Tips for Making the Most of Your Spring Family Pictures

Spring Family Pictures in Webster NY

Springtime in the Rochester area brings a burst of color and life, making it the perfect season for capturing memorable family portraits. If you’re planning family pictures this spring, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of it.

Timing is Everything

To take advantage of the beautiful spring light, consider scheduling your family portrait session during the golden hours of the day. Early morning and early evening (around dusk) provide the soft, warm light that enhances your family pictures. During these times, the sunlight is more flattering, and you'll avoid the harsh midday glare. Additionally, the spring light adds a fresh and natural glow to your photos, making them truly special. 

However, you should always be prepared for unpredictable weather, as we had with the session below at Webster Arboretum. Before the session, the forecast called for a 5% chance of rain - which turned into a 99% chance of rain, and caused a slight delay, but ultimately did not stop the fun!

Choosing the Right Outfit for Spring Family Pictures

Spring in Rochester is all about vibrant colors and blooming flowers, so your outfits should reflect the season's lively spirit. Here are some outfit suggestions to complement the spring scenery:

• Pastels and Brights: Soft pastels and bright colors work beautifully against the backdrop of blooming flowers and lush greenery. Think light pinks, soft blues, and fresh greens.

• Layered Looks: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Opt for light sweaters, jackets, and scarves that you can easily add or remove.

• Coordinated but Not Matching: Choose outfits that coordinate well but don’t match exactly. This approach creates a harmonious look while allowing each family member’s personality to shine through.

• Don’t be afraid to rock an umbrella if the weather changes mid family portrait session!

Ideas for Spring Family Portraits in Rochester NY

To truly capture the spirit of spring and your family’s dynamic, here are some photo ideas:

• Blooming Backdrops: Pose against the vibrant spring blooms at locations like this one at Webster Arboretum or Highland Park. The colorful flowers will add a lively touch to your photos.

• Family Fun: Capture moments of your family enjoying the season with a touch of candid family photography. Whether it’s playing in the park, having a picnic, or simply walking together, these genuine interactions can create cherished memories.

• Seasonal Props: Incorporate seasonal props such as flower bouquets, colorful kites or even a colorful umbrella if it’s needed! These props can enhance the spring theme and add a playful element to your photos. (Think “Singing in the Rain” vibes!)

By taking advantage of the beautiful spring light, choosing outfits that reflect the season’s vibrant colors, and selecting the perfect Rochester photo locations, you can create stunning family pictures that capture the essence of spring. Enjoy your photoshoot and make the most of this vibrant season!

Find more candid family pictures in Rochester NY on the blog

Candid Family Mini Sessions at Creative Gardens

Last summer, we had the joy of capturing a series of family mini sessions at Creative Gardens, and the results were heartwarming! These family portrait sessions, filled with laughter and genuine connections, showcased the beautiful bonds and unique personalities within each family.

The love and connection between family members was beautifully evident. We photographed parents playing with their kids, sharing warm embraces, and simply enjoying each other’s company. One image that particularly stands out was of a father with his two daughters as the sunlight creates a glow behind them. The tenderness and affection in these family pictures is gorgeous.

Here's a glimpse into the moments we captured at these family mini sessions.

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Memorial Art Gallery Family Pictures: Rochester NY photographers

Family pictures are a timeless way to capture moments that last a lifetime. When looking for the perfect backdrop for these cherished memories, consider incorporating outdoor art into your photo session. The outdoor art at the Memorial Art Gallery provided a unique and visually appealing setting for your family pictures, adding an artistic element to your portraits.

Whether it's a vibrant mural, a whimsical sculpture, or a stunning landscape design, the outdoor art at Memorial Art Gallery added depth and interest to these golden hour family pictures. Some of the art reflected their personality and style, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop that reflected shared interests and values.

Portraits at the Memorial Art Gallery also offered the opportunity to play with colors, textures, and shapes, adding creative flair to these family photos, creating dynamic and engaging images that stand out.

