Why your next family session needs to be a storytelling one

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I’ve been doing a daily photo project this year, pulling out my camera to document our life as it is. Most days I feel wildly uninspired but when I step back and look at the now-six weeks of photos I have, I'm loving the story it tells.

In these photos, I see my daughter’s love of sewing, my cat in her favorite spots, the bird feeder outside my window that’s endlessly entertaining, the blur that is waiting-in-the-car-for-after-school activities, and the quiet beauty of winter. I see my kids growing fast but also still very young at heart. I see their friendship and how winter is a time for getting cozy and finding enjoyment in little things like puzzles and wildlife and the extra-bright light bouncing off the snow and into our home.

You know what I don’t see (and I bet you missed, too)? The messy table and living room and playroom floor. The doorways that need repainting. The dirty car. The windows that need cleaning.

What I see instead is little moments of beauty, joy, peace, and calm in the midst of regular, everyday life.

This is storytelling family photography and I want you to have these kinds of photos, too!

Need another example? This one took some bravery because the light is rough, my kitchen is a mess, and the layout isn’t conducive to photos…but I pulled out my camera anyway and now I have images that tell the story of my daughter coming home from school, seeing old bananas on the counter, and saying, “I want to make banana bread!” I have the story of her growing independence (she did most of the work), of our shared love of baking, of her curiosity and creativity and delight in the little things.

The last time I did a daily photo project like this was five years ago and I really regret skipping those five years. Not that I don’t have photos from those missing five years, but I really only have the highlights. Our trips. Local outings. The woods. They’re great to have, but these daily photo projects help me remember the real, mundane, little things in life. They put me back into these moments (and the moments from 5-6 years ago when I last did this project and my kids were so little!). They bring back memories that I would otherwise have forgotten.

When you book a storytelling family photo session with me, you also get to preserve these little, everyday moments that you would otherwise have forgotten. We all have photos of the highlights. What you need are the ones that you’ll look back on 5, 10, 20 years from now when the kids are grown and the photos are all you have left of this time.

What are you waiting for? Let’s tell your story while you’re in the middle of it! While they’re still little. While they’re still home. You won’t regret it.

Why winter is the perfect time to book at-home family photos in New England

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Living in New England, I can tell you that the vast majority of people equate family photos with fall. And I don’t blame them. The fall color makes a stunning backdrop! And the weather is usually more reliably-pleasant - not insanely hot, not frigid, not super rainy or humid or buggy - so it’s a little easier to think about photos then.

I am here to tell you, though, that winter is even better, especially for at-home sessions, and here’s why:

Winter light is stunning.

All that snow and gray may look dreary, but they make a perfectly neutral backdrop for family photos. Have you ever noticed how bright it is inside your home on sunny days, what with all the snow on the ground? The lower angle of the sun plus that bright, white snow make for some beautiful, clean light pouring into your home, and that light makes for some lovely photos.

Winter calendars are lighter.

Aesthetics aside and post holidays, winter is a quieter season than the fall (or spring!) seasons. The rush of the holidays is over, the days are shorter, and there’s more room to carve out time to be together as a family and document it. It’s the perfect time for a cozy game night, pancake breakfast, snuggly reading sessions, chilling by the fire… what cozy winter things does your family love?

Winter marks the start of a new year.

I write about it all the time but time flies. Our kids go from toddlers to teenagers in what feels like a blink of an eye (especially once they’re teens). They grow and change so much in the short 18 years they’re with us. The most-winter of winter months, January is a convenient reminder of a new year, of an opportunity to slow down and remember what life looks and feels like right now so we can remember it when they’re grown and off on their own.

Book your winter session today!

Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or adult kids starting their own families, winter is the perfect time to pause, connect, and make memories that will last forever.

What is a storytelling family session?

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A storytelling family session is one that centers your family - your personalities, your favorite things to do together, and above all, your connection with and care for one another - and tells a story you’ll want to remember for many years to come.

