Now Casting: One Family for an Exclusive Golden Hour Portrait Experience

There is something magical about golden hour.

The warm sunlight, the gentle breeze through the tall grass, the laughter of children running through an open field—these are the moments that create the most meaningful family portraits.

Heather Elizabeth Studios is excited to announce an exclusive Golden Field Sunset Family Model Call at beautiful Glenwood Gardens, and we are searching for one special family to help bring this vision to life.

My Vision

This session is designed to capture authentic family connections in a stunning golden field during sunset. The focus will be on genuine moments rather than stiff poses—snuggles, laughter, playful interactions, and the beautiful relationships that make your family unique.

The resulting images will be used for portfolio building, website content, social media, and future marketing materials that showcase our signature outdoor family photography experience.

Who We’re Looking For

We are currently seeking:

• A family with 2–3 children
• Children between 6 months and 10 years old
• Families who love natural, candid photography
• Parents willing to follow wardrobe styling guidance
• Families willing to sign a model release allowing images and behind-the-scenes content to be used for marketing purposes

What the Selected Family Will Receive

As a thank-you for participating, the selected family will receive:

✨ A complimentary one-hour sunset portrait session at Glenwood Gardens

✨ 25 professionally edited high-resolution digital images

✨ A personal print release

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a luxury family portrait session while helping create beautiful content for Heather Elizabeth Studios.

How to Apply

Applying is easy!

Simply complete the application form and upload a recent photo of your family.

👉 Apply Here

Important Dates

Applications Close: June 5, 2026

Selected Family Notified: June 6, 2026

Only one family will be selected for this exclusive model call opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the session really complimentary?

Yes! The selected family will receive the session and 25 professionally edited digital images at no cost.

Why is this a model call?

The images and behind-the-scenes content from the session will be used by Heather Elizabeth Studios for portfolio display, social media, website content, and marketing materials.

What should we wear?

Wardrobe styling plays an important role in creating the soft, timeless look envisioned for this session. To complement the warm golden tones of the field and sunset light, families should plan to wear neutral, coordinated colors rather than matching outfits.

Think soft creams, ivory, beige, taupe, light khaki, oatmeal, soft blues, muted sage, dusty rose, and other earthy, natural tones. Clothing should feel classic and effortless, with simple silhouettes and minimal logos, graphics, or busy patterns. Flowing dresses, textured fabrics, linen, cotton, knits, and layered pieces photograph beautifully in an outdoor setting.

The goal is to create a cohesive look that allows your family’s connection and personalities to shine while ensuring the images remain timeless for years to come.

Selected families will receive personalized wardrobe guidance, including color palette recommendations and styling suggestions for each family member, to help create a beautifully coordinated final gallery.

What happens if we are not selected?

Families who apply but are not chosen will receive an exclusive 20% discount toward a future family portrait session.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

If you’ve been dreaming of beautiful family portraits filled with sunshine, connection, and genuine emotion, we’d love to hear from you.

We cannot wait to create something truly special during this magical golden hour experience.

✨ Applications close June 5, 2026.

When this sweet girl’s mom came to me to talk about her 1-year cake smash, she had a great vision for the set; a Cincinnati skyline featuring Godzilla as the baby. So fun!!

I love when clients come to me with super unique ideas for their cake smash session. When Mom booked this session I was over the moon excited about the theme: Godzilla Takes Over Cincinnati. I immediately contacted my favorite bakery, Tres Belle Cakes to create the perfect cake! Then scoured Etsy for the perfect Godzilla outfit to fit the color scheme. Once those items were lined up, I worked with a local artist to sketch the perfect Cincinnati Skyline, comic book style! I love how everything came together!

This sweet girl did not disappoint and kept with the theme. She went straight to destroying the cake like a little Godzilla.

My favorite moment was when she went head first into the cake!

After every smash, we wrap up with a nice warm bubble bath. This tiny Godzilla could not be contained ha! She had the best time splashing and making a giant mess.

If your baby became a toddler quicker than you could imagine and you want to do a cake smash session, let’s go for it! Always happy to customize with your ideas! Book your session here.

Here are some ideas for themes: Pinterest

And here are some recent sessions: Cake Smash Sessions

Step into a world of magic as I capture the enchanting beauty of glitter in every shot. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to add a touch of sparkle to your memories, our glitter photography session promises a unique and mesmerizing experience.

What’s Included:

• a 15 minute session
• All the Glittery goodness
• 5 fully edited, high-resolution digital images

Our glitter photography sessions are available on January 21st & 27th. Book your slot now to secure a spot for a session that promises to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

As a token of appreciation, the first 5 bookings will enjoy an exclusive 10% off the regular session price. Use code GLITTERMAGIC at checkout to secure this limited-time offer.

