Columbus Ohio photographer for newborns, children, seniors and families

Luke – Class of 2021 | Columbus Ohio Senior Photographer

12.23.20

Senior sessions at Creekside Park in Gahanna are always a solid choice, and Luke’s session was a great example of why. With a mix of urban textures, water features, and natural areas all within a short walk, it’s one of the best spots around Columbus for seniors who want a lot of variety without bouncing between multiple locations.

Luke showed up looking sharp—great outfit, clean and classic, and exactly the kind of style that works across every backdrop Creekside has to offer. He brought a more serious, focused energy to the session, which actually translated really well on camera. His calm, thoughtful demeanor gave the photos a more polished, confident feel.

We were right on the edge of the holiday season, which meant Creekside was starting to transform. Lights, decorations, and—yes—a few Santas and elf decorations making appearances. There were a couple moments where we had to subtly adjust angles or shift locations to make sure Luke looked like a senior about to graduate… not like he was about to help run the North Pole.

That said, the setting still delivered. As the sun dropped, the light softened, and we were able to move through a range of looks—from more structured, urban shots to relaxed, natural ones—without missing a beat.

Senior sessions don’t need to be complicated to be successful. A strong location, good light, and someone comfortable being themselves goes a long way—and this session checked all of those boxes.

Wishing Luke all the best as he heads toward graduation and whatever comes next. If this session is any indication, he’s got a bright future ahead.

Columbus Ohio Senior Photographer

Among the 10 Best Family Photographers in Columbus!

11.23.20

I am honored and grateful to be chosen by Expertise as one of the 10 best family photographers in Columbus, Ohio for the 3rd year in a row! Thank you to them and my wonderful clients! Check out the list here.

The D Family’s Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session | Columbus Ohio Family Photographer

11.21.20

There’s something especially fun about photographing families you’ve known since the very beginning—and this crew is one of those for me. I’ve been taking their photos since the twins were newborns, so seeing them now as busy, personality-filled three-year-olds feels a little surreal (and a lot more active).

This Christmas card session took place at Hickory Ridge Tree Farm, which is one of those locations that just works. Rows of evergreens, open space for kids to move around, and a setting that instantly feels like the holidays without needing much extra effort.

It was an overcast but warm mid-November morning—honestly ideal for photos. No harsh shadows, no squinting, and no one freezing. Just soft, even light and a relaxed pace, which came in handy because these two had plans… and those plans mostly involved running.

The twins—a boy and a girl—were exactly what you’d expect from three-year-olds in a Christmas tree farm: curious, fast, and fully committed to exploring everything. There was a lot of movement, a lot of laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. They darted between trees, checked out every possible path, and kept everyone on their toes.

And for the record—no trees were harmed in the making of these photos. A few were enthusiastically inspected, maybe lightly hugged, but all survived.

What makes sessions like this work isn’t trying to slow kids down—it’s leaning into it. Let them run, let them play, and capture what happens in between. That’s where the real moments show up. The quick hand holds, the parents stepping in to scoop someone up, the shared laughs when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Mom and dad were great through all of it—easygoing, patient, and clearly used to the energy that comes with twins. There’s a natural rhythm to how they interact as a family, and that connection came through in every part of the session. Nothing felt forced, which is exactly what you want for photos that actually mean something later.

The result is a gallery full of genuine moments—kids being kids, parents right there with them, and just enough structure to pull it all together for Christmas cards that don’t feel overly posed.

Tree farm sessions are always a solid choice this time of year, especially around Columbus, Ohio. Add in a family you’ve watched grow over the years, two adorable (and very busy) three-year-olds, and a morning that cooperates weather-wise, and it’s about as good as it gets.

Theo’s Senior Photo Session | Columbus Ohio Senior Photography

11.16.20

Senior sessions in Columbus, Ohio always have a bit of a time window—especially in mid-November when the sun sets early and you’re working fast to catch that last stretch of good light. This session at Creekside Park landed right in that window, and it delivered exactly what you want: great light, a great location, and a senior who made the whole thing easy.

