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Five Rivers in Slingerlands, NY - Donnelly Fall Family Session

This sweet family session was such a treat for me — mostly because they are practically family, and returning customers. We met up at Five Rivers in Slingerlands, NY, which is easily one of my favorite spots for portraits this time of year. The tall grasses, fall colors, and warm glow of golden hour make it such a dreamy backdrop for family photos.


Now, if you’ve ever had photos taken with a little one, you know things don’t always go perfectly smoothly — and that’s totally okay. Courtney and Ryan's daughter, Lucey, was full of energy (and a few big feelings!), so we had a mix of laughter, running around, and a couple of tiny tantrums in between. But honestly, that’s real life with any child, right?


We(the adults) suggested a few opportunities for posing, but instead of forcing poses, I leaned into photographing the in-between moments — playing, exploring, and I let her personality shine through. Even with the slight hiccup to the photo plan, I was still able to capture so many sweet, genuine moments of connection between the family. Those are always my favorites — the unplanned giggles, the way she looked up at her parents, the hugs that turned into laughter.

A family of three walks on a wooden bridge in nature, lifting a joyful child between them. Green foliage surrounds the scene.
A smiling girl in a blue dress holds hands with two adults on a wooden path. She wears a bow headband; the mood is joyful.
A smiling family of three stands on a wooden bridge in casual attire, surrounded by lush greenery, conveying a warm and joyful mood.
Girl in blue dress with a sparkling bow holds a purple object, smiling holding camera on a wooden walkway surrounded by greenery.
Family standing on a wooden bridge, looking out over wetland with dense trees in the background. Black and white image conveys calm.

As the sun peeked through the trees, the light turned golden and wrapped them all in this perfect, soft glow. It was the kind of light that makes you stop and take a breath because everything feels calm and beautiful for just a second.

A smiling family of three stands in a sunlit forest clearing, surrounded by autumn leaves. Warm tones create a joyful atmosphere.
Mother and daughter share a joyful moment in a sunlit forest. The girl wears a blue dress; the mother, in a white lace top, smiles warmly.
A man holds a smiling girl in a blue dress amidst a sunny, autumn forest. Warm light filters through the golden leaves, creating a joyful mood.

By the end of the evening, we walked away with a gallery full of warmth, love, and plenty of personality — proof that even when things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s still so much magic to capture.

Woman with red hair hugs smiling girl in blue dress on grass. Both appear happy. Woman wears lace top, girl has sparkly headband.
Five Rivers in Slingerlands, NY - Donnelly Fall Family Session
Five Rivers in Slingerlands, NY - Donnelly Fall Family Session
Family of three smiling in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by autumn foliage. The child is hugged by parents, creating a warm, joyful scene.
Family of three smiling in a grassy field. The child wears a blue dress, the father a plaid shirt, and the mother a white lace top. Cozy mood.
Family of three embraces joyfully in a grassy meadow, surrounded by lush greenery. The child is smiling, wearing a bow. Warm, cheerful scene.
Smiling family of three in a field, with the child in blue held by the parents. Autumn foliage in the background, wearing casual clothes.

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