Photography

Columbus, Ohio family photographer. In-home sessions

Working as a Columbus, Ohio family photographer has allowed me the privilege of photographing many in-home sessions. This recent one was very special to me. I have loved being a part of this family’s life since the time we did their engagement session in a pop up blizzard 🙂 Then came the wedding, the kids, a dog, and a beautiful forever home. Taking photos at home feels like we are creating memories for many years to come.

Tips from a Columbus, Ohio family photographer for an in-home session

Decide if you want your photos inside, outside, or a combo of both.
If you want photos inside, look for rooms with preferably natural light . If you don’t have lots of natural light, I do bring additional lighting.
If you want photos outside, choose a time of day when there is a shade option.
Incorporate sentimental items. For example: a quilt made by grandma.
Plan on the dog (or cat) being in the photos. That makes me happy 😉

Benefits from an in-home session

You don’t have to leave the house.
The weather isn’t as much an issue. If it rains, we can either take photos inside or play in the rain!
The kids are more comfortable and you can get a snack in between shots.
Things are more relaxed which leads to more candid photos.
The dog (or cat, or lizard) can be in the photos 😉

This session below is a great example of using a particular color palette for outfits. Their dog even matches the palette!! It’s also a nice way to see how you can get both inside and outside photos within an hour session.

Please look at my past blog posts for tips on lighting and timing, etc. This one in particular is about in-home newborn sessions : https://amyrebecca.com/in-home-newborn-sessions-info-jadyntyler/

Family Photos in Hocking Hills

Family photos in Hocking Hills this 2025 year! The leaves are changing and the golden glow is all around. Families come from all around to stay in the cabins and hike the beautiful trails. This cabin was an airbnb called Juniper Pines in Laurelville. What I loved about this cabin was that there were trails behind the cabin and a big pond at the bottom of the hill.

When I arrive to a session, I try to get some traditional photos first and then hopefully have time to play. Hiking, dogs, and just loving interaction between family members lead to having those extra “candid” shots. Of course, every family dynamic is different and it takes a few minutes to read it. Some people prefer a more traditional session while others like the playful candid shots.

What is your family’s personality?

This family was so much fun! They were down to do a little hike in the woods and brought out the dogs to play. I was also given a gift of a pet rock from their little girl 🙂 Below is a nice example of a session with lots of less posed moments in between the traditional family shots. It brings me such happiness to meet so many new people and be able to help them remember their time spent in the beautiful Hocking Hills area.

You can read about more Fall family photos in Hocking Hills. Please enjoy another post about family sessions here on my blog. You can also check out the main site for the area at https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park

Wedding at Wildflower Woods

This was my first wedding at Wildflower Woods! Jasmin and Cody embraced the day. With their close friends and family along for the celebration, they said “I do” among the trees. Even with a little rain, they went with the flow. I don’t think in all my years of shooting weddings have I seen a groom walk through a rain storm without a second thought. Personally I think the rain made all the colors more vibrant, even Jasmin’s beautiful dress. It truly was a special wedding at Wildflower Woods in Fredericktown, Ohio!

In the past couple years I have started taking on more small weddings and elopements. I love the intimate feeling of these events. Everyone gets to spend time with one another and the day just has a free feeling to it. I enjoy photographing the little moments and focusing on the details that make the day unique. When you look at the photos from the wedding, please note that Jasmin hand embroidered all the napkins and even made a special cake for Cody! Plus the cookies were out of this world good 🙂

It thrilled me to hear such nice words from Jasmin after the wedding when she shared her experience in the review below:

“Amy and her daughter were so wonderful. Our pictures from our wedding came out amazing (coming from someone who hates taking pictures of myself). Everyone loved them and I loved that they were willing to bounce around to get the pictures we wanted and even dealing with a little rain. If we are ever in the area again and need a photographer they definitely would be my first call.”

I am thankful for all the couples that allow me to share such a special day with them. If you are looking to have a small wedding or elopement, please reach out by email or directly through my contact page on my website. Hopefully we can make some memories together!!