So next time you're planning a family photo session, consider exploring the Memorial Art Gallery as a unique and meaningful portrait location in Rochester. Not only will it elevate your pictures aesthetically, but it will also add a personal touch that captures the essence of your family's story.

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Holiday Portraits at Fellows Road Park: Fairport NY Family Pictures

Capture the Magic of the Holidays with Family Mini Session Portraits

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with beautiful family portraits that will warm your heart for years to come?

Whether you're looking to update your family photo album, create personalized holiday cards, or simply capture the joy and togetherness of the season, a family mini session is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

Mini sessions offer a convenient and budget-friendly option for busy families who want stunning portraits without the time commitment of a full session. In just a short amount of time, you'll have a collection of gorgeous images that perfectly capture the magic of the holidays.

From festive outdoor setups adorned with twinkling lights and rustic props to cozy indoor scenes complete with holiday décor, the possibilities are endless when it comes to mini session themes. Whether you prefer a classic, timeless look or something more whimsical and playful, your photographer can help bring your vision to life.

And the best part? Mini sessions are a fantastic way to get the whole family involved! Whether you're a family of two or ten, there's nothing quite like coming together to create lasting memories in front of the camera.

So this holiday season, why not treat your family to a mini session portrait experience? It's the perfect way to celebrate the magic of this special time of year and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Family Pictures at Chase Farms

Elevate the experience and capture lasting mementos of each Halloween memory at our Chase Farms Candid Mini Session.

Taking professional pictures of your child's Halloween costume is a wonderful idea. It helps you capture their creativity and imagination. Kids and parents alike put thought into choosing and making their costumes. Halloween costumes capture fleeting childhood moments. They immortalize your child's unique personality in their costume.

Our annual Candid Mini Session at Chase Farms ensures that this time in their lives is preserved for future you, creating a lasting memory for you and your child to treasure.

Investing in professional photos of your child's Halloween costume adds magic to the experience. Your kids get to have fun in their costume one extra time, and you get to stand back and let someone else worry about making sure a picture was taken. Instead of using quick smartphone pics, we can create images that bring out the fun of Halloween.

What could be better than that… besides eating all of your child’s Halloween candy?

Candid Mini Sessions: Apple picking and family pictures in Rochester NY

Apple Farms are just a fantastic backdrop for Family Portrait shenanigans. It’s a delightful combination that appeals to people for a variety of reasons.

Here’s just 2 of our favorite reasons why we think that apple picking and family pictures go together like peanut butter and jelly.

1. Creating Cherished Memories: Apple picking creates lasting memories with the family. And at the same time, orchards offer beautiful surroundings for peaceful and happy pictures. Picking apples becomes an family outing filled with laughter and finding the best ones. Family pictures, and especially our Candid Mini Sessions, capture these happy moments to be enjoyed in the future, bringing back joyful feelings and cherished memories.

2. Celebrating Traditions: Apple picking is a beloved tradition for families, marking the start of fall. It brings generations together for this timeless activity, capturing the family bond with autumn pictures. These photos preserve cherished customs, adding importance to the apple picking tradition each year.

Yes, folks, apple orchards in the Rochester area have become the go-to location for family pictures, and for good reason. The vibrant colors, the rustic charm, and the sheer abundance of photogenic props make these orchards fun for everyone. But the real magic lies in the way these orchards transform into makeshift playgrounds for families, providing the perfect backdrop for Fall family pictures in Rochester - capturing all of our moments of joy, silliness, and sometimes downright chaos.

Capturing Family Pictures at the Strong Museum of Play

Looking for the perfect spot for fun family pictures in Rochester? Look no further than the Strong Museum of Play!

Recently, we embarked on a fun-filled adventure at this iconic museum, and let me tell you, it was picture-perfect from start to finish! From carousel to butterfly garden, there was no shortage of excitement and laughter. As we photographed these candid family pictures amidst the fun, we knew we were creating memories that would last a lifetime.

