Family Photograph

Long Island Family - Manhasset Family Photographer

That’s a wrap, 2019! My very last photoshoot of 2019 was a super fun family photo session with 9 month old Jayden and his parents, Mina and Jon. Our photo session was at their family’s beautiful and open home in Manhasset, NY.

Mina and Jon’s son Jayden was a lot of fun to photograph. He was super curious and didn’t mind dressing up in his new pajamas.

Photographing families in their home makes for the best photos. Everyone is comfortable and the kids have all of their favorite toys right there. Especially for little kids, home photoshoots are the best, not only because home is where the toys are, but because it’s easy for everyone. We were even able to pause for Jayden’s 30 minute nap and pick right back up again when he woke up.

Family Photo checklist for kids

  • Toys: On family photo sessions I always recommend brining a few toys. Children, young and old, need a distraction. It’s hard to constantly smile photo after photo, and still look happy. A toy break can be a great mood booster and a nice way to relax.

  • Snacks: Even this photographer needs a snack break from time to time. Bring snacks to our family shoot. It’s a huge mood booster and even a bargaining chips to get the kids to pay attention and behave.

  • Budget time: Budget time in to your family photoshoot for snack breaks and time to play. Not all of our photos have need to be posed photos. Sometimes the best photos are of the kids just being kids…. even if it’s on the floor. Posed family photos are great, and so are candids.

Jimmy's Upper East Side Baptism

Jimmy’s family gathered at St. Ignatius Loyola on the Upper East Side, the very place his parents were married, early on a cold Saturday morning. The priest was the same priest who married his parents.

family photos

We took a few photos inside the church before the baptism ceremony began. The ceremony space was tight, but I made do. After the ceremony, we took a bunch more posed family photos throughout the church where we had more. Then, it was off to brunch at nearby Orsay in Lenox Hill.

photographing the BAPTISM luncheon

At brunch, I made sure to photograph the posed family photos we didn’t get to prior, as well as candid photos and some more casual photos. I also used this time to capture friends who were not able to make the baptism service earlier in the day. Unlike the pre-service photos, post service and lunch photos tend to be more casual. These are the “3-2-1 CHEESE!” type shots.

Church: St. Ignatius Loyola

Restaurant: Orsay (Upper East Side)