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.
Little moments, all wrapped in love.
The closeness, the chaos, the cuddles, the small things that feel simple now but hold a magical chapter in them. The ones you don't want to forget.
That's why little moments matter. Capture them. Keep them. They're the ones that make all the difference. 🤍
As a mom myself, I want to take time to celebrate all the moms that I’ve been so damn lucky to have met and spend time with over the years.
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Moms are who have made my business successful and have allowed me to continue doing something I love for my job.
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I could not have done it without all of you.
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And it’s no coincidence that photos of Moms with their children are my absolute favorite.
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We moms give so much of ourselves without thinking twice. And when we get those special moments of pure heart-to-heart connection with our kids, it’s the most fulfilling and life affirming feeling that sustains us for the challenging moments. My hope is to give you those moments in photographs.
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So thank you so very much to all the moms that have supported Leslie Levine photography over the years.
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And I hope the photos we made together continue to bring you joy.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
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#longislandmoms #nycmom #momsandkids #happymothersday
Hi, I’m Leslie, the photographer behind the camera 🤍
For me, photography has always been about more than just taking pictures.
It’s about holding onto the moments that pass by way too fast.
Because the truth is…
the days may feel long sometimes, but these seasons of life don’t last forever.
Moms aren’t really asking for more things.
They want:
✨ photos with the people they love most
✨ memories that feel honest and real
✨ a way to remember their family exactly as they are right now
My sessions are relaxed, natural, and focused on connection over perfection.
And with Mother’s Day coming up, this is your reminder that some of the best gifts aren’t things at all 🤍
For a limited time, I’m offering $100 off gift certificates before Mother’s Day.
If you’d like the details, comment “MOM” and I’ll send everything over 💌
Mother’s Day is Sunday!
Last week to get $100 off a portrait session where we focus on Mom and her favorite people in the whole wide world.
Can’t wait to make memories with you!
Hi, I’m Leslie🤍
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of capturing families in all of their real, beautiful seasons of life.
And if there’s one thing I know for sure…
the photos that matter most are usually the ones you almost didn’t take.
Because moms don’t really want more stuff.
They want:
✨ photos where they’re part of the memory too
✨ the way their kids look at them right now
✨ something real to hold onto as the years keep moving
My sessions are relaxed, natural, and focused on genuine connection, no pressure to be perfect.
With Mother’s Day coming up, here’s your reminder:
the best gifts aren’t always things…
sometimes they’re memories you’ll treasure forever 🤍
For a limited time, I’m offering $100 off gift certificates before Mother’s Day.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, comment “MOM” and I’ll send you all the details 💌
