Family Portrait Sessions
I use a fun approach to family photography which allows children to be comfortable and playful while letting them explore the outdoors or be in the comfort of their own home so I can capture unique family portraits in a casual and joyful experience.
My style includes a combination of traditional family portraits as well as casual candid photography so that you have a variety of images in your collection.
Portrait session packages are all-inclusive and include your session experience, image retouching and editing, and delivery of a professional digital image collection. Your password protected downloadable gallery will include a minimum of 25 images for mini sessions and 45 images for full sessions. Your gallery will be delivered via email within two to three weeks with access to a professional photo printing lab.
MINI SESSION $300 + tax (most popular!)
20 minute all-inclusive Family Session Experience
Fast paced sessions designed for families with young children or families who may not need a full session experience. Up to 6 people (immediate family only). Spring, Summer, Fall, and Holiday Bucks/Mont outdoor locations, dates, and evening times are carefully selected in advance by your photographer and emailed seasonally.
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FULL SESSION $425 + tax
40 minute all-inclusive Family Session Experience or Portrait Session
Individual Portraits $250 + tax (Child’s Birthday, Graduating Seniors, Religious Celebration Portraits, etc.) 30 min.
2 Family Members $325 + tax (Engagement, Maternity, Parent/Child, etc.)
3-6 Immediate Family Members Session $425 + tax. Traditional style family portraits and ample amount of time to incorporate various poses among family members as well as more playful and candid photo opportunities. Full sessions are most appropriate for larger, extended families or for children who may need more time to warm up with a more casual pace. There are many outdoor locations available which can be chosen together with your photographer.
6-10 Extended Family Members $475 + tax
11-14 Extended Family Members $525 + tax
15+ Large Extended Family $575 + tax
There is a $25 travel fee for travel more than 15 miles outside of the Doylestown, PA area (outside of Ocean City, NJ for summer beach sessions). Maximum travel 1 hour.
In addition to your downloadable gallery, your images can also be delivered on a backup flash drive for $25.
BEACH SESSION $425 + tax
40 minute Family Session Experience at your beach
Beach sessions are available June, July, and August in Ocean City, NJ and surrounding shore points (Strathmere, Sea Isle, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Brigantine, Margate, Ventnor). I meet you at your beach entrance. See rates above for extended family sessions.
Beach sessions are scheduled at 7am or 7pm when light is best and crowds are low. 7:45pm ‘add-on’ sunset mini sessions are available throughout the summer, location disclosed upon booking.
Session Planning & FAQ
Where should we have our outdoor session?
Ask yourself a few helpful questions to help guide you to the best session style for your family. Do you like fall foliage and warm colors, spring flowers and bright colors, or a beach and ocean scene? Do you like wearing fall clothing, sweaters, layers, etc. or prefer sundresses, shorts, and sandals? Do your kids like to explore the outdoors and new places or will it be more comfortable for them to be at home?
Pennsylvania has beautiful State Parks which are a great option with nice variety. Some local favorites include Tyler State Park, Peace Valley Park, and Ralph Stover State Park. If you enjoy architecture and buildings some ideas may be Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum, The Moland Historic House, The Highlands Mansion & Gardens, and small towns like Doylestown or New Hope. Some other favorites are Aldie Mansion, Byer’s Choice Gardens, and Tyler Gardens at BCCC.
Mini session dates, times, and locations are pre-determined and carefully planned in advance so that we can obtain a nice variety of images in your gallery in a timely and efficient manner.
How far in advance should I book?
Seasonal Mini Session dates are released about 2 months in advance, but can be booked at anytime once permits are acquired and dates are released. Beach scheduling opens February 1st. Feel free to contact me to discuss the best option for your family.
What if the weather is bad?
I wait until we are within a 12 hour forecast leading up to our appointment to determine if we need to cancel and reschedule. If I decide to cancel I will offer you options for a new date and time. For rescheduled sessions, I cannot guarantee the same time and location due to permits.
Should I bring anything?
I typically do not bring props with me for family sessions as I really enjoy using the environment, park atmosphere, and other natural features to add variety and creativity to your images. It is not necessary for you to bring anything, but I am happy to incorporate unique items if you are celebrating a birthday or special occasion such as a balloon, cupcake/cake, or new baby items. If there are children involved you may bring along favorite toys or things you know that will make them smile. Treats and rewards are always a hit too for the end of the session :)
Can we bring our dog?
Most places will allow you to bring your dog, provided your pup remains leashed at all times and is picked up after. If you want photos with and without the family pup we can do a few with the dog in the beginning of the session then, if temperatures allow, put him/her in the car for the remainder of the session. You may also bring a helper/handler for the dog who can walk with us throughout the session and hold the dog in between, especially if it is a mini session and we are moving quickly to maximize our time together. Please let me know in advance if you would like to bring your family pet (and maybe some treats too:)).
What should we wear?
Choose a color palette (3 colors) and coordinate compatible colors and patterns; neutrals, pastels, earth tones, primary colors, are a few examples. See my Pinterest Style Guide for some samples. This allows family members to incorporate their personal style and comfort. Layering is a great way to bring in colors using scarves and sweaters, or accessories like earrings, bows, shoes, or belts. If you have outfits you love for your kids, start there and coordinate yourself with colors from those outfits. If you have a favorite dress start there and bring everyone into you. Amazon allows you to search for a certain color dress and has a lot of options. Baltic Born is a great on-line boutique with dresses in all colors, styles, and sizes. I want to highlight YOU and the connection in your family so it is best to stay away from distracting shirt logos, heavy patterns, words, or large bold prints. Please avoid neons, sequins, and shimmery shirts that may be reflective. I find it helpful to lay outfits out on the floor a week in advance so that you have time to swap out or adjust any last minute needs. Text me a pic and I’m happy to help!
It can also be helpful to coordinate with your location; the park in the fall, or the beach in the summer. Fall colors are on the warmer side and spring or summer colors tend to be more light and pastel with a splash of color. Keep it simple and casual, and most important, comfortable. Another tip if your buying for the whole family is to try shopping at the same store or brand for everyone, it will be easier to coordinate similar color palates (Old Navy, Gap, etc.). Details are important, don’t forget the shoes! Meet me on the beach and you don’t need shoes at all! Lastly, at the time of our session, please leave any belongings in the car and make sure your pockets are empty as keys and cell phones will show. I am happy to chat with you about your clothing selections so feel free!