A cozy light and bright mini session was not planned. This year was a bit different. I didn’t do a full weekend or even one full day of holiday mini sessions like I usually do. Like this session here. My scheduled filled up fast before I had a chance to put aside a specific day for holiday minis.

But lucky for me, I was still able to squeeze a few mini session in for some lovely client families. I didn’t have to miss out on that holiday cheer all together, and I was able to capture this time of year for them despite the hustle and bustle.

I kept the set minimal and bright and let the subjects exude cheer. It’s all about the people anyway. And I got to use my adorable 3 foot stuffed gnome that I had no business buying in the first place LOL. Isn’t he adorable!

Enjoy these super cute Christmas mini photos and I hope you have and your families have a wonderful and joyful holiday season.

Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis gnome
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis dog on the bed
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis family dog
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis tweens
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis bed and pajamas
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis lying down pose
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis playful
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis brother and sister
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis toddler
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis christmas decor
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis cheek kisses
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis couch pose
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis with mom and dad
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis sofa
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis little girl
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis family of three
Long Island Studio Minimal Holikday Minis christmas card
@leslielevinephotography
Leslie Levine

@leslielevinephotography

Portrait Photographer with over thirteen years of experience creating natural breezy heartfelt portraits of families and couples.
  • 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🤍
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🤍
18 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
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
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
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📸
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
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📸
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
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🤍
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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