Storytelling family photography is a style I’ve been honing for years through this business and through photographing my own family. My favorite approach is the “fly-on-the-wall” approach, where I photograph you and your loved ones in your “natural element”. When I get to immerse myself in your connection and togetherness, magic happens. ✨

What is a storytelling family photo session like?

Storytelling family photo sessions take many forms!

• For some families, a storytelling family session centers around time with extended family, whether at your home, the beach, or a beautiful, local spot.

• For some families, a storytelling family session centers around “just us” - you, your partner, and the kids.

• For some families, it’s casual-but-posed group photos. Everyone smiling and looking at the camera. For others, it’s candid, almost documentary in the feel. Capturing the chaos, but also the love and care and connection.

• For some families, it’s a moment they never want to forget.

For every storytelling family photo session, I bring a calm, connected presence, easy connection with toddlers and teens alike (even the grumpy ones!), and an eye for the moments you’ll want to remember for a lifetime.

How do I book a storytelling family photo session?

I make it easy! Here’s what to expect:

• Inquire. Fill out a quick form and I’ll send you an email with a link to my calendar so we can briefly chat about you, your family, and your session goals.

• Book. I make it super simple, sending you a link to pick your date, sign your contract, and pay for your session fee, and pre-select your photo & print package if you want to save 10%. Visit my Families page for more info on the investment.

• Prep. I also make this easy: I’ll send you a guide and I’m available ahead of time for questions, outfit input, anything you need to feel at ease and comfortable about your upcoming session.

• Show up. On your session day, you just show up and focus on connecting with your loved ones! I’ll take care of the rest.

• Enjoy your photos for years to come. We’ll go through your gallery a few weeks after your session. You’ll be able to download based on your package selection, and the photos are yours to keep!

Make this year the year you prioritize telling your family’s unique, beautiful, everyday story.

A Year in Photos: Highlights from a Southern NH Photographer

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In the hectic pace of life, I often forget to pause and look back. To see where I’ve been as an anchor to where I’m headed. I have lots of thoughts and feelings about 2025 but suffice it to say that it was a pretty tumultuous year in life, in the world, and — because everything is deeply connected — in this business as well.

That said, I got to photograph some pretty amazing people this year! See for yourself:

When I stop and think—or really, when I stop and look, really look, at the photos I got to make this year with families, businesses, and non-profits, I am deeply encouraged. I got to photograph connection, joy, people who are proud of their work, people who are contributing to their communities in positive ways. See?

2025 had its challenges, and yet. These photos remind me that there was beauty, determination, grit, and grace in the midst of it all. Looking at them fills me with hope and reminds me just how much I deeply love this work.

Thank you to these wonderful people who entrusted me with their photos this year! It has been a privilege.

• 14 families from Hollis, Brookline, Amherst, and Nashua, NH (plus Pepperell, Dunstable, and Woburn, MA!)

• Dishon Bakery in Manchester, NH (if you’re GF and don’t know about it already, you MUST check it out)

• Morneau Law in Nashua, NH

• The Coworking House in Milford, NH

• Healthy Kids Running Series in Amherst, NH

Beaver Brook Family Photo Session

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Sometimes life is too hectic for a full-on family session, and what you really need is a quick, 30-minute option. My petite family sessions provide just that, and this family jumped on it this fall!

One of my favorite places to photograph families is at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH.

The late-afternoon light is pure magic, there are a variety of backgrounds, textures, and options for photos, and they’re doing incredible work to not only support conservation but also raise up new generations of nature-loving people who are connected to the ecosystems around them.

I love supporting them with my photographer membership and helping families make memories in such a stunning place.

Petite Session FAQs

• What's the difference between a petite session and a regular session?

  Petite sessions are quick (30 minutes), perfect for busy families, mostly-traditional/posed portraits, and take place within 10 miles of 03049 (inquire for travel options). They include a selection of photos from your gallery, with the option to purchase additional images after the session.

  Full or regular sessions are longer, leave more room for candids and travel and telling your unique story, and have several photo & print packages to fit every family’s photo dreams.

• What are your favorite locations for a petite session?

