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.
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.
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.
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