FAMILY PORTRAITS

When you look at the photos from your family session, I want you to feel the connection between your family members and get a sense of each person as they really are. Some photos may be bursting with joy, others may be contemplative and understated, and still others might reveal the quiet beauty of spontaneous moments. What you won’t see are prescribed smiles or forced poses. 

A family portrait offers a special opportunity to document a moment, whether you’re welcoming a new addition, celebrating an anniversary, marking a rite of passage, or simply capturing everyday life. My aim is to create images that leave individuals feeling truly seen and empowered, and that reveal the connections between partners, friends, and family members.

From the moment you book your session, our focus will be completely on your goals for our time together. I’ll ask you questions about the purpose of the session and the overall feel you’re seeking.

No matter the purpose of a session, I love the chance to tell a meaningful story. 

“These are so fun! Thank you so much for these lovely portraits, Isabella! Emily and I just looked at them together and relived the joy of that day. You definitely pulled something new and different out of us for these images, something that has continued since that day! It might sound silly, but I think that you removed a generation of hesitation, reluctance to show feelings. For that I will be eternally grateful.” - Wendy

  • Immediate family only (parents/guardians + kids), approximately an hour, one location.

    Session fee $850
    Contact me for extended family pricing.

    The session fee includes
    Isabella’s time and talent and the on-location session experience.
    20 artistically edited, high resolution, digital portraits with both color and BW options.
    Styling and location consultation.
    All communication every step of the way.

    A 50% deposit is required to reserve your session date and time.
    The remaining balance is due one week before the session.

    Within four weeks from your session, you'll receive an online gallery of your available images to choose and download your 20 favorite portraits from.
    Options to purchase additional digital portraits and/or order prints also available.

    The price does not include
    Prints of your photos (which you can order through your gallery and will be completed by a fabulous third-party professional printing lab).
    Access to unedited (RAW) photos from your session.
    The expedited processing fee of $150 for more rapid access to the gallery of digital photographs than the standard delivery period, subject always to Photographer’s professional availability.
    Travel fees for more distant locations or for specific location scouting.
    Any surprise or unexpected fees.

    Let me know if you think you need a longer session. Sessions can be custom designed for your needs.

    To ensure I’m giving every client the same experience and to keep things fair for everyone, my prices are non-negotiable.

  • Beginning even before we meet, your preparation for the session lays the groundwork for this magic to happen. This means closely following my written guidelines about everything from what to wear, when to arrive, how to prepare your family members of varying ages, and more. The better you prepare for our session, the more natural and spontaneous you can be during our time together, and the more genuine the photos will be. When you see them, you will feel the essence of your connections.

    My approach to family photography is simple, warm and down-to-earth. Rather than posing for the camera, you can expect a much more relaxed experience, ideally at a beautiful location outdoors in the late afternoon. I’ll take photos while you are walking, laughing, and enjoying the time with your loved ones. I guide you through the whole session with prompts and ideas.

    What I advise people to do is simply be together during the session in as genuine a way as possible. If you are a parent with younger children, I encourage you to focus on them in the same way you would without a photographer nearby. With older children, hang out with them just as you do at home. Don’t be afraid to embrace the chaos of little ones and the personality and pathos of adolescents.

    Location: I have many outdoor locations where I love to work, but I am always open to meeting at your favorite spot. The goal is to choose a place that fits your style and personality, and I am happy to help you think through this decision. If you have a strong preference for having your family session in your home, that can also be an option.

    Time: The images you see on my website look the way they do largely because of my use of light, so the time of day your session takes place is really important. I find that the hour or so before sunset typically provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. If we meet indoors, the morning light is usually the best.

    Length of session: My family portrait sessions are approximately one hour. Extended family sessions are 90 minutes.

    What to wear: Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. After you book, I will send more tips, and also be available to offer further guidance if you need it.

    Pets: Including your pet(s) in your family session is ultimately up to your discretion, as of course you know their nature and disposition best. What is crucial is to be confident that your pet(s) will be well-behaved and compliant throughout your session. One option is to consider having a designated individual present who is not part of the photographs and can be responsible for the animal at any given time. This guarantees that you will be able to relax and get the most out of the experience. Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and I don’t promise arrangements that center on the pet(s).

    Combinations of people: The overall flow of your session is a combination of me guiding you while also tuning into the energy and connections between you as individuals and as a group. I aim to be sure we capture many different groupings of people, just not in a scripted or forced way. I encourage you to be open-minded about what combinations of people we end up with. Let the fun begin!

  • UNSCRIPTED: An Alternative Approach to Creating Family Memories

    Life is so full – and goes by so fast! Each day can feel like a year, and each year can pass as quickly as a day. Imagine capturing both the ordinary and the special moments of your family’s life, in a way that goes beyond squeezing everyone into the frame for a mere hour or two.

    Family can mean so many things, and family life encompasses so much more than often meets the eye. No matter what your family looks like, when it comes to telling your family’s story, there is something unique and meaningful about an unscripted approach that may occur over time, not necessarily all at once.

    Life events that often go undocumented can be incredibly powerful to photograph. These could include everything from walking your dog to bedtime routines to the more singular moments that only come once, happy and sad alike.

    Through a completely customized process, we will design the experience together, beginning with a consultation to discuss your ideas and preferences. Based on your resources and a minimum investment, we will also craft a budget that works for you. No matter the specifics of our ultimate agreement, you will end up with a gorgeous album. Photos may be color, black and white, or both, according to my creative discretion.

    Contact me if you are interested.