  Obviously Beaver Brook is high on my list! I also love doing petite family photo sessions at your home, Woodmont Orchards, downtown Nashua if that’s your vibe, or wherever your family loves to spend time together.

• Do you make color photos, too?

  100% yes! I love the storytelling power of black & white photos, but most of your gallery will be color.

  If you’re as obsessed with black & white as I am, let me know and you’ll get loads!

• How do I book a petite family photo session?

  To book your petite family photo session, click the Book Your Session button below, fill out the inquiry form, and I’ll be in touch with next steps!

Hollis, NH, Family Photo Session

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Family photos are an excellent opportunity to slow down, spend some time with our loved ones, and pause time for a moment. It is breathtaking how quickly kids grow up, so pausing time now and then is essential!

I got to spend some time with this lovely Hollis, NH, family this fall. We managed to plan it just perfectly so that the fall leaves in their backyard were peak color (you can’t tell because I’m obsessed with black & white, but scroll to the end for the proof!).

Every family session is unique to the family - one of my top priorities is to tell your story, not mine or the same one everyone else tells - but they all have some common elements:

• We start with the money shot! Everyone posed, smiling, and (mostly) looking at the camera. Especially with young kids, it’s helpful to get this out of the way early, before kids just get tired of being told what to do.

• We play! If you have kids younger than 5 or 6 and it’s fall, we will 100% be tossing leaves into the air at least twice during the session. You can count on it.

• I let the kids take breaks. They can run, chase each other, play duck-duck-goose, whatever they need to do to relax, take a break from being asked to smile and stand up straight (ish), and enjoy themselves. Sometimes my best photos happen while they’re playing!

• I always get a photo of the parents on their own. You rarely have time for yourselves and probably haven’t been photographed just the two of you in ages. We make it happen, and you pretend to like each other. ;)

• We do it when your kids are happiest (or, honestly? when it works for your schedule). Sometimes you go with what’s ideal energy-wise (usually the morning with young kids) or light-wise (usually late afternoon!) and sometimes you go with what works for your schedule and trust your photographer to make the magic happen anyway. ✨

Whether you’re looking for a more traditional session like this one above or an even-more-candids, documentary-ish session like these over here, I love helping families of all sorts slow down, connect, and document their lives for a moment in these racing-by times.

p.s: Looking for that proof we hit peak-color? Here you go!

Family mini sessions in Southern NH: what to expect

What to expect from family mini sessions

Mini sessions can be great way to quickly & easily update your family photos to reflect the changing seasons, your kids’ rapid growth, or sneak in some images with the grandparents. Family mini sessions are quick (mine are 15 minutes!) and include a few images (3). They are typically scheduled back-to-back at a set time and location; all you have to do is sign up for a slot and then show up a few minutes early.

Do I get to pick the location for my family mini session?

When I offer minis, they are at a set location. One of my favorite spots is Beaver Brook in Hollis, New Hampshire.

Now, if the date doesn’t work for your family or you have a different location in mind, you’re always welcome to grab a few other families and plan something special on your own! Maybe your neighborhood is hosting a block party this summer and everyone wants photos to celebrate, or your PTA is doing a fundraiser and wants to offer family minis, or your kids’ softball team is getting together to celebrate so why not take some photos while you’re at it? The sky’s the limit here if you have a few friends who want the same thing.

How many photos will I get with my mini sessions?

Lynnae Day Photography family mini sessions include 3 hand-edited, high-resolution digital images. You’ll get to pick from a gallery of at least 10 images, and can always purchase additional photos after the session if 3 just isn’t enough!

How many family members can I bring to my mini session?

My mini sessions are open to up to 8 family members. If you’ve got a larger family than that, don’t despair! Send me an email and we’ll figure out if you need two back-to-back sessions for your extended family (more photos!) or another arrangement.

What should I wear to a family mini session?

Whatever you want! 😉 The beauty of mini sessions is that because they’re quicksand easy, the pressure is off; you can make them whatever you want them to be.

