Peace out, boring stuffy photos.


My approach to family photos is simple - I want you to have amazing memories to go along with your amazing photos.


Because let's be real - your kids give zero F*'s about photos. They don't care. They just want to have your full attention - and to be free to be themselves.


What ends up happening a lot of the time is we get so stressed out and preoccupied with "Insta-perfect" photos, that we forget why we're getting these done in the first place - to capture memories with the people we love that will only grow in value over time.


My family sessions are laid-back, fun, and child-led. No saying "cheese". No stuffy poses. No unhappy kids (or partners).


I offer both lifestyle and documentary sessions to capture every stage of your family's story.



Joyful family moment captured on bed with everyone laughing together.

Lifestyle Family & Newborn


Lifestyle sessions include a mix of posed images with everyone looking at the camera, plus a healthy dose of candid, authentic moments of connection.


Lifestyle sessions are perfect for you if you prefer a more polished look for your photos, and/or if you need them for a specific purpose (like a gift or for holiday cards). Lifestyle sessions can take place at your home or outside in nature (I have some suggestions if you need help picking a location!)


I have a variety of different lifestyle session options to choose from to fit your specific goals, budget, and time constraints.




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Black and white photo of a woman and her dog sharing an intimate moment together.

Documentary Family Photography


Documentary sessions are different than what you're probably used to. They're all about capturing real life as it is right now - chaos, crazy, big love, and everything in between. These will be the photos of your kids doing the quirky things they do (and probably some naughty things, too). These are the memories that when you look back on their childhood, they will bring the biggest smile to your face because they were just having fun being themselves and being loved by you.


These sessions start with 5-10 minutes of "posed" family portraits - you know, the ones that Grandma keeps asking for to put on her fridge.


Once we grab those shots, then it's time to just PLAY! Maybe have an activity or two lined up, or just kick everyone outside to hang out together. Whatever it is you love to do together in this season, DO IT! And I'll be there to capture the memories.

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Parent pushing small child in red swing set against wooden fence backdrop.
Black and white candid portrait of family snuggling together on bed with patterned bedding.
A cozy black and white moment of parent and child playing together on the couch.
Family enjoying a sunset moment together in a golden field of tall grass.
A joyful moment eating ice cream together outdoors in the summer sunshine.
Family members interact in a warm-lit kitchen with wooden cabinets.
Overhead view of family members lying close together on carpet with baby in red outfit.
Black and white photo of people petting happy black dog indoors.
A young child helps pour ingredients into a mixing bowl while cooking in the kitchen.
Young baby in white onesie lying on textured white blanket.
A black and white photo of a young child playing the harmonica
Parent and children dancing together in a meadow during sunset.
Expectant couple embraces outdoors in a natural garden setting at sunset.
A sweet moment shared between an adult and small child near a food truck on a sunny day.
Family group relaxing on blanket in autumn field with pumpkin at sunset.
Family of four posing together in a wildflower field at sunset.
Young child in striped dress blowing dandelion seeds with golden bokeh background.
Black and white portrait of family group sitting together on steps in front of house.
A low angle black and white view of people standing in a kitchen.
Two children jumping with excitement in a green garden setting.
A brown dog rests on the floor beneath kitchen furniture.
Family lying on a gray blanket together in a playful overhead shot.
Black and white intimate maternity photo showing a tender embrace in tall grass.
A joyful moment shared on the couch in a home kitchen setting.
Family sharing joyful moments together during golden hour in a natural outdoor setting.
A baby in a floral outfit crying while sitting in a high chair.
Family exploring apple orchard together on sunny autumn day.
Family bonding together in a sunlit field with tall grasses and trees during golden hour.
A sunny outdoor gathering at a picnic table with shared laughter and snacks.
A child rides a small black toy car in a driveway
Pregnant woman in casual attire relaxes on grassy hill with pine trees in background.
A small child in a red striped tank top enjoys an ice cream cone outdoors.
Intimate family moment captured in warm sunlight among autumn foliage.
Two children sitting back-to-back while laughing and smiling outdoors.
Black and white image of playful interaction in backyard setting with wooden fence background.
Baby in red outfit lying on textured white bedding in warm indoor lighting.
Happy family sitting outdoors in front yard on autumn afternoon with house and greenery in background.
Black and white portrait of baby on geometric patterned background.
Maternity moment shared in a garden setting with summer light filtering through leaves.
A black and white view under kitchen chairs with people visible in the background.
Black and white image of mom and daughter walking hand in hand down garden path.
A black and white photo of a baby sitting on a hardwood floor.
Black and white photo showing interaction with chickens on wooden deck outdoors.

"...A comfortable and easy experience."


"We love our family photos. We got a few posed ones but focused on capturing real life moments and I am so blessed to have them. It was a comfortable and easy experience. We just played at our home and in our backyard and she captured some AMAZING photos. She also did a film which I love and will cherish forever."

"...A comfortable and easy experience."


"We love our family photos. We got a few posed ones but focused on capturing real life moments and I am so blessed to have them. It was a comfortable and easy experience. We just played at our home and in our backyard and she captured some AMAZING photos. She also did a film which I love and will cherish forever."

A black and white portrait of dad and daughter shared outdoors on a sunny afternoon.

Illustrate your family's story

Illustrate your family's story

Novita Family Photostories is a birth photographer, videographer, doula, and family photographer based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Leslie castleberry is a birth photographer, birth doula, birth videographer, and family photographer in Lincoln, NE