This family portrait session was a beautiful and memorable way to end my 2024 Spring Family Session Season before heading up north to my cabin for the summer. They live nearby Van Saun County Park in Northern NJ and often go on family outings to their “Secret Garden” area of the park. I’ve photographed at this location many times, but it was nice to see it through the eyes of children and a family who have a deep connection to it and a secret place of their own within the vast area. Isn’t it beautiful to have a favorite outdoor place to visit??

We decided to split the morning into two parts – starting at their house and ending at the park. I loved this idea because it gave the kids a renewed energy to change the scenery. And you all know how much I love using yards and homes as locations…. definitely a win-win here for everyone! ( If you didn’t know this about me, check out this blog post: https://www.hpalecek.com/why-you-should-consider-taking-your-family-portraits-at-home/ )

This was the type of family session where we started as strangers and left as friends; bonding over nature, rock climbing, our love of Southern VT, and our mutual friends who I’m grateful for the referral from. We ended up creating a beautiful family album from all their favorite photos. As you’ll see in the highlight reel below, there were lots of candid moments to be shared in the album story-format… not to mention the perfect sunlight, outfits, smiles, and emotions. Couldn’t have asked for a better day! B Family, thank you so much!

The highlights from home:

The highlights from the park:

 

Are you interested in a Van Saun Park family session, too? Get in touch today and lets get a date on the calendar! Use the contact form from the menu above!