A young girl with long, reddish hair, wearing a blue long-sleeve dress, white socks, and no shoes, standing on a small wooden stool on a bed with bedding, in a bedroom with beige curtains and bags on the floor.

Your life is already interesting. Let’s capture it that way.

Family photography sessions rooted in cinematic storytelling.

Family sessions can take place in your home or somewhere meaningful to you. I’m drawn to spaces with character, beautiful light, and a sense of place, whether that’s your living room, a favorite neighborhood, or somewhere outdoors.

If you’d like to photograph outside and need help choosing a location in NYC and beyond, I’m always happy to offer guidance and suggestions.

what to expect

My approach is a balance of thoughtful direction and room for things to unfold naturally. I’ll help shape the session, looking for beautiful light, interesting compositions, and opportunities for connection, while giving you space to simply be together.

You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about looking “natural.” I’ll offer gentle prompts and direction when it’s helpful, then step back and let the real moments happen. The result is a collection of photographs that feels artful and cinematic, but still unmistakably like you.

what is included

01 — Planning & Art Direction – Guidance from our first conversation through the session, including location and creative planning.

02 — Wardrobe Guidance – Personalized suggestions on color, texture, and what will photograph beautifully together.

03 — A 1.5h Photography Session – An unrushed session with thoughtful direction, movement, and plenty of room for real moments to unfold.

04 — Professional Editing – Every selected photograph is individually edited with attention to light, color, composition, and mood.

05 — 50+ Final Images – A private online gallery of at least 50 high-resolution photographs, ready to download and share.

06 —Storytelling Slideshow – A curated slideshow set to music, bringing your session together as a cohesive, emotional story.

Family Session

A woman with long brown hair holding a young girl with brown hair and eyes, sitting on a wooden chair indoors, lit by soft natural light.

Family Photography Session NYC

Authentic Family Photography in NYC

Family Lifestyle Photography NYC

Investment

FAMILY SESSION

$650

1.5 hours · 50+ edited images · online gallery · slideshow

Sessions can take place at home, outdoors, or somewhere meaningful to your family. Locations, extended sessions, and more customized shoots can be discussed during planning.

Authentic Family Photography in NYC

Start Your Inquiry

Stories From My Families

  • We spent over an hour looking through your photos, going back and forth between laughing and crying. And every two minutes, we had a new favorite photo or scene!

    There is SO much love from you in these photographs, and so much life. Your eye for what matters and for the little details that somehow become the big ones is simply incredible. I’m still impressed by your images today, if anything, even more than I was at first.

    My dad was SO amazed by the perspectives and scenes. Even though these are everyday moments for us, in your photographs they feel so perfectly composed and so true to us.

    Amazing!!! Once again, thank you so, so much. You gave me, and all of us, an incredible gift with these photographs. Thank you!!

    -Petra

  • With no prep needed, Sonja’s expertise captured the beauty of my life. Following the birth of my child, I put off planning an in-home family photo shoot, waiting for the moment where the activity of life’s maintenance aligned into one point in time. Needless to say, years flew by. I finally decided to book a shoot with Sonja, messy life be damned. When I saw the way her artistry encapsulated the special bond between my child and me, I realized that waiting for the “right” moment would have made me miss the chance to capture the real moments along the way. Sonja showed us the beauty of our life that was there all along. 

    —Nina

  • "The photos Sonja captured are so incredibly beautiful. I cried watching the slideshow (more than once). I cannot thank her enough for capturing me and my daughter - it felt so natural."

    —Jenn

  • "We are over the moon! The photos and the slideshow are beautiful - all four grandparents loved it too!"

    —Catherine

  • "I cried looking through the photos. Sonja really captured who I am, and this super special moment in my home with my adorable kitties.There are a few really powerful badass ones too, thank you for giving me the confidence and me feel so at home being photographed."

    —Rachel

FAQ

about Family Lifestyle Sessions

  • Your outfits help tell your family’s story, so it’s worth giving them a little thought. Aim for coordinated, not matching looks. Choose 2–4 colors that work well together and mix in soft neutrals and muted tones.

    Avoid bold logos, graphics, neon colors, or very busy patterns, as they can distract from the connection between you. Texture and layers (like knits, linen, denim, or light jackets) photograph beautifully and add depth without overpowering the image.

  • Kids have their own rhythm, and that's exactly what I aim to capture with documentary-style photography. When we transition to more directed moments, I always adapt to their mood. Plus, we can take breaks whenever they need!

  • I can suggest some online print services that will ensure your images are perfectly adjusted for print. If you'd like, I'm also available to assist with printing and framing your images for a fee.

  • Many people feel a bit uneasy at first, which is completely normal. I usually suggest that my clients concentrate on their family members or get involved in activities they would typically do if I weren’t there. To make it easier, you might also want to plan some fun family activities in advance, like reading, playing music, cooking together etc.

  • I take many pictures during our time together, capturing different moments, angles, and expressions. After our session, I upload the images to my computer and carefully review each one, selecting those that resonate with my style. I then edit each chosen image individually, dedicating time and love to this process. I believe each photograph deserves careful analysis, where I decide the mood through color grading, exposure adjustments, and choosing between color or black and white.

  • You’re not required to, but please remember that for Family Home Sessions, incorporating your home into the images is ideal. I aim to capture families in a relaxed atmosphere, engaging with their surroundings and participating in everyday activities.

  • I usually share the final gallery within 15 business days after our session.

  • Absolutely! I love shooting in new locations. Share your destination and I'll get back to you with availability and any travel details. I also spend time in Europe each summer, so if you're based there or planning a trip, feel free to reach out. I'd love to make it work.