Photography

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/

Hocking Hills family photos
Hocking Hills photographer
Hocking Hills photography
Hocking Hills photos
Hocking Hills portrait photographer

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
Westerville ohio
columbus ohio photographer
columbus ohio family photographer

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

Homestead Park
Ohio family photographer
columbus maternity photographer
columbus ohio photographer
columbus ohio family photographer

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:

Hocking Hills, Hocking Hills Photography, Hocking Hills family photographer, Hocking Hills family photography

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!

ohio newborn photography, columbus ohio newborn, ohio newborn

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!!

Hocking Hills, Hocking Hills photographer, Hocking Hills photography, Hocking Hills maternity, Hocking Hills maternity photographer

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!!

Ohio maternity photographer, Ohio maternity photography, Ohio maternity, Ohio newborn photographer, Columbus Ohio newborn photos, Hocking Hills family photography

Ohio maternity photographer, Ohio maternity photography, Ohio maternity, Ohio newborn photographer, Columbus Ohio newborn photos, Inniswoods Gardens

Maternity Session-Jenny & Travis

I am very thankful Jenny & Travis reached out to me for their maternity session! We shot their wedding a few years ago and it was such a treat to see them again. We always have fun and I always laugh 🙂

Location

They did a mini session at Be Changed Studio. The studio offers a variety of settings and they chose The Loft. There are times when the weather isn’t going to cooperate or perhaps you love the decor in the studio. The owners of Be Changed Studio switch up the decor seasonally. Whatever the reason, it’s so nice to have options for your maternity session.

Very excited to see their family grow! Congrats, Jenny & Travis!!!

Courthouse Elopement-Smarika & David

What a fun way to spend a Friday afternoon! Smarika contacted me through my website and we met the day of the ceremony. In one hour we bonded over our Kentucky roots, took some fun portraits, and witnessed their “I Do’s” at the Fairfield County Municipal Court. The family was a blast and even the judge got in on the celebrations 🙂

Elopements and small weddings are high on my list of favorites!

Congrats, David and Smarika!! May the fun continue!!!

Grange Audubon Wedding-Steve & Danielle

What a treat to photograph Danielle and Steve’s wedding! So full of relaxed celebration of these beautiful people on their special day. Everyone had a great time! The music was a step above… from the strings playing at the ceremony to the sweet sounds of Honey and Blue during cocktail hour/reception.

Thank you, Steve and Danielle, for having me along for your wonderful day!! Wishing you many years of love and adventures!

Venue: https://grange.audubon.org/rental/hold-your-next-event-center

Cocktail hour/Reception music: https://www.honeyandblue.com/

Ceremony music: https://www.facebook.com/cardinalstringcolumbus/

Cupcakes: https://www.kkakes.com/

Catering: https://sweetcarrot.com/

Officiant: Alycia Orcena