Visit our booking site HERE to reserve your glitter photography session today.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a sprinkle of magic to your photos. We look forward to creating sparkling memories with you!

When this sweet little man’s mom came to me to talk about his 1-year cake smash, she had a great vision for the set; simple balloons with die-cut baby sharks. Adorable!

So, as life would have it, quarantine happened, and his session got rescheduled and rescheduled again.

I’m so grateful for clients who understood and rolled with it because by the time we did his session, he was 14 months old. If there’s anything we’ve learned that time is just time, and we’re all a little bit more forgiving now, aren’t we? 

I’m in love with his little jeans and chubby belly! Keeping the outfits super simple keeps the focus on the faces and the set and brings out all those baby features that will soon fade away as they become toddlers.

This balloon set would work with any kind of theme! All you need to do is tell me your colors, and I can design something exactly for you and your birthday baby.

And as usual, Tres Belle Cakes knocked it out of the park with the Baby Shark cake. The colors match absolutely perfectly with the theme.

These cakes are so whimsical and the perfect size for cake smash sessions. They are definitely kid-tested and approved!

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If your baby became a toddler quicker than you could imagine and you want to do a cake smash session, let’s go for it! Always happy to customize with your ideas! Book your session here.

Here are some ideas for themes: Pinterest

And here are some recent sessions: Cake Smash Sessions

First Cake Smash Hyde Park | Emilia’s Butterfly First Cake Smash

First cake smashes one of my favorite things to design. Each set has a sweet little theme that matches the birthday baby’s personality, likes, or favorite things!

For birthday girl Emilia, mom wanted something purple, so we chose a butterfly theme. I’m so excited at how these turned out!

One of the things I always have in mind when designing these sets is that the scene has a little bit of depth to it. While some of that can be controlled with camera settings, I do give a lot of thought to how the different items will look in the scene.

The blossom tree is one of my favorite backdrops because it has such a soft look to it. Adding balloons in pastels, and a few touches of gold and some vintage props gave it just the right pop. 

Can you believe all the hair this little one has??!! Oh my gosh, with those deep chocolate brown eyes and that hair!  Mom picked out just a darling outfit and headband, and it matched perfectly for her butterfly cake smash.

And speaking of smashing, it, Tres Belle Cakes did it again. Isn’t it just the sweetest?

If you are struggling with what outfit to put your baby in for a cake smash session, this is a great example of one that works well because it’s so pretty but didn’t compete with the items on the set. Keeping it simple is always best!

Emilia loved the frosting and was not shy about helping herself to cake (a girl after my own heart), but she really loved the bubble bath at the end. It’s funny that sometimes that’s when the big smiles come out, and she splish splashed away and had a great time.

Cake smashes are fun for everyone, and they are one of my favorite things to photograph. It’s a special milestone, and the beginning of their toddlerhood. And of course, there’s cake, and any day that has cake is a good day!

I’d love to talk to you about your baby’s upcoming birthday and a cake smash session designed for them. Book as soon as you start thinking about it for the best time slot! 

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And if you need more inspiration for your cake smash session, follow me on Pinterest or check out my theme pages on my website. 

Cincinnati Family Portrait Session & What to Wear

What to wear in photographs is one of the most popular questions I get before a session. The days of being all “matchy-matchy” are over, and I always encourage people to embrace their unique individuality in their photos.

Here are the top 10 tips for wardrobe and accessories for your photos.

1. Stick to primary colors or their close version. Flouresecnts cast weird colors on faces and tend to come and go in trends. 
2. If we are taking photos in a green area such as a park, don’t wear green clothing.  Wearing it as an accent color is fine, though!
3. Start with one outfit you like and build around it for everyone else.
4. Wear what feels good! Avoid overly fussy clothes you or your kids aren’t comfortable in. That goes for shoes, too.
5. Layering adds dimension and provides a different look. Think hats, scarves, cardigans, and statement jewlery.
6. Wear clothes that fit well. Baggy, saggy clothes do not make you look slimmer!
7. Coordination, not matching. Go ahead and mix and match patterns too, as long as they are in the same color palette
8. Keep it simple for newborn session. Grey, black white, is great because it doesn’t overpower the baby’s beauty and simplicity.
9. Dress for the weather and be flexible. You know that the weather is changeable here, so have a plan B (or layer!)
10. Dress for the scene. A suit or a fussy dress on a little kid in a forest setting will look weird, and your personality won’t come through.

The point of your photo session is that the photos represent you and your family as you are right now. We want you to look and feel fabulous and comfortable because that will shine through in the photographs. 

Keep your wardrobe as simple as possible, and be sure to stress to everyone involved in the photos that these session are going to be fun! 

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If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! I’ll help you prepare for your family session from start to finish so you’ll all be looking your best!

Sunflower Minis Cottel Park | Summer Fun Sessions

One of the best parts of living in Cincinnati is that we get four seasons to take photos in! I love every season for different reasons, mostly because of the variety we can take advantage of.

Summer Fun Sessions

Outdoor sessions in the summer are one of my favorites because the longer days mean that time seems to slow down a little bit. Is there anything better than that perfect summer evening near sunset when it’s warm enough to not even need a light sweater?  

It’s the perfect time for family photos because the kids are off school, and we can play a little bit along with taking photos. There’s a ton of options to do the photos from your own backyard to one of our many parks; ask me and I’m happy to give you suggestions on locations!

All Outdoor Child and Family sessions include 60-90 minutes of photography and 25 digitally retouched images. You can feel that slight nip of fall in the air in the mornings now, so if you want summer-like photos then schedule ASAP here!

Fall Minis Are Coming!

Bright and bold sunflower minis at Cottel Park, fall mini sessions at French Park and at Ault Park are some of our favorite locations. Each offers a different look and has different backdrops that you will love.

These sessions are a favorite because they are quick and easy. You’ll get 8 digitally retouched images to freshen up your family portfolio to print and display those you love most.

Stay tuned because we’ve got more locations coming soon, including cherry blossom minis and even an outdoor winter option.  Learn more about minis

One-Year-Old Cake Smashes

No matter when your little one turns one, cake smash sessions in the studio are great fun. These themed sessions are custom-designed for you!  We share a Pinterest board and it’s so much fun to see the vision come to life!

These sessions include a custom-designed birthday cake, balloons, and decorations to match. We finish the session with a warm bubble bath, which makes for adorable photos, and a clean kid to take home!

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No matter what kind of session you schedule, indoors or out, please know that the studio is practicing the safest practices due to COVID-19. If you’d like to discuss your session, please reach out and I will be happy to explain how your session will be conducted safely! 

Schedule your cake smash today!

Non-Traditional Session | Cincinnati Maternity Session

If there’s one good thing to come out of 2020, it’s that more and more people realize the fact that life is too short to not do it on your own terms.

MD and Adam are expecting a baby and decided that their Cincinnati maternity session should be… shall we say, unconventional?

I have not laughed this hard in a session in… well…

I’m not sure I have ever laughed as much behind the camera. 

They wanted the session to be as bold and as quirky as they are, showing off all their favorite things. Food and fun were definitely what they wanted to be highlighted, and MD said the best part about being pregnant is being able to eat all the things!

We looked for areas that had fun and interesting backdrops; the weirder, the better! It’s one of the things I love about urban sessions, a painted door or a funky mural is all you need.

These two are going to be amazing parents! When Adam busted out the watermelon, I thought, “this kid is going to be endlessly entertained.”

Having a baby anytime is a bit stressful, but having a baby during a pandemic adds another layer of uncertainty. Still, these two are full-on embracing all life has to offer and running with it.

You can feel when you are with MD and Adam that they don’t take themselves too seriously and that they truly love being together.

I can only imagine when baby arrives, their circle is going to be even more complete. Thank you for such a fun and amazing session, and for being a bit of light in the world when we all need it.

I can’t wait to see what life has in store for your new family!

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Book your own fun maternity session here!

Watch Me Grow Sessions Cincinnati Ohio | Watch Miss Eloise Grow 

In the topsy-turvy world that 2020 has become, there’s nothing that can remind you that there are still so many good and simple things like a beautiful little baby born to two loving parents.

Little Miss Eloise may have come into a world that felt a little uncertain, but there’s no doubt this little beauty is here to make life a little sweeter. She is just such a total love, and we had so much fun together during her watch me grow session!

With her creamy skin, big blue eyes, and adorable shock of ginger hair, I knew a lighter colored background would show off all of her best features.

I love when babies give me so many different “looks” during their portrait sessions, and Eloise did not disappoint. Big gummy smiles, intense model-like looks staring directly into the camera, and she also showed me her favorite game, laying on her back and playing with her toes.

That Hair! No Product Needed

And that hair! No product needed, please, Miss Eloise has her own style, and I bet next time I see her those sweet little sprouts will have grown into some lovely locks. The best part about watch me grow sessions is seeing how different babies are in just a few short months!

The best part about my watch me grow sessions is you can customize anywhere from bump to the first year. I have several different plans depending on how many sessions you want, and how many milestones you want to be recorded.

Great outfit choices all around were made here, from sweet little dresses to a custom-monogrammed diaper cover, and let’s talk about that onesie!  What a great way to infuse a little humor into the session!

Miss Eloise, I cannot wait to see you grow. You’re a special little lady, and I think you can take on anything this world has to throw at you.

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The Best Time To Do Sessions For Babies

• Between 3-4 months, when they can smile and hold their head up independently
• 7-8 months, when they are sitting all by themselves with no propping
• 1^St Birthday for the custom cake smash session

Do you have questions about safe socially distanced photo sessions? Don’t hesitate to contact me here & check out this blog post.

For many families, having portraits done yearly is a tradition that helps them mark time and revel in the growth of their family.  

Family photos are a reminder of what is really important in your life. There has been no time in recent history that it’s been clearer than after spending months sheltering in place with the COVID-19 pandemic; family is everything.

However, it can be unclear how to many people how family photos can be safely taken as we begin to reopen. Since there is no vaccine or cure at this time, it’s important that everyone involved with the process of having a family photo made adheres to the most recent safety standards.

If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some things you can talk about with your photographer and a few things you can expect.

Ask About Safety Measures in Studio Settings

If your photographer works out of a brick and mortar studio, ask them to detail their process of cleaning and sanitizing, as well as how they are able to pose you while maintaining a safe distance.

Safety Precautions You May See:

• The photographer Wearing masks and/or gloves during the session
• Taking temperatures of family members
• Only allowing family members who live together in the studio
• Showing how to pose by having you mirror them
• Cleaning and sanitizing all equipment between sessions
• Limiting sessions to one or a few a day
• Providing hand sanitizer
• Asking clients to remove shoes

For me and my studio, I’m only accepting 2 studio sessions per day so I have enough time to clean and sterilize the studio between sessions. Newborn sessions will always be the first session of the day. All toys and products have also been removed from my space, and snacks will no longer be provided. All newborn wraps and baby outfits will be sanitized and cleaned before any session as well.

Like many photographers, I’m also only allowing immediate family into the studio after a hands-free temperature check with a touch-free thermometer. I also ask that shoes are left at the door upon entry.

I will also be wearing a mask while families are in the studio as well as washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. I’ll also be changing my clothes upon entry to the studio and when I leave before entering my home, and showering immediately before I leave my home and after sessions.

For clients coming into my studio, I’m requesting that outside items from home be kept to a minimum.

In the event of an illness, I’m asking that anyone who was unwell be fever-free for 48 hours before rescheduling their session.

Consider an Outdoor Family Portrait Sessions In More Remote Locations

Cincinnati summers can be hot, but I’m working with my clients to try and schedule as many outdoor family portrait sessions as possible.

Outdoor photo sessions allow for more air circulation and may allow for more social distancing measures.  Look for photographers who know of locations that are off the beaten path rather than locations that may be crowded like public parks and beaches.

Some photographers may even have land outside their studio that they use for outdoor photos. Or they may be willing to come to your home to do outdoor photos in your yard.

I personally have a list of secluded locations that I love photographing at that my clients have been loving this season!

How Family Photos Happen in the Time of COVID-19

Your photographer should be able to give you an explanation of what you can expect from them in terms of posing, directing, and the viewing of the photos after the session.

They may have to stop more often to give feedback on posing rather than adjusting you themselves. This distancing is especially important when dealing with newborns, very young children, or anyone with ongoing health issues.

Things You Can Do To Stay Safe During Family Photos

It’s important to discuss with your family how the session is going to go, and what they need to do to stay safe. This is especially important with small children who may not understand social distancing boundaries.

• Carry hand sanitizer with you
• Wear masks whenever you are not being photographed
• Ask that the photographer wears a mask at all times
• If at a studio setting, have everyone wash their hands upon arrival
• No hugging or handshakes with the photographer
• Do not linger after the session
• When arriving home, change clothes and shower
• Limit contact as possible for two weeks leading up to your session

With a little bit of coordination, there’s a lot you can do to make a family portrait session as safe as possible.

Along with following a lot of the guidelines I’ve listed here, I’m personally working with each and every one of my clients to make sure they not only have an enjoyable experience, but a safe one as well.

Rather than letting this time pass you by because it is a hard time in history, a celebration of your family with a portrait session can be so meaningful to everyone.

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Interested in a safe socially distance family session?

Contact me here if you have any questions and let’s schedule something!