You can look at other small weddings on my blog. Check out this one at: https://amyrebecca.com/grange-audubon-wedding-steve-danielle/

Hocking Hills Fall Family Photos

Are you looking to do Hocking Hills Fall family photos? Well you have come to the right spot! The leaves are starting to turn color here in Ohio and I can feel the excitement from all the visitors to the area! Many people come from out of town, even out of state, to spend time in Hocking Hills. With so many cabins to rent, I am starting to really get familiar with the area. I love spending an hour or so with families that are on a get-a-away and want some family pictures to remember the time together!

I recently shot this Hocking Hills fall family session at a local cabin that was so fun! Everyone was happy to be together, including the family member with four legs and fur….she loved having some off-leash time to sniff the area. The family was able to schedule a early evening shoot for best light. It tends to get darker early in the hills earlier in September, so I try to start shooting around 5:00-5:30 right now.

I offer 60-90 minute sessions. 60 minutes is generally good for families with 10 or less people. 90 minutes with larger groups. Another thing to consider is the type of photos you like. I try to do the traditional photos first, and then as time allows, some more playful and candid type photos. The 90 minute session will allow for this extra fun time.

If you have young children or pets, this is also an area to think about when deciding on how much time is needed. Little ones and our furry friends have their own personalities and I don’t like to rush them. I want kids to grow up thinking that photos are fun 🙂

Please check out my previous blog post about timing and locations in Hocking Hills. https://amyrebecca.com/hocking-hills-family-sessions/

The Hocking Hills website has valuable information for visitors. You can plan trips and decide what hikes will work best for your family. https://www.hockinghills.com/

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Fall Family Photos

It’s that time of year and everyone is excited about the falling leaves and temps! Lots of families have already started scheduling their Fall family sessions. It’s a good time to share some ideas for locations at local parks in the Columbus-Hocking Hills areas. I am so thankful to live in an area where the parks are so well kept, yet wild with fields of weeds and flowers. The variety and options seem to be endless. There are some places I tend to shoot at quite often and I thought I would feature some of these in this post. These sessions have been chosen since they were taken in late September-early November. Of course, every year changes as to the peak of color. I find early to mid November is sometimes the most vibrant!

One of my all time favorite small parks in the area is Chestnut Ridge in Carroll. There is a large pond, fields, and even a stone bridge that crosses a tiny stream. It’s lovely! Below are a few examples…

Chestnut Ridge Park

Next on the list is Inniswoods Gardens in Westerville. It is beautiful all year round and mostly manicured gardens. Pets are not allowed but it is easy parking and paved walk ways if you are in need of using a stroller or wheelchair. Below are some examples in the Fall season…

Inniswoods Gardens

Inniswoods Metro Gardens
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Homestead Park in Hilliard, Walnut Woods, Jeffrey Mansion, and Slate Run:

Homestead Park
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And let’s not forget the cabins in Hocking Hills!

Tree House cabin in Hocking Hills

All in all, we have lots of locations to choose from and I want to help you pick the best option! Looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks! For some tips on timing of your photo session, please check out my previous blog post: https://amyrebecca.com/hocking-hills-family-sessions/

Hocking Hills Family Sessions

Are you hoping to book a Hocking Hills family session? How often does the whole family get together in such a beautiful location? I would love to take some photos to help you remember your time together!

General timing and clothing suggestions

The best time of day for your photo shoot is early morning or evening. This will provide the best light and generally better temperatures. I suggest the family discuss ahead of time the color palette of the what everyone will be wearing. Neutrals are best. Think blues, greens, peach, tan, and grey. If it’s Fall, go with the flow and try gold, brown, and burgundy. And something else to keep in mind is that if everyone is dressed in a solid color but one or two people are dressed in white or a pattern, those people will definitely stand out more. It’s not about being “matchy matchy” but how everyone can show their own style within a color range.

