I’ve lived in New York for 21 years now. And yet every time I am in the city, I still feel like a tourist. That feeling of being a girl from a small town in Indiana in the big city never gets old.
PREVIOUS NYC LOCATIONS
Working with my fabulous clients has given me the opportunity to explore NYC in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. Every year for the past six years, we have chosen a different place in the bounds of their hometown, NYC. Together we have hit some pretty great locations. First it was Gentry Plaza for the stunning Manhattan skyline. They introduced me to the little known Conservatory Gardens of Central Park which you can see here. The unique gem of a neighborhood Stuyvesant Town was a total surprise. And the revitalized and colorful World Trade Center session was super cool I promise you I would never have seen Stuy-town without this family; the Conservatory Gardens has become a favorite spot because of them.
THIS YEAR’S HOT SPOT
This year, we visited the South Street Seaport. This spot is quintessential NYC. Is it touristy? Sure, but unlike other well visited NYC spots like Times Square or the Empire State Building, Wall Street locals must love this destination for socialization and family time. It’s a great spot to just hang out, dine al fresco, grab a drink with friends, and of course the waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge views never ever get old. This is definitely the kind of place that warrants repeat visits. In fact, as soon as the weather gets nice, I am insisting on a date night there.
But the true start of the show is this family. I just can’t get enough of them. The kids are so smart and so cute. I love to give them artistic control and have them set up shots. We have the best time.
Check out the final product and if you like the idea of this location, hit me up and let’s plan something special.
GEAR AND SETTINGS
Sony A7 iv 24-70 2.8 – Nikon D750 70-200 2.8 Kept my ISO at about 800 as it was an overcast day -kept aperture at 3.2 for whole family and 2.8 for single person and adjusted shutter speed accordingly.
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🤍