Want to celebrate spring and wear pastels? You do you. Getting cozy for winter and want to bundle up in scarves and bulky sweaters? Rock it. Want something totally outside the box, like everyone wearing costumes or graphic tees and goofing off? I’m here for it!

If you’re concerned about your images having a coherent look & feel to them, here are some things to consider when you’re planning your wardrobe:

• Start with one person’s outfit - usually mom’s, let’s be honest - and build from there. Pick something that makes you feel pretty and/or makes you feel like yourself, and then add 2-3 more colors (at most!).

• What colors are in your outfit? Take a minute to think about what colors would complement them well - for example, if you have a lot of muted blues, pick a pop of mustard yellow or teal or orange in someone else’s outfit. If you’re at a loss, search Pinterest for some inspiration, or reach out to me! I’m always happy to consult on colors.

• It can also be fun to mix solids & prints, but keep the prints subtle and/or to a minimum, as they can pull all of the attention to the print and away from you! (There are always exceptions to everything: if you or your partner or your child live and breathe big, bold, prints, be yourselves! The point is to tell your story, not squeeze yourselves into something that isn’t you).

• Don’t forget about shoes! Make sure they fit with the whole look & feel you’re going for.

• Want something totally different, like costumes or grunge or matching Christmas PJs? I’m here for it.

When do you offer family mini sessions?

I typically offer mini sessions once in the spring and once or twice in the fall. In 2023, first priority for peak fall sessions will go to full session families; if I still have openings by the end of September, I’ll open up an October mini session date. (If you know of a Christmas tree farm close to Hollis, NH, that's open to photographers, let me know! I’d be open to doing those but have had trouble finding the right spot).

To be the first to know family mini session dates, be sure to sign up for my newsletter in the footer below or here.

Do you offer themed mini sessions? e.g. Easter, Halloween, Apple Blossoms, etc.

It depends! Typically I book sessions in off-peak times, so you won’t often see Easter or Christmas minis. That’s partly because the weather in the spring and late fall in New England can be wildly unpredictable, and partly because I like to dance to the beat of my own drum and love finding families who feel the same.

What I will do is find beautiful, off-the-beaten path spots in Southern New Hampshire, and the surrounding towns where you and your family can get photos that celebrate your love of nature, the environment, the changing seasons, and - most importantly - one another.

How do I book a mini session?

I’m so glad you asked! Head to my Families page and scroll down to the packages section. If I have minis available, I’ll link to them below “Mini Sessions”. If I don’t, you can join the waitlist!

Community Art Project: What We Love About Hollis

"What We Love About Hollis" was created by Lynnae Day, Hollis resident and owner of Lynnae Day Photography, to celebrate all the things we love about this Southern NH town.

This was a true community effort: participants were photographed at Old Home Days (September 2022), wrote on their photos what they love most about Hollis, and picked a spot on the board to display their photos. The final product speaks to the rich tapestry of experiences & stories that make up our town. It is on display at the Hollis Social Library through the end of December 2022.

What about you? What do you love about Hollis? Share your thoughts & stories in the comments below, or using the #WhatWeLoveAboutHollis hashtag on Instagram.

How to prepare for your next headshot

Getting headshots taken? Do these 5 things!

If you’re a business professional or small business owner in Southern New Hampshire, chances are you need a headshot! Here are some key things you can do to help prepare for your session and get the most out of your investment.

• Get rest

  The number one thing you can do to prepare for your headshot session is to get adequate rest the night before. You want to look your best, and getting enough sleep the night before is an excellent first step. Allow yourself extra time before the session to perfect your wardrobe, style yourself, and travel.

• Think about props

  If we're creating headshots that have more of a lifestyle or branding feel to them than formal headshots, think about whether there are any props/visual elements that help tell your story. Some examples include your own laptop, paper planner if you use one, a favorite mug or pen or plant, etc.

  I'll have a couple of very basic things with me in our minimalistic, white office, but if there are things you use on a daily basis or brand elements that help tell your story, bring them along! And feel free to send me ideas/ask questions about this one, too.

