Family Photos at Home in DUMBO


Some family sessions work best when they feel relaxed and low pressure from the very beginning, and that was exactly the approach for Jonathan and Caitlin’s session in DUMBO.


Jonathan is actually my cousin, and he, Caitlin, and their three-year-old daughter live in a beautiful bright apartment overlooking one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Brooklyn. They are not huge “photo people,” which is something I hear from a lot of families before sessions. Caitlin really wanted to document this season of life together though, especially while their daughter is still little, so we approached the session in a way that felt natural and easygoing instead of overly posed.


When I arrived at their apartment, the energy immediately felt calm and lived in. Their daughter was curious, playful, and full of personality, which is exactly what I want during family sessions with young kids. Rather than expecting children to sit perfectly still and smile nonstop, I always try to create space for them to move around, explore, and simply be themselves. That approach almost always leads to more genuine photos and a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

A happy family of three walks hand-in-hand on a city sidewalk, parents in white outfits with a young blonde girl in a pink dress.

A Relaxed Session Focused on Real Moments


We started by taking some photos inside their apartment while their daughter played nearby and slowly warmed up to the camera. The natural light throughout the space was beautiful, which helped create such a cozy atmosphere for the photos. Some of my favorite moments from the in-home portion of the session were the quieter interactions between the three of them: cuddling on the couch, playing together on the floor, and laughing naturally as they moved through the space. We were also able to get their beagle, Max, in a few photos, too!


Sessions like this are always such a reminder that meaningful family photos do not need to feel overly styled or formal. The best moments usually come from families simply spending time together. Because their daughter is still so young, keeping the session flexible and movement-focused was really important. We followed her energy instead of forcing too much structure, which helped everything stay relaxed and fun throughout the afternoon.

A smiling family of three poses near a bridge, parents holding their young blonde daughter outdoors.

Family Photos Along the DUMBO Waterfront


After spending some time inside, we headed outside to the waterfront walkway in DUMBO for additional photos together. One of the things I love most about family sessions in DUMBO is the combination of city views and open space. The riverfront creates such a beautiful backdrop while still allowing kids room to move around and explore.

Their daughter especially loved being outside near the water, and the shift in environment brought out even more playful energy.


We wandered along the walkway together taking candid photos while they held hands, played with their daughter, and soaked in the afternoon together. The entire session felt very reflective of this stage of life for them: relaxed, joyful, a little chaotic in the best way, and deeply connected.


As a NYC family photographer, these are always the kinds of sessions I love most. The goal is never perfection. It is creating photos that genuinely feel like your family and preserve the little details of this season before everything changes again.

Smiling father in a gray pullover sitting on a white couch with his young blonde daughter in a pink floral dress.
Happy family of three sitting on a white sofa, parents smiling at their young blonde daughter in a pink floral dress.
A smiling family of three sits on a white sofa, with parents flanking a young blonde girl in a pink floral dress.
Family of three admiring the Manhattan Bridge from Brooklyn waterfront park with NYC skyline views.
Happy family with a beagle dog sitting together on a white sofa in a bright living room.
A cheerful blonde toddler girl in a pink floral dress laughing while lying on a white couch.
Smiling woman in white dress hugging young blonde girl in pink floral dress, sitting together against white background.
Family of three posing near Manhattan Bridge in NYC, man holding toddler girl, woman in white dress, sunny day.
Black and white family portrait of smiling parents with young daughter in floral dress posing together indoors.
Blonde blue-eyed little girl in floral dress smiling while licking a red lollipop outdoors.
A parent holds a young child while standing by the waterfront with a large bridge and city skyline in the background.
A smiling family of three poses outdoors near a bridge, with parents holding a young blonde girl in a floral dress.
A happy family of three poses together outdoors near a bridge in a black and white portrait photo.
A smiling blonde toddler girl in pink floral pajamas reaches up while looking upward with bright blue eyes.
A smiling mother in a white dress lovingly embraces her young blonde daughter in a floral outfit.

Want your own family photos in NYC?


If you are looking for an NYC family photographer and want photos that feel natural, candid, and connected to your real life together, I would love to document your family. Drop your contact info and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours!