Stories by Esi
She photographs him with a film camera, lying in the grass

Family · Asheville & Western North Carolina

Family photos of the ordinary days

Sticky hands, loud dinners, sleepy cuddles. The ordinary days you'll miss the most.

Tell me your story

The family photos people treasure most are rarely the ones where everyone looks at the camera. They're the blurry spin, the toddler mid-meltdown, the grandparent laughing so hard their eyes close.

So I don't run family sessions like a photo shoot. I run them like an afternoon. We play, we walk, we let the kids lead, and I keep the camera close.

Piggyback ride and big laughs on a mountain ridge

Prompts for kids, not poses

Kids can smell a forced smile from a mile away. Instead, I give everyone something to do: race to that tree, whisper a secret to dad, spin mom until she's dizzy, find the funniest-looking rock.

Parents relax when kids are just being kids, and that's when the real photos happen. If someone needs a snack break or a few minutes on a lap, that's part of the story too.

At home or outside

A home session is underrated. Pancakes in pajamas, a pillow fort, the reading corner, the light through your kitchen window. It's the place your kids will remember.

Outdoors, Asheville is generous: meadows and gardens at the NC Arboretum, the forest and waterfalls at DuPont, and easy overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In Charlotte, Freedom Park and the gardens at Daniel Stowe are lovely for little legs.

Two hands reaching for each other in black-and-white

What to wear

After you book, I'll send a short guide with a few examples so nobody has to stress about it.

  • Coordinate, don't match. Pick two or three soft colors and let everyone choose within them.
  • Textures and layers look like film: knits, linen, denim, corduroy.
  • Skip big logos and characters on shirts, they pull the eye.
  • Shoes the kids can run in. We'll be running.

Every season counts

Families change fast. A yearly session in the same place, or a new place every year, becomes its own little film of your kids growing up. Fall color in the mountains is a favorite, but spring green, summer evenings and even a cold, cozy winter morning each have their own feel.

Extended family visiting from out of town? Grandparents, cousins and everyone together is a great reason to book.

A winding path through misty mountains

Questions

Asked and answered

How long is a family session?

Usually an hour or two. With little ones, we work with their energy and take breaks whenever needed.

What if my kids won't cooperate?

They don't have to. I'm not trying to get a perfect lineup. I'm looking for real moments, and kids who are being themselves give me plenty.

Do you photograph families in Charlotte?

Yes. I'm based in Asheville and travel to Charlotte. Tell me where you are and travel details come with your collections.

Keep exploring

Maternity Maternity Portraits Portraits Asheville The North Carolina Arboretum Charlotte Freedom Park Session & elopement locations Locations
She smiles back at him outside a storefront, hands clasped

Contact

Your story starts here.

Tell me who you are, what you love, and the season you're in. I read every word.

Based in Asheville. Coming from Charlotte or further? Tell me where you are, and travel details come with your collections.

Prefer Instagram? Message me at @storiesbyesi.