Capturing Precious Memories - An Early Autumn Family Photoshoot
As the warmth of summer fades into the crisp air of early fall, there's a certain magic glow that blankets everything in sight. Recently, I had the joy of capturing that magic in a beautiful outdoor family photoshoot on the Hudson River waterfront.
There will be bubbles.
The Setting: Late Summer Perfection
We decided that their apartment’s common area and adjacent waterfront walkway gave us everything we needed to capture some fun and authentic moments. It was a bit unseasonably warm that afternoon, but the greenery was still lush, and hints of autumn were still starting to peek through. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows and bathed everything in a soft, golden hue.
This is one of my favorite times of year for outdoor photography—when the world feels like it's on the verge of change, but summer hasn’t quite let go yet.
The Family: A Love Story in Pictures
The couple, Erin & Steven, brought along their young daughter Vivienne, who stole the show from the moment we began. There was something so pure and heartwarming about watching Vivienne, so full of curiosity, chasing bubbles, and beaming that sweet smile that made the session so fun and dynamic.
I actually had the pleasure of working with Erin and Steven before when I came by to photograph little Vivienne at just three months old! Seeing just how much she’s grown in such a seemingly short time was a king of magic in and of itself.
Capturing Natural Moments
One of my goals for this shoot was to capture candid, natural moments — photos that reflected who they are as a family: playful, loving, and deeply connected. It turned out this was easier than I could have imagined. It was quickly evident that Vivienne understood the assignment. She sprang into action, playing with her favorite pink soccer ball and chasing bubbles around the courtyard. Even though I was making an effort to stay back a bit and not insert myself too much, she was not even the slightest bit camera shy!
Watching Vivienne laugh and giggle while her parents took in all the magic of those moments is the sort of thing that really brings a photoshoot to life.
The cutest little wave!
Taking the Shoot on the Move
Not wishing to tire out Vivienne too much (even kids have batteries!), we decided to take our shoot on the move and explore some new areas. Vivienne engaged each location along the waterfront with voracious enthusiasm. It was so clear to me that she could be doing anything, and as long as her family was there with her, she’d be the happiest girl on the planet.
All the Small Things
In every photoshoot, it’s the little details that make all the difference. I made sure to capture the way Vivienne explored the flower beds and touched the petals, and the way she loved to high-five Erin on the swing set as the two passed each other. These small, intimate moments often hold the most emotion, and they’re the ones that families cherish for years to come.
Vivienne understood the assignment.
This family photoshoot was a reminder of why I love what I do. Capturing the genuine connection between parents and their children, framed by their own homes and their own lives is something that never gets old. Erin, Steven, and Vivienne’s session was full of laughter, love, and that unmistakable feeling of early autumn warmth.
If you’re looking to capture your own family’s moments during this special time of year, don’t wait. Autumn is still here for now, so let’s make the most of those changing leaves, beautiful colors, and overall best vibes of the year by far!
