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.
This is everything, right here.
Hi, I’m Leslie, the one behind the lens 🤍
For years, I’ve been capturing the moments that don’t seem like a big deal right now…
but somehow become the ones you hold onto forever.
Because the truth is…
moms aren’t looking for more stuff.
They want:
✨ to be in the photos, not just behind them
✨ the way their kids reach for them without thinking
✨ those little everyday moments that pass too quickly
My sessions are easy, relaxed, and centered around your real connection — no stiff poses, no pressure.
With Mother’s Day coming up… here’s your gentle reminder:
the most meaningful gifts aren’t things…
they’re memories you get to keep 🤍
For a limited time, I’m offering $100 off gift certificates before Mother’s Day.
If you’ve been thinking about it, this might be your sign.
Comment “MOM” and I’ll send you all the details 💌
Built in small moments like this
Hi, I’m Leslie -- and I document what love looks like in real life.
Not the perfectly posed version.
The real one.
The messy, beautiful, in-between kind.
Because years from now…
these are the moments that matter most.
✨The way they held your hand.
✨The way they leaned into you without thinking.
✨The way you looked at them.
That’s what we’re preserving🤍
My sessions are calm, easy, and built around your family as you are — no pressure to perform.
And with Mother’s Day coming up…
this is your reminder that memories > things
I’m offering $100 off gift certificates for a limited time.
If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the moment.
Comment “MOM” and I’ll send everything over.💌
In the middle of everything, This is what matters most
For the past 13 years, I’ve been helping families capture the moments that feel small now… but mean everything later.
Because the truth is...
moms aren’t asking for more things.
They want:
✨photos where they’re actually in them
✨the way their kids look at them right now
✨the little in-between moments they never want to forget
My sessions are relaxed, natural, and centered around your real connection. No pressure, no perfect posing required.
And with Mother’s Day coming up… this is your reminder:
the best gift isn’t something you unwrap...
it’s something you look back on 🤍
For a limited time, I’m offering $100 off gift certificates when purchased before Mother’s Day.
If you’ve been thinking about gifting (or finally booking) a session…
Comment “MOM” and I’ll send you all the details 💌
pov: you get mom what she actually wants for Mother’s Day… 🤍
memories she can hold onto forever
Hi, I’m Leslie -- the photographer behind Leslie Levine Photography.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been helping families capture the moments that feel small now… but mean everything later.
Because the truth is...
moms aren’t asking for more things.
They want:
✨ photos where they’re actually in them
✨ the way their kids look at them right now
✨ the little in-between moments they never want to forget
My sessions are relaxed, natural, and centered around your real connection. No pressure, no perfect posing required.
And with Mother’s Day coming up… this is your reminder:
the best gift isn’t something you unwrap...
it’s something you look back on 🤍
For a limited time, I’m offering $100 off gift certificates when purchased before Mother’s Day.
If you’ve been thinking about gifting (or finally booking) a session…
Comment “MOM” and I’ll send you all the details 💌
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.