Creekside is one of those spots that doesn’t get enough credit. What makes it stand out—especially for senior photography—is the variety. Within a short walk, you get both an urban backdrop and a more natural setting. Brick, bridges, water, greenery—it’s all there. For seniors who want a gallery that doesn’t feel repetitive, it’s a solid choice.

Theo brought exactly what every senior session needs: personality without trying too hard. Relaxed, confident, and up for anything, which makes a big difference when you’re moving quickly between locations and lighting changes.

One of the best parts of the session was that he brought along pieces of what actually mattered to him during high school—his tennis racket and drumsticks. It’s a small detail, but it adds a lot. Instead of generic senior photos, it turns the session into something more personal. A quick transition from a more polished look near the urban areas to something more laid-back with his gear gave the gallery a lot of variety without feeling forced.

Also, props like that tend to solve the classic “what do I do with my hands” problem instantly, which is a win for everyone.

The sunset did its part, adding that warm tone that makes everything look just a little better. Between the changing light and the different backdrops around Creekside, we were able to get a full, well-rounded gallery in a relatively short amount of time—which is exactly what you want this time of year.

Senior photography sessions work best when they reflect who someone actually is, not just what looks good on paper. Between Theo’s easygoing personality and the personal touches he brought with him, this session hit that balance.

If you’re planning senior photos in the Columbus, Ohio area, Creekside Park is one of those locations that quietly checks all the boxes—variety, accessibility, and just enough character to keep things interesting without overcomplicating it.

Beautiful Fall Photo Session with the T Family! | Columbus Ohio Family Photography

11.11.20

Fall photography in Columbus, Ohio is one of those things that never really gets old—especially in mid-November, when the colors settle into those warm, muted tones and the light starts doing you a lot of favors. This session at Homestead Metro Park in Hilliard was a perfect example of that sweet spot.

We met in the evening as the sun was starting to dip, and everything had that soft, golden glow that makes you feel like you planned it better than you actually did. The trees had just enough color left, the grass had that late-fall texture, and the whole park felt calm in that end-of-day way that works so well for photos.

This family made it easy to focus on what matters. They showed up looking effortlessly put together—great outfit coordination without looking overly styled, which is harder to pull off than it sounds. Everything just worked with the setting instead of competing with it.

And then there were the boys.

Two little brothers with exactly the kind of dynamic you’d expect—equal parts sweet and unpredictable. Big brother had that steady, slightly “I’ve got this” energy, while little brother brought the personality… including a proudly missing front tooth (or two), which honestly made every smile about ten times better. There’s something about that stage that just can’t be replicated—half kid, half growing up, and fully unbothered by it.

What stood out most, though, was their connection. The in-between moments—walking together, leaning into each other, the quick looks and laughs—those are the things that tell the real story. Not overly posed, not forced, just brothers being brothers with a little bit of direction and a lot of room to be themselves.

That’s the beauty of fall family photography in Columbus, Ohio. The setting does its part, but it’s really about giving families space to interact naturally and catching those moments as they happen. Add in good light, a great location like Homestead Metro Park, and a family that shows up ready to enjoy it, and everything else tends to fall into place.

And when you walk away with genuine smiles, a little personality, and a gap-toothed grin that steals the show… that’s a pretty solid session.

The B Family Fall Photo Session {Pickerington Ohio Family Photographer}

11.08.20

November in Ohio isn’t exactly a surprise—golden grass, leaves hanging on just enough to make everything look good, and that soft, low evening light that does half the work for you. Early November especially tends to show off a bit, and Pickerington Ponds Metro Park leaned right into it for this session.

What was unusual, though, was the temperature. It was pushing 80 degrees, which felt more like a confused late August evening than fall in Ohio. No one was pretending not to be cold, no rushed “let’s just get through this,” just genuinely comfortable, easygoing moments—which, as it turns out, makes a pretty big difference.

