Top 10 Family Photographers in Philadelphia

Family photography is all about documenting the moments and milestones that make us who we are. Photos can make, or remake, the connections we hold to those dearest to us. While family portraits were once highly posed and often studio-based, there’s been a transition in recent years to lifestyle-focused shoots that capture the authenticity of family life.

Philadelphia-based families will find no shortage of talented photographers to document their portrait sessions in a whole range of styles and aesthetics.

If you are looking for the top family photographers in Philadelphia, read on. In our guide below, we’ll introduce 10 of the city’s best and what they have to offer.

Lucy Baber Photography

Proudly Puerto Rican and a self-declared “Philly girl”, Lucy Baber is also one of the most experienced family, newborn, and maternity photographers in the city. She believes that all good art is “born from authenticity” and describes her family portrait sessions and as a candida opportunity to glimpse your family in action. Her family photos always exude joy and love, with genuine smiles that capture what’s so special about family life.

Shao Photography

Jing is the photographer behind Shao Photography, which offers organic maternity, newborn, and family portrait sessions. She established her business in 2012 and operates out of a light-filled studio where she has honed her signature style consisting of gorgeous neutral colors with a whimsical vibe. Jing believes in creating “meaningful and timeless art” for the families she works with. She loves taking portraits that capture the authentic personalities within familial circles.

Rachel Utain-Evans

Born and bred in Philadelphia, Rachel Utain-Evans traveled the world before returning home to establish her family photography business. She discovered her love of photography in a darkroom while studying in Italy and later came to understand the power of portraiture while doing a maternity shoot with a friend.

Rachel is a trained doula with Birth Arts International and is all about freedom of choice for birthing bodies. She says there is “never a bad time to photograph the perfectly imperfect of your family” and believes that it’s these everyday moments that you’ll hold dear once your kids have grown up.

Alexa Nahas Photography

Alexa Nahas says that she first picked up a camera at the age of 7 and began “life-logging” all of the big and little moments that were taking place around her. She loves how memories can be “captured, collected, and recollected” and believes that this is her aim as your photographer. Whether she’s shooting a family portrait session or documenting your baby’s first weeks, she strives to tell stories that are personal and unique through an approach that is unobtrusive.

Heather McBride Photography

Originally from New York City, Heather McBride now calls West Philadelphia “home” and specializes in photographing weddings and families through candid moments. She’s won a Best of Philly award for her family photography, which is a testament to her ability to make her clients feel at ease in front of the camera. She loves being “spontaneous and goofy” with the families she works with, ensuring both parents and kids alike enjoy the portrait session as much as possible.

Desiree Hoelzle Photography

esiree Hoelzle is a lifestyle photographer who specializes in family portraits. She’s a mom to two kids herself and describes herself as an “open book”, as well as being obsessed with “belly, birth, and breastfeeding”. She’s a trained doula but now finds herself more passionate about documenting pregnancies, births, and the nursing stages of family life. Desiree offers family portrait sessions in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties, as well as connecting with clients during boudoir shoots.

Lindsay Cope Photography

Working with clients in Philadelphia, Orlando, and beyond, Lindsay Cope is a couple and family photographer who is on a mission to capture genuine and authentic moments. She’s a wife and mom to three boys and describes herself as “crazy organized”, as well as always being up for new adventures. Her photographic style is warm and naturally lit, with a photojournalistic approach. Ultimately, she wants the photos she captures of you and your family to represent exactly who you are.

Colleen Stepanian

While based in Philadelphia, Colleen Stepanian is happy to travel throughout the United States to document family portrait sessions. In her life and work, she’s driven by human connection, relationships, and vulnerability and believes that as a photographer, it’s her responsibility to capture the world as it really is.

Colleen loves that photography allows her to gain new perspectives on life and tell stories on a day-to-day basis. In addition to working with couples and families, she also shoots events for non-profit organizations.

DMP Family Life

Specializing in wedding photography, DMP Family Life is all about documenting the moments and milestones that make families so special. Their signature style can be described as modern, classic, and photojournalistic, with each member of their team upholding this aesthetic, so you know exactly what you’re going to get.

Aside from weddings and family portrait sessions, they also offer boudoir shoots and e-sessions at the location of your choice and can deliver your images as wall canvases, digital files, or albums.

Stephanie Nolt Photography

Stephanie Nolt Photography comprises a team of talented creatives that include photography assistants, lighting technicians, makeup artists, hair and wardrobe stylists. They specialize in family portrait sessions, weddings, fashion editorials, and corporate events, and collaborate closely with their clients to understand and bring to life their visions.

Stephanie Nolt Photography has been featured in numerous magazines that include “YES!”, “Manayunk”, and “Desirable”, as well as being exhibited at the Antonelli Institute in Pennsylvania.

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