• Plan your outfit

  It's also important to think carefully about what you plan to wear for your headshots. My Number One rule is to wear something that fits well and flatters your face, but here are some additional questions to consider:

  If you’re a business owner, what are your brand colors? Can you work them into your outfits?

  What neutrals do you naturally rock? White? Gray? Khaki? Brown? Black? Pick at least one and work it in to help bring balance to your images.

  Do you need to hire a hair and/or makeup artist, or are you comfortable doing your own?

• Arrive early

  Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your headshots; I often have these sessions scheduled back-to-back, and any missed time unfortunately can't be rescheduled.

  Once you arrive, we'll chat for a few minutes, and then get to work. We'll start with your most important photos and then have some fun.

• Have fun

  Headshot photos turn out the best when you are yourself. It’s important to remember: just because there is a camera pointing at you, you don’t always have to look at it. Sometimes the most meaningful images are when you’re enjoying a moment instead of posing.

  If you find it easier to relax with a friend around, consider booking a double session! Or invite them along for yours and they'll just be out of the frame. Either way, I'll be prompting you throughout to talk about yourself, your work, your hobbies, anything to help you relax and get those natural expressions coming through.

Headshot sessions don’t have to be intimidating. Schedule yours today!

At-home family session: Hollis, NH

I absolutely loved meeting this sweet, new family in Hollis, NH, last month for a Christmas-themed at-home session - their little one was just the sweetest and such an easy sleeper! Hardly a complaint and she snuggled off to sleep in Mom’s arms. 

Have you ever had photos taken in your own home? I love the relaxed, comfortable pace, all the natural light, and the very personal touch it adds to family photos. When you’re in your own space, it’s easier to let your guard down, be yourself, and capture some of the details of your beautiful home. And there’s no rushing to get somewhere, because you’re already there.

I’ve been taking my own family’s photos indoors for a couple of years now; I’m thrilled to now be offering the same experience for all of you. Do you have a home you love and a need to update your family photos? Want to capture some memories of your lives right now, in your favorite space? I’ve got a few spots available in January & February and would love to connect! Click the button below to get started.

Family session: Hollis, NH

Word to the wise: if you’re holding back on doing a family session because your kids are solidly in the cranky-baby or headstrong-toddler phase, don’t! They’ve got their own light & loveliness and we can still make magic 😚

These friends brought their two littles up from MA for a fall family session and both boys weren’t having it at least half the time. But you know what? We played some games, we went for walks, we threw leaves, and we snuggled (I only snuggled the baby, lol) and look at how things turned out!

“If you’re in New England and need a photographer who can meet babies and toddlers in literally ~whatever~ mood may strike them and capture both the joy and chaos of life with littles, you need Lynnae! She works magic!”

— ABK

Capturing this season in your lives is so precious, something you’ll look back on later and be so thankful that you did. I’ll be booking outdoor shoots through the winter for the adventurous, snow-loving families, or you can get on my calendar now for Spring 2022 before prices go up!

Fall Minis 2021: Part 3

It’s the final installment of my Fall Mini Session highlights series and I feel like I saved the best for last. 😍 (More hyperbole, yes, because I loved every single session, but hyperbole’s my favorite and you get the idea). The kiddos in these sessions all brought SO much energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to their sessions, and they even brought some ideas of their own to suggest as we went through the sessions (Keep reading to see some of those).

Sidenote: my favorite place to take photos is at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. My family loves hiking there, they have incredible educational programs for people of all ages, and I get to support their efforts through their Photographer Membership + donating 5% from the sessions I photograph there. This year, I did both mini session days at Beaver Brook - one at everyone’s favorite, Maple Hill Farm, and one around the Brown Lane Barn. I found a lovely little hidden trail head I’d never been down before at Brown Lane Barn, and Cow Lane did NOT disappoint. 😍

The best thing I learned from this year’s mini sessions is that I will definitely be offering them again! I learned a lot, connected with a number of old and new friends, and really loved creating the space to capture a little light and loveliness for so many families. Thank you to everyone who came out and took a chance on a newer photographer - I loved getting to know and see you all

