As the year wraps up, I always enjoy looking back on my session from the past year. Honestly, 2025 was tough personally. Between feeling off, medical tests, and diagnoses I had to google to figure out what they meant, there were many moments when everything felt heavier than usual. But I kept showing up—because photography, and the families I get to work with, kept pulling me forward. Creating meaningful keepsakes for others during a hard season turned out to be exactly what I needed.
As a Westchester family photographer, I get a front-row seat to moments that don’t look extraordinary in real time, but somehow feel huge when you look at them later. Here are a few of my favorite family moments from this year—and why they stayed with me.
Kids Being Kids (No Apologies Required)
I always encourage movement during a family session. Most kids are naturally in motion. Running, spinning, climbing things they probably shouldn’t. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
When kids are allowed to be themselves, sessions feel easier. The pressure drops. The photos feel honest. Years from now, no one will care that they didn’t sit still—they’ll care that you captured who they were at this exact age.
Parents Actually in the Photos
I always encourage parents to step into at least a few photos with their kids, even if it’s not the main focus of the session. I tell them: at the very least, you’ll have the option to see them during your ordering appointment—and the worst-case scenario is simply that you don’t love any of them. Nothing lost.
As a mom myself, I like to remind parents that our kids aren’t nearly as critical of how we look as we are. Okay, well maybe my 12 year old is 😆.
They see us as we roll out of bed every morning, so by the time you’re styled and ready for your session, I’m pretty sure you’re a few steps ahead of how you look at the crack of dawn. They just want us there with them, laughing, playing, and being part of the moment.
Teens (A Season Worth Remembering)
There’s something quietly special about photographing teens. It usually starts with a little hesitation—some polite skepticism, maybe a look that says “How long is this going to take?”—and then, almost without noticing, they settle in.
This stage isn’t loud. It’s subtle. The half-smiles, the thoughtful pauses, the moments when they forget the camera is there altogether. These images aren’t about forcing personality; they’re about giving space for it to show up.
I love when families choose to honor this season instead of rushing past it. Because years from now, these photographs won’t just show what your teen looked like—they’ll remind you of who they were becoming.
Expanding the Story: Personal Branding Sessions
Why These Photos Matter (Especially Later)
One thing I see and hear over and over:
Tears of happiness at an ordering appointment and clients saying, “I didn’t realize how much we’d love these.”
Life moves fast. Kids grow quickly. And the days that feel routine now won’t always feel that way.
Family photos have a way of freezing the ordinary—and somehow turning it into something you’ll want to hold onto.
As a family photographer, I see it every year: families from around Westchester come in thinking they’re “behind” on photos and leave realizing they were right on time.
Looking Ahead
As I head into a new year of photographing families across Westchester, I’m feeling deeply grateful—for the trust, the stories, and the willingness to show up just as you are.
If 2025 reminded me of anything, it’s this: there’s no such thing as the perfect moment. There’s only the one you’re in. And that one is worth remembering.
If you’re thinking about capturing your own family moments in 2026—whether it’s a family session, maternity, newborn or even personal branding—now’s the perfect time to start planning. I’d love to help you create keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.