Mother and father sharing a kiss with their two young daughters during a playful family photography session in Rochester, NY.

Family

One year their little hand holds you tight as they take their first steps. The next they’re running ahead of you, exploring.

Their favorite things change. Their little quirks change. Their laugh changes. Even the way they fit in your arms changes.

And somewhere along the way, without anyone announcing it, the version of them you knew so well becomes someone new.

That's the strange thing about family life. You don't always know you're experiencing something for the last time when it's happening.

That's why I believe every version of your family is worth remembering.

Portfolio
Black-and-white photo of parents and their three young daughters exploring a farm together during a relaxed family photography session in Rochester, NY.

Your Family Session

Your family session doesn't have to revolve around standing somewhere pretty and smiling at me. We can build your session around something your family genuinely loves doing together—or simply choose a beautiful place and let your personalities lead the way.

I'll gently guide you when you need it, but there's plenty of room for playing, movement, silliness, and whatever makes your family yours.

  • Outdoor, in-home*, or studio sessions

  • Immediate family members

  • Session prep guide including what to expect and styling guidance

    *Travel within 25 miles of Webster, NY is included. Locations beyond this area may require an additional travel fee based on distance.

Pricing Information

Booking Your Family Session

  1. Choose a date.
    Family sessions can happen any time of year. Choose the season that feels right for your family, or change things up from your last session.
    Family Booking Calendar

  2. Make it official.
    Choose your package, sign your contract, complete a short questionnaire, and pay your deposit.

  3. Prepare for your session.
    You'll receive your Family Session Prep Guide with what to expect, styling guidance, and everything you need to feel ready.

  4. Enjoy your session.
    Plan for up to an hour.

  5. View your images.
    Within a couple weeks, you'll receive a gallery of all the best images from your session (minimum of 50 images) edited in both color and black and white.

Book your Family Session

“Nothing but good things to say about our experience! Jess was patient and knew how to work with our daughter to get great pics, she was very friendly and personable, and had excellent communication through the whole process. We would not hesitate to use Jess Palmer Photography in the future!”

— M.N.

Two pairs of children’s yellow rain boots with stuffed bunnies at a greenhouse entrance as a family walks together in the background during a Rochester, NY family photography session.

FAQs

  • My kids aren’t perfect, and I don’t expect yours to be either!

    As a former educator, I’m pretty good at letting kids warm up, following their energy, and using play, prompts, and movement to keep things fun and relaxed.

    Let me worry about what everyone is doing. Your job is simply to enjoy spending time with your favorite people.

  • Well, they might…and bribery isn’t just for children!

    Let them know ahead of time that the session will be relaxed and low-pressure. The focus isn’t on posing perfectly or smiling at the camera for 45 minutes. I’ll give your family plenty to do so you can focus on being together while I gently guide you along the way.

    One thing I don’t recommend? Surprising your partner with family photos the day of the session. Give them a heads-up and let them have some say in what they wear. Being mentally prepared and comfortable in their clothes can go a long way toward helping them relax.

    And usually, once the session gets going, they realize it’s a lot easier than they expected.

  • Sometimes! I’m happy to include your dog in a few photos when the location and session plan allow for it. If you’re hoping to bring them along, just let me know when booking so we can make sure the location is pet-friendly and talk through the plan, including what your dog will do while we finish the rest of your photos.

  • I’ll keep an eye on the weather in the days leading up to your session, so you don’t have to! Most of the time, we’ll keep your session scheduled as planned and make the final call about three hours before your start time.

    If the weather won’t allow us to safely and comfortably move forward, we’ll either reschedule or, when possible, move your session indoors.

  • I’m happy to explore Rochester, NY and the surrounding areas, or hang out in your own backyard!

    Your session location will depend on what you envision for your photos and what feels like your family. Maybe that's exploring somewhere beautiful around Rochester, or maybe it's spending the evening together in your own backyard. Once we’ve talked through what you have in mind, I’ll help you choose a location that fits.

    Travel within 25 miles of Webster, NY is included. Locations outside of this area may incur a travel fee of $1/mile.

  • I recommend coordinating outfits around a color palette and incorporating a mix of textures, subtle patterns, and accessories.

    Have everyone try on their outfit at least once before session day to make sure everything fits comfortably and they feel good in what they’re wearing.

    Need a little more help pulling everything together? I walk you through the process in my blog post, What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot.

Let's remember this version of your family.

Book your Family Session