Family Photographer Chillicothe MO
Capturing Real Moments, Genuine Laughter, and Family Love
Chillicothe's Family Photographer
Your family is constantly growing and changing. Don't let these precious years slip by without capturing them! As your Chillicothe family photographer, I create fun, relaxed sessions that feel more like playtime than a formal photo shoot.
At Aqua Blue Studio, I believe the best family photos happen when everyone is comfortable and being themselves. No stiff poses or forced smiles - just your family laughing, playing, and connecting naturally. After photographing hundreds of Chillicothe families, I know how to get genuine smiles from even the most camera-shy kids (and adults!).
Why Families Love Aqua Blue Studio
Fun & Relaxed
No awkward posing! Sessions feel like playing at the park while I capture real moments. Kids (and parents) actually enjoy themselves, which shows in the photos.
All Family Sizes Welcome
Whether it's just you three or a huge extended family reunion with 30+ people, I've got you covered. No family is too big or too small!
Choose Your Location
Pick a location that's meaningful to you - your favorite Chillicothe park, your home, downtown, a local farm, or anywhere that feels special to your family.
Styling Help
Not sure what to wear? I'll send you a complete style guide and I'm happy to help you coordinate outfits so everyone looks great together without being too matchy-matchy.
Flexible Scheduling
Evening and weekend sessions available to accommodate busy family schedules. We'll work around nap times, activities, and whatever else you've got going on!
Perfect for Gifts
Family photos make the best gifts! Create holiday cards, beautiful wall art for grandparents, or photo books that become treasured family heirlooms.
What's Included in Family Photography Sessions
Session Experience
- ✓60-90 minute session: Plenty of time for variety and fun
- ✓Your choice of location: Pick what's meaningful to your family
- ✓All family combinations: Whole family, parents only, kids together, individuals
- ✓Natural, candid moments: Real laughs, genuine connections
- ✓Kid-friendly approach: I'm great with children of all ages!
- ✓Pre-session planning: Style guide and location recommendations
After Your Session
- ✓40-60 edited images: Professional editing on every photo
- ✓Online gallery: Easy viewing, downloading, and sharing
- ✓High-resolution files: Perfect for any size print
- ✓Print release: Print anywhere you choose
- ✓2-week turnaround: Your gallery ready fast!
- ✓Print options available: Wall art, photo books, holiday cards
Types of Family Sessions
Immediate Family
Mom, dad, and kids. Perfect for holiday cards and documenting how your family is growing. Sessions feel relaxed and fun - we'll play games, walk around, and capture natural interactions.
Most popular option!
Extended Family
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins - everyone! Great for family reunions or holidays when everyone's together. We'll get the big group shot plus smaller family units.
Allow extra time for large groups
Multi-Generational
Four generations in one frame! These photos become treasured family heirlooms. Perfect timing is when grandparents or great-grandparents are visiting.
Create priceless memories
Single Parent Families
Your family is beautiful exactly as it is! I specialize in making single parent families feel comfortable and celebrated. You'll get in the photos too - you deserve to be documented with your kids!
Blended Families
Stepparents, half-siblings, yours-mine-ours - all families are welcome here! We'll capture various combinations so everyone has photos that matter to them.
Milestone Sessions
New baby, graduation, retirement, or just because another year has passed. Document where your family is right now - you'll treasure these photos forever.
Best Times for Family Photos
🍂 Fall (Most Popular!)
September - November
- • Beautiful fall colors and golden light
- • Perfect weather - not too hot or cold
- • Ideal timing for holiday cards
- • Everyone's back in school routine
- • Gorgeous seasonal backdrops
⚠️ Books up fast! Schedule by August
🌸 Spring
April - June
- • Fresh blooms and lush greenery
- • Comfortable temperatures
- • Kids are still cooperating (not summer-crazed yet!)
- • Beautiful soft natural light
- • Great for Mother's Day gifts
☀️ Summer
June - August
- • Late evening sessions when it's cooler
- • Vacation vibes and relaxed schedules
- • Kids have summer tans
- • Long daylight hours = flexible timing
- • Sunflower fields and country settings
❄️ Winter
December - February
- • Cozy with scarves and warm clothes
- • Holiday lights for evening sessions
- • Snow scenes (if we're lucky!)
