There’s something incredibly special about photographing families in their own space. Where their children will laugh the loudest and the dogs know every corner. This family session in Jacksonville, Florida was the perfect blend of laid-back and intentional. We spent a slow morning with Michelle and Hayden in their beautiful home, documenting their real life in the most authentic way. From their usual neighborhood stroll to a front-yard picnic and happy moments under their backyard pergola.
If you’re a young family in Jacksonville looking for natural, documentary-style family photography, let this session be your inspiration.
One of the most beautiful things about in-home sessions is the comfort they provide, especially for little ones! Instead of dressing up and heading to a studio or unfamiliar location, your home becomes the backdrop for your story. You get to just be you, and I get to capture it in a way that feels honest and effortless.
During our time together, the Phelans didn’t need to “perform” for the camera. They simply lived their morning together and that’s what made the photos so beautiful. Something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
We began the session with a quiet walk around their neighborhood, just the three of them and their two dogs. Their baby relaxed in the stroller while the dogs roamed all around making for such a sweet, everyday moment that speaks to their new chapter as parents. The dogs trotted happily along as we strolled through tree-lined streets in the soft morning light. We talked about life and enjoyed our little walk to start the day. Simple, calm, and full of love.
When we looped back at the house, the family set up a cozy picnic in the front yard. While their baby sat on the blanket, mom and dad shared some Aperol Spritz’ as a fun prop (pretending it wasn’t early in the morning and hoping the neighbors wouldn’t notice or judge). The dogs rolled around on the blanket and got the zoomies a few times.
We wandered over to their backyard under the shade of the pergola, where they often unwind and spend slow afternoons. There was no pressure to pose or perform, just real moments of connection in the place they call home.
With newborns and young babies, it’s often the smallest moments that carry the most meaning. The way their tiny hand wraps around your finger, the quiet way they look up at you, or how they start to smile when the dogs walk by. These are the in-between moments that pass so quickly in those early months, and they’re the ones I’m always watching for. During this session, it was the softness of those early mornings, the belly laugh from something the dogs did, and the little glances between parents when the baby starts laughing. These aren’t big, posed moments, but they’re real… and they reflect what life looks like right now. That’s the kind of storytelling I focus on. It’s less about getting a perfect shot and more about documenting this season of life (no matter how imperfect it may be) that you’ll want to remember later.
Planning Your Own In-Home Family Session in Jacksonville
If you’re a young family living in Jacksonville, an at-home session might be the perfect fit for you. Especially if you’re looking for something meaningful and low-pressure. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy house. You just need a space that feels like home.
Here are a few tips to prepare:
- Think about your favorite family routines: A walk around the block, swimming in the backyard pool, story time, baking cookies, or gardening together are all great ways to showcase your real life.
- Light matters: Morning light tends to be soft and flattering, and babies are usually in good moods earlier in the day.
- Don’t stress about perfection: Real is better than perfect. Let your kids be themselves. Let your home look lived-in.
As a Jacksonville family photographer, my goal is to create space for fun, connection, and authenticity. I want you to look back at your photos and remember just how sweet this season of life was. Whether it’s the warmth of a morning hug, the chaos of feeding time, or the quiet comfort of just being together.
If this kind of session sounds like your style, I’d love to chat. You can view more from the Phelans family session here.
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