Oh gosh. I freaking love these playful family photos with a sweet toddler. It’s one of those times when everything comes together perfectly. For instance, the family is perfection. Mom and dad are so gentle and easy to be around. And baby boy could not be more of a delight. My mom genes were in full force. I wanted to be this cutie’s adopted auntie. I could easily spend a bunch of time playing with my little friend. Last year he was only a few months old and even then, he was a dream. Check him out as a new baby here.
The light and weather were spectacular. I always try to schedule my sessions in late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. That is how we get that golden back lighting that evokes an emotive response to an image. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible for a client to schedule at the perfect light time and sometimes there is cloud cover which changes the look entirely. Those sessions can also be great but late afternoon back light will always be my sweet spot.
My Approach
My philosophy for shooting with little ones is pretty simple. First of all, they run the show. If they are pissed off, we are all screwed. So we do what we need to do to keep baby happy. Sometimes that means lots of breaks and freedom to toddle about. And sometimes that falls right in line to the second part of my approach; lots and lots of family cuddles. I find that, the closer the family is in proximity and the more interaction amongst them, for sure, the better the final images. That is how I am able to capture real moments of love and connection.
Gear and Settings
Camera: Sony A7iv Lens: 24-07 2.8 Settings: It was late in the day so ISO was at 800. I kept the Aperture around 3.5 for the group and because toddlers move and the Shutter Speed varied depending what direction the subjects were facing.
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.🤍
