Golden Sunset Summer Family Photos: the Oko family | Family Photography NYC

As a New York City lifestyle family photographer and children's photographer, nothing delights me more than a gorgeous family choosing an outdoor portrait session that ends up taking place at the golden hour. So, so much magic happens in front of my lens, that I literally squeal and giggle like a child full of wonder with each incredible portrait that I get to capture. Have you had me capture you? If you have, I am sure you can attest to that. The Okos surely can!

So, here are (for you to judge!) the squeal-worthy images from this lifestyle family portrait session, and the interview with the incredibly awesome Okos.

The Okos: "The year and a half leading up to our son's birth was pretty tumultuous and emotional for our family - lots of loss, change and upheaval. His healthy birth was such a bright spot and really represented a change in the tides. I liked the idea of capturing and focusing on this good bit.

The newborn shots we were gifted {at the time of his birth} opened my eyes a bit to the process and idea of investing myself in portraits."

The Okos: "For anyone on the fence about investing in their own professional portraits, I would offer two things:

First - although in this digital age we have seemingly limitless photos of every little detail of our lives, my photo stream is overloaded with 'memories' mixed in with photos of my recent bank statement and screen grabs of that thing I need to remember to pick up.

I do my best to organize and weed out and even print photo books regularly via a subscription service, but none of that should really even be compared to professional photos / products. It is night and day different.

Second - it was really nice to see us all through someone else’s eyes. Most of our photos are of what I see and what I think about my family - giving up that control was really liberating."

Andreea B. Ballen Photography: "Going in to our family photo session together, what was your expectation for the portrait session? Any funny anecdotes?"

The Okos: "I had seen your portfolio and was very excited about your work and that informed my idea for what I hoped our images might be like. I didn't really know what to expect going in and just trusted you and your process."

The Okos: "...At the end of the shoot I honestly thought we might have blown it.

We showed up a bit late and I really really hate being late, so that had me frazzled. It was unseasonably hot and sticky. There was a wedding right where we had planned to shoot and then a maternity shoot that seemed to be happening in ALL the other spots. My daughter sat in ants (ants in her pants, literally) and then snuck off and climbed a bridge while we were trying to get some shots of the four of us. Jakob was overtired...

I was kicking myself for not knowing my family better and requesting an afternoon shot but I had really fallen in love with the idea of the early evening light!

I kept looking to you for signs of stress, etc. but apart from the time you had to sprint to stop Annika from landing herself in the drink - you maintained your calm cool energy so I had hope that we hadn't messed it all up!"

The Okos: ".....I was three months post partum and dealing with all the fun issues that go along with that - so the shoot was a really good excuse to give my hair and clothes some long overdue love. I had three very carefully chosen outfits for each of us and then the day of the shoot that all went out the window as we just kept on outfit #1! C'est la vie!"

Andreea B. Ballen Photography: "What does having these images mean to you, and how do you think you will feel looking at your portraits every day to 5/10/20 years from now?"

The Okos: "Twenty years from now I will probably be laughing at my decision to wear pink pants.

Now however, I have been very focused on all the amazing shots of my daughter.

She was in a bike accident with her daddy on the day you were originally intending to drop off our completed book and prints. She ended up with three skull fractures and other bumps and bruises, but miraculously, no brain damage. We got so lucky.

I came out of my fog about a week after the accident and remembered the photos and contacted you. It was really overwhelming to see those beautiful shots of my fierce, spunky little girl staring back at me."

Andreea B. Ballen Photography: "What was your experience like with Andreea B. Ballen Photography, and how was it vis-à-vis your expectations going into your family photo session?"

The Okos: "We were pretty blown away when you came to show us the shots. We took a long time pouring over every last image.

I knew pretty quickly which ones I wanted to print for framing and was excited about the slightly elongated format you helped us choose. And then I just couldn't resist getting the book. I'm so happy we did."

Andreea B. Ballen Photography: "Talk a little bit about the art pieces that you chose from your session. What makes them special/special to you? What made them the best in showcasing/safeguarding your memories?"

The Okos: "We chose (2) 8 x 12 prints for framing. One of our whole family and one of just Annika and her Dad.

We were also very generously gifted two extra prints - artist’s choice - which we love and can’t wait to frame along with the others. Especially the shot of Annika, thank you so much.

And the book - I just can’t say enough about the book. So much of life with young children is messy and frustrating and uncontrollable, I love that you were able to capture the joy in those moments.

The book tells that story - not of something contrived, not of props and poses - of us. Oh, and that beautiful light!"

Thank YOU for being so absolutely AMAZING to be with, work with, and to allow me to photograph all the beauty, love and light of your family!

Professional prints & Heirloom booK

Heirloom book, family photo session

Sample photo spread, album

Lifestyle family session book

HeatherOkoProductPics1

Want to see it all come together? Here is the Signature Heirloom lay flat book, unveiled. And she's gushing. And I love her!

Are you looking to capture gush-worthy photos of the magic and love of your family? Click here to contact us to save the date for your gorgeous child, family or couple portrait session today.

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