Fall Minis 2021: Part 2

Welcome back for Part 2 of my Fall Mini Session highlights! These families win cutest kiddo awards (ok, that’s some hyperbole because all of the families had cute kids, but, you know. Sometimes I’m a sucker for the 3-and-under crowd!). Also, there was a lot of throwing leaves to get some smiles. My favorite part of fall - and theirs! See what I mean? 😍

Mini sessions are a great opportunity to get some quick photos of you and your loved ones - perfect for a holiday/New Year card (if you send them), gifts for grandparents, and a brief snapshot in time. Mine run around 15 minutes, so we move FAST. One thing I learned is that while fast can be helpful for young kids, with their short attention spans and preference for exploring over sitting still or being held, it also doesn’t give them a lot of time to warm up to me, the photographer. But I think we did ok, don’t you?

Another fun thing about mini sessions with young kids is how you just never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes the cuteness means great photos come easy, and sometimes independence wins out and you’re just hoping for the best. Either way, I loved meeting all of these cute kiddos and can’t wait to see how they grow!

Stay tuned for Part 3, coming next week!

Fall Minis 2021: Part 1

I offered Fall Minis this year for the first time ever and had so much fun! Meeting new people and connecting with friends is one of my favorite things and I got to do a lot of both in one short weekend. You know what else was a first for me? Photographing teenagers + young adults! I was honestly more than a little nervous about it, but I think they’re now my favorite “kids” to photograph (don’t tell the three year olds!). I especially had fun making them do things they would NEVER do, like hugging Mom, Dad, and their siblings - all of them were great sports, though. and we got some lovely photos as a result.

One of the best parts was getting a chance to really get my feet wet with mini sessions and better understand what’s involved (hint: it’s a lot, but did I mention lots of fun?). I also have a better sense now of what kinds of photos are possible in minis vs. full family sessions (another hint: minis are great for quick, mostly-posed snapshots; family sessions are great for extended families, more candids, and a more relaxed feel to the session).

And minis aren’t just for whole-family images - we had time to get a few of just the parents! Good to see the love alive and well, even with teenagers in the house :)

More highlights coming in Parts 2 and 3! I offer mini sessions 2-3 times / year; hop on over to the Mini Sessions page to be the first to know when I do them again!

Family mini session: Hollis, NH

I kicked off the start of Lynnae Day Photography with a couple of mini sessions at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. This sweet family chose these sessions as their very first professional photos and I was so honored to spend time with them! We had fun climbing on rocks, goofing off with an “epic” family band photo (my album cover photography needs some work ;) ), and enjoying the few moments together.

Family mini session: Hollis, NH

I kicked off the start of Lynnae Day Photography with a couple of mini sessions at Beaver Brook in Hollis, NH. These dear friends drove all the way up from the Boston area for a quick session and I couldn’t be more grateful! We had loads of fun in a short time, and then kept the fun going with a family hike & picnic. Thank goodness for beautiful outdoor spaces for photos & connecting with friends after one heck of a long year!

Arlington, MA, family lifestyle session

My first official family lifestyle session went off without a hitch in Arlington, MA, last month! We hung out at Menotomy Rocks Park for about an hour, finding all the pretty spots & enjoying the playground. My favorite moments are when the “camera face” comes off and the kids (and adults!) lose themselves in the playing & connecting, and just have fun being together.

Light & loveliness everywhere you look!

Why "light and loveliness"?

Ever since I picked up a film camera waaaaay back in 2003, I've always been drawn to finding beauty. Photography has been a solace, a comfort, and even a spiritual discipline in hard times, helping me remember that no matter what is going on around me, there is light & loveliness all around me.

I don't dive into the hard a ton around here because it's too easy for me to get stuck in it, but always, always, always I am looking for the light, looking for the loveliness, searching for beauty in brokenness. Whether you feel like your family "has it all together" (who does??) or you're really, really struggling, or somewhere in between, I'd love to come alongside you and capture the light & loveliness in your story.