Cinematic Lifestyle Session - Downtown London Ontario Cafe + Arcade Family Photos

Introducing: RFP Cinematic Lifestyle Sessions

Cinematic, because the photos feel like paused frames from a cherished family home video. These longer sessions focus on activities and interactions and are documented with more of a fly-on-the-wall approach than a typical family portrait session. They also last longer, because you’re actually doing whatever activities you’ve chosen–I’m just along for the ride. Have a fun idea? Indoor, outdoor, any season—I’d love to hear it!

We’ll also dedicate a window of time to capturing a handful of lightly posed family photos, so you’ve got those as well (scroll to the last few photos to see what I mean).

For this session, I documented this adorable family as they strolled around the market, enjoyed hot chocolate and treats, and had a blast at the arcade. We also snuck in a few classic family photos in that creamy downtown golden hour light.

If you’re thinking, “my kiddo can barely handle a mini session”—don’t worry. These are not “stand here, look-and-smile” sessions that a child needs to “behave” for. With cinematic lifestyle sessions, you’re in the moment, in movement. These sessions allow for feelings, for getting bored, getting hungry, for changing the plan as needed. There’s no earning a special treat after the photos, because getting the treat is part of it.

Telling stories through images is more than just an overused photographer tagline for me. It’s always been the thing that drives me creatively, the meaning behind my business name. I want you to look at these images and think: “There we are. That’s totally us.”

Port Stanley Ontario Family Beach Session

Every year, I have the absolute privilege and pleasure of taking family photos at the beach for my dear friend and fellow photographer extraordinaire, Cynthia. Port Stanley is a meaningful spot for their family, and one of my favourite places to shoot—especially as the sun starts going down. These photos are from last year’s session, and I can’t wait to do it all again later this year!

Baby E | Niagara-on-the-Lake Newborn Lifestyle Session

It was so special to travel to Niagara-on-the-Lake for Baby E’s newborn lifestyle session. From engagement photos to wedding photos, and now to capturing the addition of their second child, I’ve loved documenting this beautiful family over the years.

London Ontario Family Photography - Westminster Ponds Extended Family Session

I loved spending time with this fun-loving extended family for their woodsy session in the Westminster Ponds conservation area back in 2019. My favourite with these sessions is always documenting cousins playing and grandparents loving on their grandchildren. Lucky me, each of these individual families has since gone on to book family and newborn sessions, and I’ve had the joy of staying in touch and continuing to document their growing families.

London Ontario Family Photographer | Spring Family & Newborn Session

I loved photographing this beautiful family under the Magnolia tree with their newest addition. The session was equal parts running and playing with baby’s big sisters and cozy newborn snuggles among the blossoms. Here are some favourites!

London Ontario Family Photographer | 2020 Beach Minis

I’m reminiscing about last year’s Port Stanley Beach Minis on this rainy Monday! Beach minis are perfect for capturing fun, playful, candid photos either as a family or a couple. There’s just something about the beach that invites you to splash in the waves, dig your toes in as you walk along the shoreline and cuddle up on washed up beach logs. This year’s beach minis will tentatively be held on June 12th, August 11th and September 11th. To get first dibs on booking, email sophie@rawfootagephotos.com, subject line “Advance Notice Minis”, to get on the advance notice email list! The booking email for the first round of beach minis in June goes out TONIGHT. Here are some favourites from last year!

London Ontario Family Photographer | Backyard Winter Family Session

I had such a fun time with this family for their backyard family session. Winter sessions, backyard sessions and older child family sessions can all present certain challenges (the cold, limited space/lighting/background options, less options in terms of cuddling, playing, picking little ones up, etc.), and this session checked all of those boxes. And yet, this family session was so full of joy, laughter, playfulness and genuine cuddles, making my job easy and so much fun. Here are some favourites!

London Ontario Family Photographer | White Studio Charity Minis

I look forward to my yearly mini session fundraiser all year long, and these 2019 sessions did not disappoint! I spent the day at Studio Collective (who generously donated the use of their space) with beautiful families taking photos and raising money to support the Rohingya Crisis (100% of session fees donated). Here are a few favourites!

London Ontario Family Photographer | Snowy Family Session

I’ve always been a huge fan of Winter sessions. The snow makes for such a gorgeous backdrop, not to mention a giant reflector. I’ve been lucky enough to work with this beautiful family several times now, and it’s always a blast. I love all the candid moments throughout this session, from snuggles to giggles to snowball fights. Here are some favourites!