Downtown Village Family Photos | A Joyful Fall Lifestyle Session

A Yearly Tradition with One of My Favorite Families

Photographing families year after year is one of the most special parts of my work — watching children grow, seeing personalities blossom, and documenting it all through beautiful, meaningful portraits. This family of three has become such a favorite of mine. Every winter, they visit my studio for their daughter’s birthday portraits, and every fall we head outdoors for a creative lifestyle session that captures what life feels like right now. (For a blast from the past, see sweet Sam’s 6 month baby studio portraits, and their vibrant outdoor fall family session here.)

This year’s session took place right in Maplewood’s charming downtown village — a perfect mix of personality, color, and nostalgia. We visited their local library, stopped for hot chocolate, wandered past the shops they frequent, and ended at the small park tucked right in the heart of town.

A Photographer’s Perspective: Real Life, Beautifully Documented

It’s an absolute pleasure to photograph families in places that are meaningful to them. Usually, that’s their home, but I am always excited when clients suggest something a bit different. Mom envisioned a downtown family photoshoot and I was absolutely thrilled. The first spot that came to mind was the new library. Our town waited years while Mapelwood Memorial Library was lovingly renovated, and it was so emotional and joyous when it finally opened on July 5, 2025. My children and I visit the gorgeous new space frequently; I knew it would make a stunning backdrop for this fun, colorful family. Also, I happen to have a soft spot for photos of parents reading to their children, so this really was a dream come true. Mom’s styling did not disappoint.

When the backdrop is part of your everyday life — the library, the lovely café where you grab hot chocolate (Perch is heaven, inside and out), the streets you walk and parks where your child plays — the photos feel personal, not posed.

That’s always my goal: to create images that are not just beautiful, but deeply true to your family. Whether that means styling a timeless studio birthday session or documenting your favorite local stories in the downtown village, I love helping families preserve these moments in a way that feels genuine, modern, and full of love.

Bonus: supporting local businesses!

A Colorful Family Adventure Downtown

While I often love the simplicity of neutral tones for family photoshoots, I’m just as inspired when families bring bold style and personality. When color and creativity are part of who you are, I want your photos to celebrate that.

This artistic family is always a dream to photograph. Mom’s gorgeous hair and rainbow outfits for her and Sam reflected their family’s bright, creative energy beautifully. Three year old Sam brought the magic (and the movement!) — curious, playful, and full of life. Love.

Planning the Session Together

One of my favorite parts of working with this family is the trust and collaboration we’ve built over time. They give me so much creative freedom, but we also brainstorm ideas together. For this session, we discussed all their favorite village spots and I did a walkthrough during sunset a few days before.

They left the shoot thinking, like many parents of toddlers do, “I’m not sure we got much!” But when they saw their gallery, they were thrilled. The photos captured exactly what it feels like to have a toddler — the laughter, the chaos, and the joy of these fleeting moments.

Planning Your Own Lifestyle Family Photos

If you’re dreaming of family photos that capture your life and your personality — whether that’s minimalist and neutral or bright and full of color — I’d love to help you plan something special.

Reach out to start planning your session.