2025 SPRING BOOKING is open!
Our family photo session will be fun, playful, relaxed, and unique to your family. We will capture the fun and the silly, the love and the realness...and everything in between.
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FAMILY PHOTO FAQ
How do I book a photo session with Jamie at Live Love Lens Photography?
To book a photo session, a session fee is required to secure your date and time, as well as a signed online contract. This covers your photo session and the editing and creation of your proof gallery. This also includes “what to wear” recommendations, tips on how to prep, and a pre-session call upon request. Please click here.
When is a good time to book family photos?
Since I mainly work outdoors, spring and fall are most popular! The cooler temps allow everyone to be comfortable - not too hot or cold. And, fall foliage! No explanation needed. With that said, I also love a summer sunset or a snowy scene!
Where do family photos take place?
Typically in a park in Essex or Union County, NJ. My favorites are Memorial Park in Maplewood, Taylor Park in Milllburn, Verona Park in Verona, Echo Lake in Mountainside, and Nomahegan Park in Cranford. I also love the South Mountain Reservation! It’s also fun to take “On the Town" photos in your favorite downtown area (such as Maplewood, Summit, Millburn, Madison, or Westfield, NJ). Photos can also be done at your home - in the yard, the garden, on the porch, or even in your pool!
What time of day is best for family photos?
For families with young kids, morning is usually best when they’re bright eyed and less sleepy. I mainly photograph families in the morning or later in the day, before sunset. You know your family best. It’s best to avoid being cranky, hungry, or overtired during photos (this goes for grown ups too!!) so choose the time of day that works best or your family. Are you morning people? Great! Love golden hour photos? Perfect. I’ll always try my best to accommodate you.
We’d like our photo session to include grandparents and cousins - how does that work?
Absolutely! I have two options for family photo sessions. The standard session includes up to six family members. The larger one includes up to ten family members, and we can do more people too. We can discuss more when we talk about the session.
What about my dog?
I love dogs! The key is the dog’s ability to be chill if needed. I’m laughing as I write this as my own dog has no chill. I love spunky dogs but if they are reactive to other dogs (in a park for example) or are not able to sit or lay down for photos, it might be difficult to involve them, and will cause more stress than you’d like.
What should we wear?
First and foremost, you want to be comfortable and feel like YOU. Coordinating is great, but no need to all match.
A good tip is to dress “for the season” - warm autumn tones in the fall, pastels and softer tones in the spring.
Here are some links to check out:
How do we view the images after our photo session?
Within three weeks of your photo session (or sooner if you choose a “rush” fee), you’ll receive a proof gallery of around 75 images. You will review your proof gallery, along with the package options, and decide what to get.
We love the photos!! Now what??!
Hooray! This is one of my favorite parts. There are many options for your new family photos! I always recommend choosing some tangible photo items so you can enjoy your photos for years to come as you display them in your home. I’m available to help you make your selections.
Print options include photo albums, photo art (metal, wooden and canvas), standard prints, and digital files. I personally own all the items I offer, and love them all.
Help!! My kids don’t like taking photos!! How will they cooperate for you?
This is pretty common, no worries! It’s a team effort for sure…
First, we check off the basics - very important basics:
Kids should eat before the shoot. Hungry kids don’t want to take photos.
They should try on their outfit and make sure they’re comfy in what they’re wearing (this is HUGE! It is NOT worth the battle!!). DO THIS THE DAY BEFORE. Please do not wait for the morning of the shoot to try their clothes on.
Give them some control over this - do they want to bring their favorite toy or book? What pictures do they want to take? Happy to do lots of silly pics in the beginning.
Do they have a favorite way to pose? Ask them to show you some of their ideas.
Get a good night’s sleep - important for all family members! The night before photos is not the time for an epic sleepover.
Anything else I can do to prep?
Talk to your kids about photos a few days prior - share how special it is to take family pics (show them some of yours). Make sure they know they’re super awesome for taking family photos.
Depending on their age, play “family photo session” with stuffed animals - let them use your phone or a toy camera. And maybe there’s a promise of something special after, if you think that would help…ice cream or their favorite TV show is always a good bet.
I’m told I’m pretty good with kids of all ages. I have a social work background and have lots of experience with little ones through teens. I am silly and goofy and love to be a kid. I never force smiles or sitting still (running and dancing encouraged!) and I always try to “meet the child where they are at”. I’m known to play Elmo videos or have a “Baby Shark” dance party.
The importance of FUN: Having FUN during the photo session is key - the goal is to be light and fun, not too serious. The more we yell “Smile, Johnny!!”, the less likely Johnny is to smile. It’s best to take a step back and let the magic unfold. The more calm and patient the adults are, the more likely we are to capture great moments.
What’s the investment?
There is a $399 deposit for the shoot itself, and a minimum after of $350 towards digital files, prints, and/or a custom album. You have many options to choose from after. I also offer a 3-month payment plan upon request.
I am very hands-on and can help you choose what to order after you see the photos. I love designing photo albums as well as beautiful photo art pieces for your walls.
Do you ever offer mini sessions?
Yes! For now, just one day a year around Mother’s Day. It’s a special opportunity and a feel-good experience — your participation supports a photography donation to Isaiah House (a family shelter in Orange, NJ) where I photograph very deserving moms for Mother’s Day. The 2025 day will be announced shortly!