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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Family Pictures at Kennelly Park in Fairport

This family always likes to have fun with their family pictures. The last time we saw them, we went mini golfing with them. This time they were celebrating the littlest's first birthday, and they hit up Moonlight Creamery for an ice cream celebration.

But first, we captured some portraits of the whole family. We updated each child’s individual portrait, with a focus on their newly minted one year old.

Then after the family pictures were taken care of, it was time to celebrate with baby’s first ice cream cone!


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Candid Mini Sessions: Family Pictures at the Beach in Rochester NY

Beach lovers, unite! As family portrait photographers, we get excited every year about the possibilities for fun this Candid Mini Session bring. Here's why Family Mini Sessions at the beach are the ultimate fun-filled experience:

  1. Perfect for All Ages

    The beach is a wonderful place for people of all ages. Kids can build sandcastles, run in the water, or simply explore the shore. Teens and adults can enjoy peaceful strolls, play beach games or just rest in the sand. No matter your age, the beach offers something for everyone, making it the ideal location for a family mini session.

  2. Relaxed Atmosphere

    There’s something about the sound of crashing waves and warm sand that creates a relaxed atmosphere that allows families to be themselves and have fun. Unlike family portraits in a studio environment, the beach allows for natural interactions and genuine expressions. Kids can run freely, splash in the water, or build sandcastles, giving us as photographers the opportunity to capture candid family pictures.

  3. Fun Activities

    Our beach Candid Mini Sessions aren't only about posing for family pictures. They provide an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a variety of activities together. From playing with beach toys to splashing in the waves, this playfulness adds a touch of joy and real life to the sessions.

  4. Natural Lighting and Stunning Sunsets

    As the golden hour sets in, beaches are blessed with glorious natural light, often creating a soft and dreamy atmosphere for your family portraits.

Family pictures at the beach are a great way capture precious moments while enjoying the natural beauty of the beach together.  So beach lovers, what are you waiting for?

Candid Mini Sessions at Egypt Park in Victor NY

One of the things I love the most about the families that come to our Candid Mini Sessions is all of the ways that they are constantly changing.

Like when a family, (who have been clients since their wedding) gets a new puppy.

Or when a family is celebrating the end of their home school year.

Or even just celebrating the fact that last time you were here at this playground, your child couldn’t climb the rock wall, but this time it was a piece of cake.

This mixture of family portraits and candid photography is how we help you remember all of the big and little moments of growth. It’s why our this version of family pictures exist.

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Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Webster NY

When it comes to capturing those precious first moments with your newborn, deciding between an in-home session versus a studio session is a common consideration. While both portrait session options have their merits, there are distinct advantages to choosing an in-home newborn session.

Candid Mini Sessions: Family Pictures at Webster Arboretum

There are so many perfect little nooks and crannies at the Webster Arboretum for family pictures. It’s hard for me to pick my favorite spot!

Our summer family mini sessions were full of silly faces and giggles - and that was just from us, the family photographers. The families that joined us for their family portraits were also full of silliness and laughs, but also snuggles and hugs.

The kids loved playing hide and seek in the willow trees, and climbing up on the rocks throughout the park. The parents loved getting an updated family picture AND simultaneously letting their kiddos run off some energy at the same time. Win-win for everyone!

Family Pictures with the Whole Family: Brighton NY Family Portraits

I have photographed every single person in this set of family pictures on more than one occasion. Whether at a wedding, newborn session or previous family portrait.

And on a lot of those occasions, we’ve had to adapt to whatever the changing conditions might be. Family pictures in the fall are beautiful. However, the weather is always unpredictable. For this family portrait, the rainy fall weather had us scrambling to find location options that would work for a family 9.

We settled on an in home family portrait, with the possibility of stepping outside in between rain showers if we could. Even the littlest was able to roll with the changes as we kept an eye on the conditions outside.

Despite the ever changing plans, I’d say that the smiles in these family pictures turned out perfectly.


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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.

Family Pictures in Geneva NY: Fairport NY Photographers

This adorable little family visited the Finger Lakes for their first time as a family of four over the summer. They enjoy being outside and exploring nature, so they celebrated this trip with a family portrait session along Seneca Lake in Geneva, NY.

We wandered the walking path near the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, and found some nice shady locations for their family pictures.

Aren’t some of these little moments the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?

Family Pictures with Santa: Fairport NY Family Photographers

What do you do when Santa comes to the door? Answer it, obviously!

This was such a unique and fun family portrait session. Santa arrived with a gift for each child, they put them on the tree together. They spent some time talking about the spirit of the holidays, and then they decorated cookies WITH Santa!

I felt like one of Santa’s elves photographing these family pictures. It was so magical! I believe this was an experience that this family will be able to cherish for years to come. And these family pictures will surely help them to do just that.