This grandparent lifestyle session was such a joy to document. From decorating cupcakes (and eating copious amounts of sprinkles!) to reading books together, gardening in the back yard, a forest walk and—my favourite—playing the piano together. Grandma and Grandpa were so delighted to be spending time with their granddaughters, and the photos capture their candid joy. Here are a few favourites!
It’s the time of year where melting snow leads to dreams of luscious, vibrant blossoms. I’m so looking forward to this year’s spring sessions, particularly the mini sessions I have planned for the month of May: STUDIO SPRING MINIS and BLOOM SPRING MINIS.
The studio sessions will be held at the beautifully styled LR Studios on May 4th, 2025, for those preferring an indoor option still bursting with floral goodness. The bright, neutral parts of the studio will still be available for those wanting a mix of clean and simple as well as the floral set.
The outdoor bloom minis will take place on May 10th, 2025, with whatever happens to be in bloom around that date. The timing for various blossoms varies each year, but I’ve done these with magnolias, lilacs, redbuds, cherry blossoms and crabapple blossoms, and they are always spectacular!
Introducing: RFP Cinematic Lifestyle Sessions
Cinematic, because the photos feel like paused frames from a cherished family home video. These longer sessions focus on activities and interactions and are documented with more of a fly-on-the-wall approach than a typical family portrait session. They also last longer, because you’re actually doing whatever activities you’ve chosen–I’m just along for the ride. Have a fun idea? Indoor, outdoor, any season—I’d love to hear it!
We’ll also dedicate a window of time to capturing a handful of lightly posed family photos, so you’ve got those as well (scroll to the last few photos to see what I mean).
For this session, I documented this adorable family as they strolled around the market, enjoyed hot chocolate and treats, and had a blast at the arcade. We also snuck in a few classic family photos in that creamy downtown golden hour light.
If you’re thinking, “my kiddo can barely handle a mini session”—don’t worry. These are not “stand here, look-and-smile” sessions that a child needs to “behave” for. With cinematic lifestyle sessions, you’re in the moment, in movement. These sessions allow for feelings, for getting bored, getting hungry, for changing the plan as needed. There’s no earning a special treat after the photos, because getting the treat is part of it.
Telling stories through images is more than just an overused photographer tagline for me. It’s always been the thing that drives me creatively, the meaning behind my business name. I want you to look at these images and think: “There we are. That’s totally us.”
What a joy to meet Baby M, and see big sister T in her new role. I’ve been working with this beautiful bunch for a few years now, from family, maternity, newborn and extended family sessions, and it is such a privilege to document their growing family. Newborn lifestyle sessions with older siblings are always extra special, especially when the older sibling’s newborn shoot feels like yesterday! Here are a few favourites from their in-home session.
Every year, I have the absolute privilege and pleasure of taking family photos at the beach for my dear friend and fellow photographer extraordinaire, Cynthia. Port Stanley is a meaningful spot for their family, and one of my favourite places to shoot—especially as the sun starts going down. These photos are from last year’s session, and I can’t wait to do it all again later this year!
Booking for this year’s Summer Woods Minis opens up to the advance notice list today, so I decided to reminisce about last year’s sessions! I am so excited to finally start shooting again soon. Here are a few favourites!
I loved photographing this beautiful family under the Magnolia tree with their newest addition. The session was equal parts running and playing with baby’s big sisters and cozy newborn snuggles among the blossoms. Here are some favourites!
I met up with Julia and JP’s family, as well as Julia’s parents and sister, for a beautiful Spring blossom extended family session. It was a chilly May morning, but the magnolia blossoms were in full bloom. Here are a few favourites from their Springbank Park session.
I’m reminiscing about last year’s Port Stanley Beach Minis on this rainy Monday! Beach minis are perfect for capturing fun, playful, candid photos either as a family or a couple. There’s just something about the beach that invites you to splash in the waves, dig your toes in as you walk along the shoreline and cuddle up on washed up beach logs. This year’s beach minis will tentatively be held on June 12th, August 11th and September 11th. To get first dibs on booking, email sophie@rawfootagephotos.com, subject line “Advance Notice Minis”, to get on the advance notice email list! The booking email for the first round of beach minis in June goes out TONIGHT. Here are some favourites from last year!
I had such a fun time with this family for their backyard family session. Winter sessions, backyard sessions and older child family sessions can all present certain challenges (the cold, limited space/lighting/background options, less options in terms of cuddling, playing, picking little ones up, etc.), and this session checked all of those boxes. And yet, this family session was so full of joy, laughter, playfulness and genuine cuddles, making my job easy and so much fun. Here are some favourites!