This beautiful family made the whole thing even better. They’re the kind of people you immediately feel at ease around, and the boys—sweet, handsome, and just a tiny bit ornery—kept things interesting in the best way. Not chaos, just enough personality to remind everyone that real life is happening in between the posed shots. The kind of kids who will give you a great smile… right after giving their brother a look that says, “don’t start.”

I also have the bonus of knowing them outside of this. The boys go to school with mine, which means there’s already a level of familiarity—and I can spot that “we’re about to test mom’s patience” energy from a mile away. It makes for more natural photos though, less stiffness, more actual connection.

And that connection really shows. The easy way everyone interacts, the genuine smiles, the subtle chaos of boys being boys—it all comes together in a way that feels honest without trying too hard.

The scenery did what Ohio in November usually does—look quietly beautiful without making a big deal about it. Warm tones, soft light, nothing over the top. Just a really solid backdrop for a family that didn’t need much help making the photos feel full.

And somehow, despite the calendar saying November, nobody left cold. Honestly, that might be the most unbelievable part of the whole session.

The Y Family {Gahanna Ohio Family Photographer)

11.08.20

November morning fall sessions are always a bit of a gamble—you get beautiful colors and dreamy light, but you also get temperatures that make everyone question their life choices. This particular morning had all of it: golden leaves, soft light, and just enough chill in the air to keep things interesting.

Enter this sweet little toddler, who absolutely stole the show.

From the start, she was curious, expressive, and completely herself—which, as any photographer knows, is exactly what you hope for. She wandered along the wooden walkway, inspected the railing like it might have secrets, and proudly showed off a leaf she found as if it were the greatest discovery of the day. There were giggles, thoughtful stares, and a few moments where she seemed to be deciding whether I was entertaining or just slightly suspicious.

To her credit, she handled the cold like a champ. Tiny hands, chilly air, and all—she kept going, giving us those genuine little expressions that make toddler sessions so fun (and unpredictable). She was a total trooper.

Now, the outfit change… that was a different story.

Let’s just say she had opinions. Strong ones. The kind that only a toddler can deliver without saying much at all. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. A quick wardrobe switch might feel like a big ask when you’re small, cold, and just getting into the groove. Even so, she bounced back quickly—especially once she was back in familiar territory and reunited with her favorite people.

And that’s where this session really came together.

Her parents were calm, patient, and clearly very loved by their little girl. You could see it in the way she reached for them, held their hands, and leaned in close without hesitation. There’s something special about photographing a family that just clicks—no forced moments, no overthinking, just genuine connection. Whether it was walking hand-in-hand or sharing a quiet hug, those were the moments that mattered most.

By the end of the session, we had a collection of images that felt real—full of personality, a little bit of chaos, and a lot of love. The kind of photos that don’t just show what everyone looked like, but what it felt like to be there on that crisp fall morning.

Cold weather, one questionable outfit change, and all—it was absolutely worth it.

The B Family Christmas Tree Mini Session {Columbus Ohio Family Photographer{

11.07.20

Christmas photography sessions at tree farms always feel a little like stepping into a postcard, and this one at Timbuk Tree Farm in Granville delivered exactly that—just with a bonus dose of unseasonably warm November weather.

Instead of bundling up in coats and pretending not to be cold, this family got one of those rare Ohio mornings where it actually felt comfortable to be outside. No red noses, no rushing through photos—just a relaxed, easy pace that made the whole session feel more like a morning outing than a scheduled shoot.

And honestly, this crew made it effortless. Mom and dad were laid-back and happy to just go with it, and their two girls absolutely stole the show. Big sister—4 years old and fully aware of how cute she is—brought plenty of personality, while the adorable 10-month-old was all smiles, chubby cheeks, and those expressions that make you stop mid-shoot for a second because it’s almost too much.

The outfits were spot on—classic, coordinated without trying too hard, and perfect for the setting. Something about little kids in cozy, festive clothes at a Christmas tree farm just works. You don’t have to force the holiday feel; it’s already there.

