I’ve lived in New York for 21 years now. And yet every time I am in the city, I still feel like a tourist. That feeling of being a girl from a small town in Indiana in the big city never gets old.
PREVIOUS NYC LOCATIONS
Working with my fabulous clients has given me the opportunity to explore NYC in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. Every year for the past six years, we have chosen a different place in the bounds of their hometown, NYC. Together we have hit some pretty great locations. First it was Gentry Plaza for the stunning Manhattan skyline. They introduced me to the little known Conservatory Gardens of Central Park which you can see here. The unique gem of a neighborhood Stuyvesant Town was a total surprise. And the revitalized and colorful World Trade Center session was super cool I promise you I would never have seen Stuy-town without this family; the Conservatory Gardens has become a favorite spot because of them.
THIS YEAR’S HOT SPOT
This year, we visited the South Street Seaport. This spot is quintessential NYC. Is it touristy? Sure, but unlike other well visited NYC spots like Times Square or the Empire State Building, Wall Street locals must love this destination for socialization and family time. It’s a great spot to just hang out, dine al fresco, grab a drink with friends, and of course the waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge views never ever get old. This is definitely the kind of place that warrants repeat visits. In fact, as soon as the weather gets nice, I am insisting on a date night there.
But the true start of the show is this family. I just can’t get enough of them. The kids are so smart and so cute. I love to give them artistic control and have them set up shots. We have the best time.
Check out the final product and if you like the idea of this location, hit me up and let’s plan something special.
GEAR AND SETTINGS
Sony A7 iv 24-70 2.8 – Nikon D750 70-200 2.8 Kept my ISO at about 800 as it was an overcast day -kept aperture at 3.2 for whole family and 2.8 for single person and adjusted shutter speed accordingly.
Do you ever wonder why moms make such a big deal about family photos?
It's because we know how fast it all goes. One day they're tiny and the next they're off to kindergarten. I started photographing my own kids for that exact reason, and it turned into a full career.
Now with 13 years of experience, I help families get photos that feel like them, not a stock image.
If you want photos that actually feel like your family, comment "INFO" and I'll walk you through how a session works🤍
POV: I have no idea how to pose my family.
Good news, neither do most of my clients, and it's never a problem.
I don't hand out poses on my sessions. I guide you into moments that feel natural, a hand on a shoulder, a real laugh, kids just being kids.
After 13 years photographing families, I've learned the best photos happen when nobody is trying too hard.
My job is to make you comfortable so the connection shows up on its own.
Follow for more family photography tips🤍
My non negotiables as a family photographer👇
Kids get to be themselves, no forced smiles here. Connection always comes before perfection.
And what you wear matters more than people think.
I have spent 13 years learning how to help families relax in front of the camera and just be themselves.
That is how you get photos that actually feel like you.
If you want a laid back, heartfelt session for your family, comment BOOK and let's talk🤍
30 poses for your next shoot? I promise you don't need a list.
What matters more is feeling relaxed enough to just be your family.
My job is to guide you into moments that feel natural, not stiff or forced.
Thirteen years in, I still believe connection beats a perfect pose every time.
Want my real tips for a relaxed, natural session instead of a pose list?
Comment PREP and I'll send them your way📸
If we haven't met yet, hi! My name is Leslie.
I'm the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography, and for the past 13 years I've been helping families capture the fast, precious days of raising kids.
What started as photographing my own kids turned into a business helping other families do the same.
My goal is simple:
✨ keep things natural and breezy
✨ let your kids be themselves
✨ create real connection, not stiff poses
✨ give you a fun, laid back experience
✨ deliver photographs that feel like art for your walls
You don't have to be a "perfect" family for perfect photos. Your kids don't have to sit still and smile on cue. And it's never too late (or too early) to capture this season before it's gone.
If you're a mom who wants to hold onto these years, here's what you'll find here:
• session prep tips
• what to wear guidance
• photography tips
• location ideas
• ways to display your photos
Follow along for more family photography tips and a behind the scenes look at sessions.
And if you've been thinking about booking a session for your family, comment SESSION and I'll send you the details.🤍
