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.
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!
