photograph beautifully.
After reviewing several options, including Van Saun County Park, the James McFaul Environmental Center, and Cross Estate Gardens, Allison chose Verona Park in Verona, New Jersey for her family’s session.
Check out my Family photography portfolio
Summer Family Portraits at Verona Park
Verona Park is such a beautiful location for family portraits because it offers so much variety within one area. From the greenery and walking paths to the water, stone details, and charming bridge, there are plenty of picturesque spots that allow us to create a full and varied gallery.
We began the session near the park’s curved stone staircase and bridge. I first photographed Allison and her family standing in front of the steps before having them sit together for a few more relaxed family portraits.
Their little boy, Lucas, was curious, energetic, and ready to explore, which is exactly what I expect from a toddler during a family session. I pulled out all of my favorite tricks to capture his attention, including silly noises, playing Ms. Rachel, and even chasing him around for a few playful moments.
Toddler chaos is one of my specialties. Children are never expected to sit still, look at the camera, and smile perfectly for an entire session. I work with their personalities and energy so we can capture joyful expressions, sweet interactions, and plenty of beautiful photographs in between all the movement.
Parent and Child Portraits With a Bergen County Family Photographer
After photographing the entire family together, I grabbed a few portraits of Allison and Lucas on their own. I then photographed Lucas with his dad, giving each parent a chance to have meaningful images that captured their individual relationship with him.
These parent and child portraits are always such an important part of a family gallery. They preserve the quiet snuggles, playful expressions, and little connections that can be so easy to overlook in everyday life.
Once we finished these portraits, we continued through Verona Park to find another beautiful location and create even more variety for their summer family gallery.
Candid Family Photos With a Toddler
Some of the most meaningful family photographs happen when everyone is able to relax and simply enjoy being together. Rather than forcing every moment, I gently guide families into natural interactions that encourage snuggles, laughter, movement, and connection.
With Lucas, that meant allowing him time to move around and explore while I photographed the little moments unfolding between him and his parents. These playful, candid images help tell the story of what life feels like during this season, not just what everyone looked like.
Capturing Individual Portraits of Lucas
Before moving on, I made sure to capture a few portraits of Lucas on his own. At this age, little ones are constantly moving, exploring, and showing so much personality, so I never expect them to sit perfectly still for the camera. Instead, I followed his lead, kept things playful, and gave him space to be himself.
Individual children and sibling portraits are such an important part of a family gallery. They preserve all the little details parents never want to forget, from their child’s expressions and curiosity to the sweet personality shining through during this particular stage.
A Special Family Photo Moment for Mom and Dad
Once we finished Lucas’s individual portraits, it was time to give Allison and her husband a moment of their own. Family sessions naturally focus so much on the children, but I always love creating space for parents to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together too.
While Lucas stayed close by, I guided them into a few relaxed poses and encouraged them to simply focus on one another. These photographs gave them a chance to laugh, reconnect, and remember that their relationship is at the heart of the beautiful family they have built.
Of course, Lucas eventually decided he wanted to join in on the fun. We captured the sweetest candid moments as his dad twirled Allison and Lucas wandered over to see what was happening. It was playful, completely natural, and such a perfect reflection of this season of their lives.
Even when life feels busy and most photographs revolve around the children, every couple deserves a few beautiful portraits that celebrate their connection too.
Ready to Book Your Bergen County Family Photographer?
Family photos are about so much more than getting everyone to look at the camera and smile. They are a way to preserve the laughter, connection, and little details that make this season of your family’s life so special. Whether your children are calm and cuddly or energetic and constantly on the move, I will guide you through the entire experience and create beautiful images that feel natural and true to your family.
As a family portrait photographer based in Bergen County I help families plan every detail, from choosing the perfect location and coordinating outfits to adding professional hair and makeup for mom.
If you have been thinking about updating your family portraits, now is the perfect time to begin planning. Contact me today if you’re thinking about booking a session, and let’s create photographs that will help you remember this season exactly as it felt.
