When you have four kids and a dog, easy and fun family photos may just be a must. It turns out, the front yard can be the perfect location. First of all, it was pretty. Green and nicely manicured is always a winner. This was a morning session so the sun was coming up from behind their house which made for great back light. And the convenience factor was ideal. A personal location keeps everyone comfortable and makes taking breaks easy. Snacks and bathrooms are at hand, and we know how important snacks and bathrooms are to kids and adults alike!
The Vibe
Mom dressed everyone in neutrals and greens and I love it! I adore a mix of neutrals for a comfortable sophisticated look and it fits into so many settings perfectly, such as this one. I am so very lucky to have photographed this charming family a few times now, check these out from a few years ago. And every time the kids are lovely to work with. You know how I always say that kids can’t help but be themselves even with a camera pointed at them? It’s true once again. The kids are sweet and adorable and happy to cuddle and be playful with mom and dad. In the end we created super playful and heartfelt images that showcase the kids personalities and family connection. When the kids look back on these as grown ups, they will immediately be transported to this time and place. That’s so stinking special!
I am already looking forward to the next time I get to spend some time with this warm and playful family.
Gear and Settings
Sony A7iv 24-70 2.8 Nikon D750 70-200 2.8 It was sunny and there was plenty of light so my ISO stayed at about 600. I always keep aperture as open as possible, but this was a large group so 3.6 if the group was in a straight line 4.0 if they were mixed up and 2.8 for the single shots. Shutter speed was adjusted as needed.
Moms... these photos will be the ones your kids keep forever.
If we haven’t met yet, hi hello — my name is Leslie Levine 🤍
I’m the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography, and for the past 13 years I’ve been helping families capture the little moments that pass by way too quickly.
What started as photographing my own kids turned into something much bigger… a business built around creating natural, breezy, heartfelt family photos that actually feel like you.
My goal during every session is simple:
✨ keep it relaxed
✨ let kids be themselves
✨ capture the real connection that makes your family yours
You don’t have to have perfect outfits.
Your kids don’t have to sit perfectly still.
And dad definitely doesn’t have to love photos for us to create something beautiful.
If you’re a mom who knows how fast these years are flying by, I share:
📷 session prep tips
🤍 what to wear for photos
🌿 location ideas around Long Island
✨ and ways to make family photos feel natural instead of forced
Follow along for family photo inspiration and behind the scenes of my sessions.
And if you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos this year…
Comment “FAMILY” and I’ll send you the details for booking a portrait session.
It’s how I stop and smell the roses.
.
It’s how I put an exclamation point on a moment.
.
It’s how I cement a memory.
.
It’s my love language.
.
#takethephoto #longislandphotographer #lovelanguage
If we haven’t met yet, hi hello — my name is Leslie Levine 🤍
I’m the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography, and for the past 13 years I’ve been helping families capture the little moments that pass by way too quickly.
What started as photographing my own kids turned into something much bigger… a business built around creating natural, breezy, heartfelt family photos that actually feel like you.
My goal during every session is simple:
✨ keep it relaxed
✨ let kids be themselves
✨ capture the real connection that makes your family yours
You don’t have to have perfect outfits.
Your kids don’t have to sit perfectly still.
And dad definitely doesn’t have to love photos for us to create something beautiful.
If you’re a mom who knows how fast these years are flying by, I share:
📷 session prep tips
🤍 what to wear for photos
🌿 location ideas around Long Island
✨ and ways to make family photos feel natural instead of forced
Follow along for family photo inspiration and behind the scenes of my sessions.
And if you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos this year…
Comment “FAMILY” and I’ll send you the details for booking a portrait session.
Theres a few things I absolutely DO NOT tolerate as a family photographer...
Trying to make everything “perfect”
Perfect outfits, perfect smiles, perfect kids… it’s just not real life. The moments you’ll actually love are the messy, genuine, in-between ones.
Forcing kids to behave or perform
They don’t need to sit still or smile on command for me. I’d much rather let them be themselves and meet them where they’re at.
Rushing through the session
This isn’t something to squeeze in and get over with. Slow down, be present, enjoy your people. That’s when the best moments happen.
Leaving your photos on your phone
These memories deserve more than a screen. Print them, hang them, make them part of your everyday life.
Thinking these are “just photos”
This season won’t last forever. The way they hold your hand, the way they look at you… that’s the stuff you’ll want to remember.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfect photos, it’s about your real life and the people you love 🤍
If we haven’t met yet, hi hello — my name is Leslie Levine 🤍
I’m the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography, and for the past 13 years I’ve been helping families capture the little moments that pass by way too quickly.
What started as photographing my own kids turned into something much bigger… a business built around creating natural, breezy, heartfelt family photos that actually feel like you.
My goal during every session is simple:
✨ keep it relaxed
✨ let kids be themselves
✨ capture the real connection that makes your family yours
You don’t have to have perfect outfits.
Your kids don’t have to sit perfectly still.
And dad definitely doesn’t have to love photos for us to create something beautiful.
If you’re a mom who knows how fast these years are flying by, I share:
📷 session prep tips
🤍 what to wear for photos
🌿 location ideas around Long Island
✨ and ways to make family photos feel natural instead of forced
Follow along for family photo inspiration and behind the scenes of my sessions.
And if you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos this year…
Comment “JOY" and i'll message you to share some more info!