Timbuk Tree Farm did the rest. Rows of evergreens, soft morning light, and that unmistakable Christmas tree backdrop that somehow makes every photo feel like it belongs on a card. It’s one of those locations that does exactly what you want it to do without needing much from anyone else.

But what really made the session stand out was how easy it all felt. Plenty of laughter, lots of genuine smiles—and somehow, not a single tear from the baby, which feels like a minor miracle worth mentioning. The girls were happy, the parents were relaxed, and everything just clicked.

Sessions like this are the reason Christmas tree farms are such a go-to for holiday photos. Simple setting, great light, happy kids—you don’t need much else. Add in some unusually perfect weather and a family that shows up ready to enjoy it, and it’s about as ideal as it gets.

The T Family {Columbus Ohio Baby Photographer}

11.06.20

On a crisp November afternoon at the Park of Roses, this one-year milestone session had all the right ingredients—great light, lingering fall color, and a very cute little guy who clearly understood he was the main character.

At one year old, personality really starts to take over, and he did not hold back. He had that perfect mix of curiosity and confidence—happy to sit and take everything in one minute, and then flashing a grin the next like he knew exactly what he was doing. The kind of smile that makes you check your camera to make sure you actually got it (and then feel relieved when you definitely did).

His parents made the whole session feel easy. They were relaxed, affectionate, and more than willing to be a little silly—which turned out to be the best strategy. Because as it turns out, he thought they were absolutely hilarious. Not politely amused—fully entertained. The kind of entertained that leads to real laughs, scrunched-up noses, and those big, open-mouthed baby grins that are impossible to fake.

That dynamic carried the entire session. Instead of trying to get his attention, we just let his parents do their thing. A quick lift in the air, a funny noise, or even just a look between them was enough to get him going again. It meant everything stayed natural, and the moments came together without much effort.

Between the laughter, there were also those quieter in-between expressions—the slightly serious looks, the curious glances, the brief pauses where he seemed to be taking it all in. Those are the moments that round out this age so well, right on the edge between baby and toddler.

And, objectively speaking, he made it very easy to photograph him. The outfits, the expressions, the little bits of personality coming through in every frame. Such a cutie!

Some days, everything just comes together—the light, the setting, the people. This was one of those days. And at the heart of it all was a happy baby boy who reminded everyone just how beautiful simple, joyful moments can be.

Megan {Westerville Ohio Senior Photographer}

11.04.20

We lucked out with one of those classic fall days at Inniswood Metro Park—the kind where the light is perfect, the leaves are showing off, and you almost forget how cold it’s about to get in a few weeks. It turned out to be the ideal setting for a senior photo session with my niece, who somehow managed to look completely put together while I was quietly hoping I didn’t trip over a root or drop a lens.

This wasn’t just any session for me. It’s a little surreal photographing someone you remember as a kid and realizing they’re now on their way to college. She handled it all like a pro—switching from relaxed and natural on a garden bench to confidently standing along the trails like she’s done this a hundred times before. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep up and occasionally reminding her that yes, she does have to look at the camera at least some of the time.

What made the day work so well wasn’t just the setting (though Inniswood definitely did its part), but her personality coming through in every shot. She’s smart, driven, and has a great sense of humor—which came in handy when I asked her to do things like “walk naturally” for the fifth time. She made it all look easy, which, as anyone who’s been in front of a camera knows, is not actually easy.

We moved through a few different spots—the leafy trellises, the open paths, and some quieter corners with that soft, blurry fall background photographers love. Each location felt like a different version of her: relaxed, confident, and ready for what’s next. Also, credit to her for managing multiple outfit changes without once complaining, which might be the most impressive part of the whole day.

By the end of the session, as the light started to fade and the temperature dropped just enough to remind us it’s still Ohio, it felt like we’d captured more than just “senior photos.” These images mark a pretty big transition—one chapter wrapping up and another about to start.

She’s heading off to college soon, which is exciting (for her) and slightly hard to believe (for me). But if this session proved anything, it’s that she’s more than ready. And if she can survive a couple hours of me saying “just one more shot” over and over again, she can probably handle whatever comes next.