So if you're looking for a place where family fun meets picture-perfect moments, the Strong Museum of Play is the ultimate destination.

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3 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time of Year for Family Pictures: Rochester NY Photographers

Spring is our favorite time of year. The temperatures rise, the colors burst everywhere and the sun comes out of it’s winter hibernation in Rochester NY. It’s easy to see why our Candid Mini Sessions in Highland Park are always one of our most popular family mini sessions.

Here’s why we think that spring family pictures in Rochester NY are the best:

1. The weather is ideal

(Mostly. We do live in Rochester after all.)

During spring, the weather is mild and comfortable, not too hot or too cold. The sun is shining, and the natural light is perfect for capturing beautiful family pictures. You don't have to worry about the heat, and humidity of summer or the gray skies of a Rochester NY winter.

2. The world is gorgeous

Spring is the season of renewal, and nature is alive with vibrant colors. The trees and flowers are blooming, and the grass is green and lush. This creates the perfect backdrop for your family pictures, especially at Highland Park. The bursting color will make your family pictures pop.

3. It's a time for family gatherings

Spring is a time for family gatherings like Easter and Mother's Day. This makes it the perfect time to take family pictures. You can capture memories with extended family members or simply take pictures with your immediate family. It's a great way to create lasting memories.

So what’s your favorite season for family pictures? I hope it’s Spring… c’mon say it’s Spring… you know you want to!

Family Pictures in March: Candid Mini Sessions in Victor NY

March in the Rochester NY area is what we call “Mud Season.” But it’s also the time of year for Maple EVERYTHING, which makes March awesome.

The idea for “pancakes and pictures” as a Candid Mini Session was born out of necessity during the pandemic. That first portrait session event was of a tailgating variety, but has evolved now that the barn at Kettle Ridge Farm has opened for dining.

First, you eat the pancakes, and spend time with your family. Then after everyone’s bellies are full, we take a few fun family pictures!

This year it was a touch cold and rainy, but we did it anyway. We even got away with asking the kids to jump in the puddles - because believe it or not, those playful family photographs are priceless as your children grow.

We’re thankful for our families who brave the weather, and are willing to hang with us, even if we get a little wet.

Fall Candid Mini Sessions: Family Pictures in Rochester NY

2022’s Fall Candid Mini Family Sessions were gorgeous - every single one of them!

There were three opportunities for families to update their family pictures last fall. Our Tinker Park Family Sessions, a Halloween costume party at Chase Farms, and a late fall family mini session day at Abraham Lincoln Park.

Check out our favorites from each one below! Which will you join us for?

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Tinker Park

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Chase Farms

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Abraham Lincoln Park

Apple Picking Mini Sessions in Rochester NY

What is it about apple picking that makes for such fun candid mini session pictures? These family portrait sessions are always our most popular of the year.

Is it the fun of grabbing an apple and munching on it right there in the orchard? Is it the kids running up and down the paths? Is it the excitement when Mom or Dad lifts a child up to get the apple that’s all the way up on top of the tree?

We’ll never know for sure, but these families made the most of their apple snacks AND their family pictures.

Apple picking mini sessions for the win!

Beach Mini Sessions in Rochester NY: Fairport NY Photographers

Family pictures at the beach should always be this perfect.

Though for about an hour before them, it was pourinnnnng. We nervously watched the radar and hoped that we wouldn’t have to reschedule this candid mini session. Thankfully, the skies cleared and the light ended up being absolutely perfect.

We played on the boardwalk, in the sand, in the water and at Abbotts with this group of families. When it was all over, we were damp from going in the lake, full of sand and had full bellies from ice cream. But these family pictures were worth every grain of sand.

The pictures below were from our 2022 Candid Mini Session at the beach. This summer’s are happening in August! Want to join us?