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!

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!

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!

With the new decade just around the corner, the Brownfield family has something to look forward to in 2020. A New Year Baby!

Their baby is due right around the beginning of the new year, and while the gender is going to be a surprise, the love that surrounds the sweet little one is no surprise. Mom and Dad are ready!

Maternity photos are often the ones to get cut out of the budget because of the “big changes around the corner.” But I have to tell you, these “between” parts of your life are something to celebrate!

Years later looking at these photos I know it will mean so much to see that Baby Brownfield bump and remember the feeling of becoming first-time parents.

Seeing the tenderness and anticipation of their new life to come is so gratifying to me as a family photographer.

 I love capturing maternity sessions outside where everyone can be more natural and relaxed. Fall is always a fantastic time to do the session.

29-32 weeks of pregnancy is the best time to take photos when your belly is sweetly round, before it begins to drop in preparation for birth. 

Lots of women feel self-conscious about maternity sessions, but please don’t. I work with you and your partner to put you into cozy and intimate poses that show off your love and anticipation.

Not sure what to wear? Just ask! I’m happy to guide you, but if you feel beautiful you will look beautiful.

 The photos from your maternity session will be ones you cherish. Plus it’s so fun for little kids to see photos of them in mommy’s belly when they are older!

Details about my most popular bump and baby sessions are here: Watch Me Grow Packages. I  have packages that cover every important milestone from maternity bump photos through the first birthday cake smash!

There’s no other time in your life that is as important to be documented with photos. I can also assure you there’s no other time in your life that will go by faster!

Let’s work together to choose the perfect plan for your beautiful new family.

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Contact me here if you have any questions!

There’s nothing like the combination of Christmas and children.  It’s nothing short of magical seeing the world through their eyes at that time of the year. Do you remember when you first met Santa?

Magical Sets

When I dream up what these sessions will be like I always try to make sure everything is perfect, so the experience is incredible for the kids. I approach the scene with a different look every year to make it fun and fresh. I consider every single prop and placement of the decorations.

For the kids, this is more than a photo session!  They get cookies and a gift from the jolly old elf himself! I know that for many of them, this is going to be their first memory of meeting Santa and that’s really special to me.

Cozy in their jammies or dressed in their Christmas best, they get to sit with Santa and talk about their year, what Christmas means to them, and of course, what they hope will be left under the tree.

This is so much fun for the kids and so peaceful and wonderous. Not at all like standing in a line in the mall and being put in a stranger’s lap!

Christmas Storybooks

This was the first year that I made the Christmas Storybooks, and they were a huge hit!  I’ll definitely be doing those again because everyone thought they made the perfect Christmas present.

This year, I wanted a nighttime scene to give a sense of quiet wonder for the sessions. Soft lamplight, muted tones, and a sense of Silent Night are what I was thinking.

After the sessions, I wanted that “twinkly Christmas feeling,” so special editing on the Christmas tree, bags and lamps were applied. I think you can feel the magic in these photos!

These sessions were such a joy to photograph, and I love the cuddles and the laughter. It is so gratifying to see my clients share their storybook with their loved ones. Don’t miss this event next year!

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When all the kids in kindergarten start talking about how they got their names, this little girl’s story is going to be the coolest of them all.

Her parents (whom I’ve known since she was born) are huge music fans. After she was born, once they were able to soak her up for a bit, they decided on a name for their baby

For three days, she was just baby girl until they decided on the perfect name for her: Layla. After the iconic Eric Clapton song.

Sweet little Layla and I had some fun together creating her six-month-old portraits at the park on a picture-perfect autumn day.

I love photographing kids outside because I love the looks on their faces when they take in the feel of the wind on their face, and all the different textures, smells and sounds.

There’s something really special about the first year, and as a photographer, it’s always so humbling to see familiar faces again and again. I always feel like such a silly adult when I see the kids and say things like “Look how you have grown!” but it’s true!

That first year really is phenomenal. In the space of a year, they go from these tiny little blobs to these walking and sometimes even talking little humans.  Photographing this stage of their lives is just amazing.

A few weeks after this session I got to photograph Layla again for her photo session with Santa and I swear she had grown another inch!

I’m so thankful for the Cowen family and their trust, and that I get to see little Layla grow. I’m so happy to be your family photographer and I can’t wait to see her soon for her first-year birthday and her cake smash photos!

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Santa Sessions like what Layla had are Sold Out but we still have Christmas Jammie Minis! Sign Up Here

Emmitt Robert Beckman made his appearance on Thursday September 20th at 7:51am.

He weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long!

This little man had to bring his big brother Raphael in for the session. I think it is easy to see that Raphael is smitten with his little brother.

I don’t know if it was the emotional support that Raphael provided to baby Emmitt, but he is one of the most chill babies I have ever worked with!

He slept nearly the entire session! Look at that smile!

Emmitt’s mom used the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfit to tell Emmitt’s dad that she was expecting. So we had to incorporate that into the session.

Flu Season and Baby Portraits

With the flu season in full swing it is important to note that I am fully vaccinated and up to date on both the Flu and Whooping cough vaccines!

I also sanitize and wash all of my props and studio between each session.

Your baby’s safety is my number one priority.

You can rest assured when you come into Heather Elizabeth Studios for your baby’s portraits you are in good hands.

Contact me now so we can start planning your newborn portraits!

Cincinnati Documentary Photographer | A Day in the Life Sessions

What are Day in the Life Sessions and why do I need this in my life?!

Easy! Summer is full of exciting adventures, why not have it documented in a beautiful and meaningful way. I have spent the last 18months documenting my family through my 365 project and these images have become some of my favorite images I have of my children. I have been getting a lot of interest for these sessions and am thrilled to be offering them for my clients!

I would love to tag along to your family trip to Kings Island, a day at the pool (hello underwater pictures!), a trip to the strawberry patch such as Stokes Berry Farm, or even just a lazy day at home playing in the backyard, making cookies, and bath time. Whatever it is that you want to remember forever, I want to be there to help you document it. Our children grow up so fast and if you are anything like me you would give anything to freeze that time. Pictures are one we we can do that!

Since these are a brand new offering, I am offering the first 5 people who book a documentary session a 50% discount with the code DOCUMENTUS

Click HERE to book your spot!

Book your Day in the Life Session Today!

Is your family doing something fun this summer that you would love to have documented? As a Cincinnati Documentary Photographer I would love to help! Contact me! I would love to talk about it with you 🙂 Also, don’t forget, since these sessions are new, I am offering the first 5 people who book a documentary session a 50% discount with the code: DOCUMENTUS 

Click HERE to book your spot!