At-Home Family Portraits in Atlanta // Jess & Gary

Jess & Gary reached out to me to help them build an awesome day-in-the-life session to faithfully represent them as potential adoptive parents. This was such a special honor for me for so many reasons. One such reason is because my only blood-related niece was adopted by a wonderful family in California whom I’m grateful for every day! Their at-home family portrait session in Atlanta was incredibly special to me.

At-Home Family Portraits in Atlanta

This was such a fun session to put together with them, and Jess & Gary are just utterly delightful human beings. We began at home with them making beautiful lattes with their pandemic-acquired skills and then enjoying homemade blueberry compote on poundcake. That was just the start of this incredible session! Afterwards, Jess & Gary began playing records, and showing off tricks they’ve taught their pandemic puppy. We then headed out to a small nearby park before meeting up with Jess’s family for ice cream at Big Softie and a little Rummikub, a game which is a family tradition! {I was especially touched because it’s also a tradition in my family.}

Aftwards, we hit some nearby colorful street murals before closing out the session in Little 5 for thrifting at Clothing Warehouse & checking out the music scene at Criminal Records.

I wish you two all the best and that these portraits serve you well. Jess & Gary, you are truly beautiful people and I hope that your family grows the way you’re hoping! 

What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your session and how did it turn out?

What to wear, how it would look in pictures/if we complimented each other or not. I think timing as well, because we planned a lot, and was trying to be cognizant of your time. Honestly, I personally did not want you to feel taken advantage of. I think it went really well. Not sure how we looked, but I think it went and hit most of the sports.

What was your favorite moment during the shoot?

Just how we, at some point, forgot there was a camera following us around. It felt like we were just hanging out with another friend, exploring the city.

What advice would you give to others planning a session?

Trust Raven and let her do her thing! But be really upfront about what you are hoping to achieve, what the photos will be used for etc. I feel that the more context the better. Since we had a very specific need for our photos, I took the approach to overshare all of the information from our adoption agency in what was needed for our profile. I could be wrong, but I think it helped as well as this is not as common of a photo session scope.

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Probably add more time haha 🙂 Or do it during the middle of the week as Saturdays in Atlanta are very busy.

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Raven is an Atlanta Wedding and portrait Photographer who captures real people. Her speciality is working with people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.

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