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.
Sitting poses don’t have to feel stiff or awkward. After 13 years of photographing couples, I know exactly how to guide you into poses that feel comfortable, connected, and completely natural.
You don’t need modeling experience, you just need the right direction.
Save these sitting pose ideas for your next couples shoot, and comment SESSION if you’re ready to plan yours🤍
If we haven’t met yet, hi helloooo I’m Leslie🤍
I’ve been behind the camera for 13+ years, and I’ve learned this the hard way your clients don’t need to be “photogenic”… they need to be directed.
Most photographers think posing is about telling someone where to put their hands. It’s not.
It’s about making people feel something natural enough that the pose disappears.
My clients don’t walk in as models.
They’re everyday people who feel awkward, stiff, and unsure what to do with their bodies.
But with the right posing framework, they leave looking like the best version of themselves.
Here’s what I teach photographers after 13 years of trial, error, and thousands of shoots:
As a photographer, your job is to
– never say “just be natural” (they won’t)
– guide micro movements (chin, shoulders, hands matter)
– create motion instead of stiffness (movement beats posing)
– build trust so expressions become real, not forced
Because great photos aren’t about perfect angles…
They’re about making your client feel seen, comfortable, and confident in front of your lens.
Posing is a skill. Direction is an art.
And once you understand both, everything about your photography changes.
💬DM “POSE” if you want my exact client directing prompts I use on every shoot
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📸
Leslie here🤍
You need this family photo idea. Skip the stiff pose where everyone stares at the camera and forces a smile.
Real connection makes the best photos, the kind where you're actually laughing or holding your kids close.
After 13 years photographing families, I've learned the natural moments always beat the posed ones.
My goal is to give you a laid back session that captures your family's true personality.
Follow for more photo ideas and tips📸
This is what moms mean when they say they want family photos.
It's not about perfect poses or getting everyone to look at the camera at once.
I'm Leslie Levine, and after 13 years photographing families in Oceanside, I've learned the best photos happen when kids are just being kids.
I don't chase perfection, I chase connection.
What's one moment with your family you wish you had captured on camera? Tell me below🤍
