Family Photography


Photography for all stages of life, including family portraits, couples, engagements, senior portraits, and smaller milestones.

Relaxed, thoughtfully composed sessions with gentle direction, natural interaction, and photographs that feel true to you.

 

The Session Experience

From planning to the final photographs, I’ll guide you through the process with practical preparation, gentle direction, and a flexible approach that lets your family be themselves.

Before your session

From choosing a location to planning outfits, I’ll help you prepare and answer questions along the way. You’ll know what to expect before you arrive, with practical guidance to make getting ready for family photos easier.


During your session

I’ll guide you with gentle direction, movement, and prompts throughout the session, so you always have a sense of what to do while still having room for natural interaction. We’ll work through a variety of portraits and candid moments while giving everyone time to settle in.


For your family

I’m patient and flexible with kids, whether they’re ready to run around and play or would rather stay close and be held. We’ll follow their lead, make adjustments when needed, and give everyone space to be themselves. I’ll work with your children as they are, whether they’re playful, energetic, shy, or happiest staying close. The result is photographs that feel like your family, not a performance of one.


More than just a photo

There’s more to a successful session than getting everyone to look at the camera. My goal is to make the process straightforward and enjoyable while creating photographs that are thoughtfully composed, true to you, and worth keeping.

 

Family Sessions

 

 

The Snapshot Session

$250

 

A short, relaxed session for immediate families, perfect for annual portraits, milestones, or a seasonal update. With just enough time for beautiful family photographs and genuine moments, it’s a simple way to capture this season of life.


  • 20 minutes of session time
  • 12 edited digital images
  • Guided posing and natural interaction
  • Additional images or full gallery upgrade available

 

The Story Session

$375

 

A relaxed, story-driven session with more time to slow down, explore, and capture the full personality of your family. We’ll make space for a variety of portraits, meaningful details, movement, and genuine moments to unfold naturally.


  • Up to 1 hour of session time
  • 30+ edited digital images
  • Full gallery included
  • Time for a wider variety of portraits and candid moments
  • Gentle guidance throughout the session
Family of five standing in front of a fence and tree with autumn leaves, kids running to their parents holding the baby.

 

Specialty Sessions

 

First Birthday Cake Smash

$300


Celebrate baby's first birthday with a relaxed portrait session focused on their personality, expressions, and first taste of birthday cake. We'll start with portraits of your little one, include some family photos, and finish with the cake smash.


A simple, personality-filled way to document this milestone without the fuss of a full birthday party.


  • Up to 30 minutes of photography
  • Baby portraits, family photos, and cake smash
  • Full gallery of edited images
  • Families provide the cake and any decorations.



Surprise Proposals

$500


Planning to pop the question? I'll work with you ahead of time to coordinate the details, plan where I'll be positioned, and make sure I'm ready to capture the moment discreetly. After the big question, we'll take some portraits together to celebrate your engagement.


From planning through the portraits afterward, the goal is to help you enjoy the moment while preserving the memories.


  • Advance planning and coordination
  • Discreet coverage of the proposal
  • Portraits of the two of you afterward
  • Up to 90 minutes of on-location coverage
  • Full gallery of edited images

 

 

More Ways to Work Together

 

Relaxed, baby-led newborn sessions at home, with time for parents, siblings, and all the little details.
Photography for first birthdays, extended families, reunions, anniversaries, and meaningful gatherings.

Parents standing together at a sunny park with their toddler on dad's shoulders
Parents holding their toddler, sitting in front of flowers at a park
Toddler boy sitting on a blanket near flowers

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Testimonials

“We had a great session with Joanna! We appreciated her enthusiasm and gentleness throughout the session, which helped our kids to feel comfortable. She was excellent at communicating ahead of the session and answering any questions and/or offering suggestions. She provided our gallery in a very timely fashion and we can’t wait to display the photos in our home!”

Julianne L.

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Testimonials

“Before our session, she shared helpful ideas about choosing outfits and a blog for preparing the kids, which made the whole process so much easier. She was also very flexible with our busy schedule, which we really appreciated.



During the shoot, she was so easygoing and understanding of our children’s temperaments, knowing exactly when to give them a break or try something new.”

Jessica G.

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Testimonials

“What impressed us most was her incredible attention to detail. She noticed the smallest things, like the texture of the foliage or the lighting coming through the trees, and used them to create photos that feel both spontaneous and beautifully composed.”

Shaqueline O.

1 / 5

Testimonials

“Joanna was great to work with. She scouted a perfect location for us when I asked for a beach shoot. She was flexible with time and kept an eye on the weather for us. She arrived before us and was ready when we got there. She came prepared with props, gave us tips and was patient with us and our kids. She made us feel comfortable.”

Katelyn H.

1 / 5

Testimonials

“I was anxious about the photos but she talked me through every step of the way. From where to take the photos to even what my family should wear. This is what caring about your customers looks like! The day came and everything went off without a hitch! And the pictures are just priceless.”

Farishta H.

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FAQ

What types of photography do you offer?

I offer family photography for family portraits, couples, engagements, senior portraits, maternity, and smaller milestones. I also offer separate in-home newborn sessions and Celebration Sessions for larger gatherings and meaningful events.

Which session should I choose?

The Snapshot Session is a short, simple option for immediate families who want a few updated portraits, seasonal photos, or milestone images.

The Story Session gives us more time to explore a location, vary our portraits, and capture more candid moments. It’s the best fit when you want a fuller gallery or have more time to work with.

If you’re not sure which session fits what you have in mind, reach out and I’ll help you decide.

What if I feel awkward in front of the camera?

You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll give you simple direction throughout the session, including where to stand, how to move, and how to interact with the people you’re with. The goal is to help you feel comfortable without making every photograph feel overly posed.

What if my kids don't want to sit still or smile?

That’s completely fine. I don’t expect children to sit still and smile on cue. I use movement, prompts, play, and gentle direction to keep the session engaging while allowing kids space to warm up and be themselves. Some of the best photographs happen when we stop trying to make everyone look at the camera.

How should we prepare for our family photo session?

After booking, you’ll receive a session guide with information about outfits, preparing your kids, what to bring, and what to expect. I’m also available to answer questions and help with planning before your session, including choosing a location and coordinating what everyone will wear.

What should we wear for family photos?

Choose clothing that feels comfortable and like you. Coordinating colors, textures, and tones usually photographs better than having everyone match exactly. I recommend avoiding large logos, neon colors, and overly busy patterns.

Your session guide includes additional outfit suggestions, and I’m happy to offer input if you’re unsure about what will work together.

Where do you photograph family sessions?

I photograph families throughout Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and the greater Annapolis area, including Gambrills, Crofton, Annapolis, Bowie, Severna Park, Columbia, Laurel, and nearby locations.

I’ll help you choose a location based on the type of session you’re planning, the look you want, and what will work well for your family.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Outdoor sessions can usually continue in overcast weather, and we’ll keep an eye on the forecast as your session approaches. If there is steady rain or hazardous weather such as severe storms, high winds, flooding, or icy conditions, we’ll reschedule.

I’ll be in touch if the forecast calls for a change, so you won’t have to figure it out on your own.

Let’s Plan Your Session.

Ready to get started? Tell me a little about what you’re looking for, and I’ll be in touch to talk through the details and find the right session for you.


Whether you already know which session you’d like or you’re still deciding, I’m happy to help.

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