The Stephanie Newman Photography Journal

There’s something extra special about capturing moments for families who are not only wonderful clients but also dear friends. That’s exactly how I felt during my recent fall mini session with the Moe family—Jason, Melissa, Grayson, Elijah, Rowan, and the ever-adorable Joah (affectionately known as “Joah Moah”). This sweet, fun-loving crew has been part of our church family for a couple of years, and getting to photograph them is always a treat.

Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture the joy, love, and unique personalities of each family member—and when a furry friend is part of the equation, the experience becomes even more special! I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Smith family during their summer session at Whitetail Woods in Farmington, Minnesota, alongside their adorable Bernedoodle, Sophie. Together, they created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Whitetail Woods is one of the most picturesque locations in the area, featuring scenic trails, lush greenery, and tranquil ponds that showcase the beauty of nature in summer.

Earlier this spring when I was advertising for booking summer senior sessions, I got an email from Claire’s mom, Jenny, asking to book a session for Claire. I was soooo excited to hear from her. A couple of years ago I had done Claire’s brother’s senior session, Luke.

Another year with the Mischke family! I see Allesha and most of her men folk on a regular basis through a boys book club we are both apart of, but it doesn’t hit me until their family picture time, that these boys are growing and becoming more mature. Ben was just a little guy when I started photographing their family and now look at him! He’s half the size of his dad! And Brad is a tall guy!

Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana

Sarah reached out to me in early spring to book a family session with her her family and in-laws, as a gift to her mother in-law for Mothers Day. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever. Also something the matriarch of the VanBenthusyen family would cherish for years to come.

Kaitlyn’s session is my first spring senior session and I want to do more spring senior sessions! Check out the gorgeous flowering trees in the background. LOVE!! I’ve shot at this park a couple of times in the past but never in the spring when the foliage is so different than late summer early fall.

The weather was playing games with us all day the day of her session. It threatened to rain most of the day, then part of the day and then finally, just a little bit of the day.

This year’s senior class has created so many fun opportunities to be creative as a photographer. I’ve done sessions with cars, sports equipment, fun props like wands and light sabers. For Quinn’s session it was planes! It was so cool to head to the small airport in Lakeville and use a small plane for some of his photos!

Also, this is my first winter senior session. And as you all know with Minnesota weather in general, it is unpredictable sometimes

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve photographed the Johnson family. We’re maybe up to number 5?. They have been one of my biggest supporters of my business since the beginning. The last couple of years we’ve gotten together for their family pictures it’s either been freezing for the month of October or swealtering. This year, it was almost perfect weather.

You’ve booked your family session with a photographer, now what comes next? You want to make sure that everything goes well from location choice all the way to what to wear, but not sure where to start! I’ve created a checklist for you to make sure that you have all your ducks in a row when it comes to planning your family session.