I have been smiling since I started going through these images and honestly I do not think I stopped once. This Rocky River Reservation family photographer session is one of those sessions that just fills you up – pure joy, pure love, pure personality. I am so excited to share this one!

by Alison Nicole Photography | Cleveland Lifestyle Photographer

Rocky River Reservation Photographer – The Location

Rocky River Reservation is one of Cleveland Metroparks’ most beautiful parks and we spent most of our time right by Rocky River where the massive shale cliffs rise up above the water. It is just stunning – dramatic, natural, and so unique. We also spent a little time in the woods right nearby which added a totally different feel to some of the images. If you have not considered Rocky River Reservation for a family session, put it on your list. The variety you can get in one spot is incredible!

This Family

Where do I even start with this family… they are just everything. Full of joy, full of love, and full of more personality than I can even put into words. They describe Mom as “the brains – the calm in the midst of the boy-storm.” Dad is “fun loving – he’s the fun, even after it hurts.” Their oldest, six years old at the time, is “the scholar – a wild, fun-loving, humble, loving big brother.” And their youngest, two years old during the session? “The beats to our ‘by Dre’. A dancer, a wild one, a joy, and national treasure.” I mean… this family writes the best questionnaires I have ever read!

When asked what they wanted to capture this session Dad wrote that he wanted to document his sons’ “undying love for each other and their ability to hug each other like they’re going out of style… and then kind of try and harm one another. lol” And he wanted a photo of his wife “looking like the fierce storm beauty she is.” I love that so much. This is also a repeat client family – I did a session with them at a different area of Rocky River Reservation back in 2023 and they said those images “fill us with so much joy and hope and love and laughter.” That means everything to me!

This Session

The boys had the best time by the river – looking for cool rocks, throwing rocks in the water, running around, and just being kids. That energy came through in every single image! Since their youngest was a bit older this year they wanted more individual shots of each kid and we absolutely delivered on that. There are at least five images of each boy in this post – including a double exposure of each one that I am so proud of how those turned out! I created those double exposures using images taken right there in the same area. That makes them feel even more connected to this place and this moment. I also got some really sweet individual shots of both Mom and Dad as well as some beautiful couples photos of the two of them together. Those are always worth making!

One of my favorite images from the whole session is a slow shutter shot of the boys running around their parents while Mom and Dad stayed completely still. And if that was not magical enough – a rainbow flare showed up right in the middle of it. You cannot plan something like that. It just happens and you hold your breath and hope it works out… and it did!

Oh – and make sure you scroll all the way to the end of the gallery. The slow shutter rainbow flare image is back there too – and Dad’s personality absolutely burst through in this session and there is one photo at the very end that made me laugh out loud. You will know it when you see it!

Rocky River Reservation Photographer – Serving the West Side and Beyond

Family sessions are one of my absolute favorites! It does not matter if you are a family of two or of seven – I love them all. If you would like to learn more about family sessions please click here: Family Sessions. To see more family lifestyle photography sessions on the blog click here: Family Lifestyle Photography Sessions. Lastly, if you are interested in my Family Session Guide please fill out my contact form here: Contact Form. I am currently serving areas in and around Cleveland including Lakewood, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon Lake, Westlake, Avon, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and more!

Thank You!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through and check out the images from this family session! If you are looking for something else please know that I also offer newborn, branding, senior, and couples photography sessions. Check out these links: Cleveland Newborn Photographer, Cleveland Branding and Headshot Photographer, Cleveland Senior Photographer, Cleveland Couples Photography. I would love to work with you!