Types of Sessions

Being a Hocking Hills photographer, I LOVE to visit all the different cabins and explore the area just a little bit more. Below are some examples of sessions I’ve done on location:

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One cabin I recently visited had a wonderful space for a multi family photo session. https://www.venturecabinrentals.com/deerrunmanor There was a large area of shade trees and room enough to play. Below are some photos from this session:

One other type of session I offer is called “Take a Hike” 🙂 This is best for small families and is meant to be a more candid “in the moment” shoot with a few portraits sprinkled in. Below is one recent session:

My goal is to help you remember your time spent in this beautiful area! If that means a simple family portrait, something a little more candid, or a mixture of both, I am here for it. I am happy to give suggestions on trails and park areas that could be best suited for your situation. I believe every family has a certain personality and that should show through in your photos!

In-home newborn sessions info -Jadyn+Tyler

I travel all over for in-home newborn photo shoots. As a Columbus, Ohio newborn photographer, I also love working as a Hocking Hills photographer. It’s always an adventure and I never know where I will end up next!

It’s such a pleasure to be part of a family’s journey from engagement session, to wedding, to maternity, and then newborn/family sessions. The benefit of an in-home newborn session is that you don’t have to leave the house! I work with the light and space you have. In this session with Jadyn & Tyler, I also brought a solid backdrop to achieve a minimal look in some photos. I love looking for the little things that make this time so special. The little wrinkles in the skin, the swirl of the new hair, and those cute little hands and feet.

The optimal time to do a newborn session is within the first 5-7 days. I know this may seem quick but it gives us the best window for sleepy baby photos. If baby is awake, we may be able to get a few photos with them swaddled or with the parents, but they are most calm and relaxed in a deep sleep after a feeding and in a warm location.

I bring an assortment of props, baskets, fabrics, hats, etc. I like to use what I have along with what the family has so that we can combine things and make every session unique.

If you prefer a studio session, I recommend that we use Be Changed Studio in Westerville, Ohio. They decorate seasonally and it always has beautiful natural light. I will bring additional off camera light to use as needed.

This is such a moment in time and I treasure each family that let’s me share it with them!

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Maternity Photography with Jadyn and Tyler

I truly love maternity photography and this session with Jadyn and Tyler was so much fun. I am so thankful for couples that give me artistic freedom to play. I always love working with this couple. They are so in love and kind to one another. It continues to show through, from their engagement session, wedding, and now maternity photos.

Have you considered a maternity or family session in Hocking Hills area? There are so many beautiful locations. This session was at Wahkeena Nature Preserve. The parking is easy and it’s a very quiet and peaceful preserve. Wahkeena has special hours so always check beforehand so see if they are open. They also do not allow pets since it’s a nature preserve. But for anyone looking for a beautiful spot for their family or maternity session, we can always keep this location in mind. Some other amazing areas to visit in Hocking Hills area are Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and one of my other favorite nature preserves, Conkle’s Hollow. You can check out Hocking Hills parks at https://www.explorehockinghills.com/

Let’s adventure together!!

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Wedding-Summer & Ben

05.02.25 Summer and Ben said “I Do”. What a treat to work with these 2 kind people! The flowers were arranged by a loved one and I couldn’t stop taking photos of them. If you know me, the colors were right up my alley. So beautiful!! Hello Kitty was the theme of the reception and it fit Summer’s personality to perfection. Bright, cheery, and cute 🙂 Side note: Their wedding rings in the kids party ring box was a new shot for me haha…and Summer loved it when she saw the photo.

It was a wonderful spring wedding and I am so grateful they asked me to share it with them!!

Maternity Photography Spring 2025

What a wonderful spring it has been with all these lovely people and their maternity sessions! I am thankful to have shared these moments and can’t wait to meet their new little bundles of joy 🙂 Maternity photography has quickly become a favorite of mine. It’s the next step for many couples and I am happy to share it with them.

Locations and timing of the session

Maternity sessions can be at a local park or at a rented studio. I am happy to suggest a favorite location along with the best time of day to shoot. Early morning and late evening tend to have softer light. Overcast days, even with a little rain, can be so much fun! Let’s see what we can create together!!