- • Unique, less-crowded option
- • Perfect for winter holiday cards
When to Book Your Session
Schedule 4-6 weeks in advance for best availability. Fall sessions should be booked by August!
What to Wear for Family Photos
The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don't Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts! Choose a color palette of 2-3 colors and have each family member wear different combinations. This creates a cohesive look while letting everyone's personality shine.
Best Color Palettes
- Fall: Rust, burgundy, olive, cream, mustard
- Spring: Soft pink, sage green, cream, light blue
- Summer: Navy, white, coral, turquoise, yellow
- Winter: Deep red, forest green, navy, cream, plum
Quick Tips
- ✓Avoid busy patterns and large logos
- ✓Layer with cardigans, jackets, scarves
- ✓Mix textures for visual interest
- ✓Comfortable shoes (we'll be moving!)
- ✓Try on outfits 2 weeks before
Need help choosing? I'll send you a detailed style guide when you book, and I'm always happy to look at photos of your outfit options before the session!
Mini Session or Full Session?
Not sure which option is right for your family? Here's a quick comparison:
Mini Sessions
- • 20-30 minutes
- • 10-15 images
- • One pre-selected location
- • Seasonal themes
- • Budget-friendly
- • Perfect for holiday cards
Full Sessions
- • 60-90 minutes
- • 40-60 images
- • Your choice of location(s)
- • Fully customizable
- • More variety
- • Best for extended family
Recommended for most families!
Family Photography FAQs
What if my kids won't cooperate?
Don't worry - I've photographed hundreds of kids! I have tricks to get even the most stubborn toddler to smile. Sessions are relaxed and fun - we'll play games, be silly, and take breaks as needed. No one will be forced to smile!
Can we bring our dog?
YES! Pets are family too. Just make sure someone can help wrangle your pup when needed. We'll get some shots with your dog and some without for variety.
What's the best age gap for sibling photos?
There's no "wrong" age! Every age has its charm. That said, if you have a newborn and older kids, the first few months are great for capturing those "meeting baby" moments.
How often should we get family photos?
I recommend annually, especially while kids are growing and changing quickly. Many families do a full session every other year with mini sessions in between for holiday cards.
What if someone is sick on our session day?
We can reschedule! I'd rather move your date than have sick, miserable family members in photos. Just let me know as soon as possible so we can find a new date.
How long does a family photo session take?
Typical family sessions are 1-2 hours. This gives us plenty of time for multiple locations, outfit changes if desired, and keeps everyone relaxed. Mini sessions are 30 minutes for those who prefer something quicker. We work at your family's pace - never rushed!
Do you do extended family portraits?
Absolutely! Extended family sessions are wonderful. I'll photograph the whole group together, then each individual family unit, and various combinations (all the grandkids, siblings, etc.). I'll send a planning guide to help organize who needs to be in which shots.
When will we receive our photos?
Your full edited gallery will be ready within 2-3 weeks. You'll receive a private online gallery where you can view, download, share, and order prints. All images come in high resolution with full print rights - they're yours to keep forever!
What's included in family photography packages?
Packages include your session time, professional editing of all photos, an online gallery, and high-resolution digital downloads with print release. Typical sessions yield 30-50 edited images. Print products like canvas, albums, and framed prints are available separately.
Can we include grandparents who have mobility issues?
Yes! I'm happy to accommodate everyone's needs. We can choose accessible locations, bring chairs, work close to parking, or even do part of the session at your home. Just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. Everyone should be included in family photos!
Ready to Book Your Family Photo Session?
Let's capture your family right now - these moments won't last forever! Popular fall dates fill up fast, so book early.
Let's Create Something Beautiful
Book the best photographer Chillicothe has to offer - Contact us for photography Chillicothe services
Call Us
(660) 973-7090Studio
Chillicothe, Missouri
Mobile Photography Services
Hours
Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: By appointment