Indianapolis Family Photographer (Lifestyle + Documentary)
STRESS-FREE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY in Carmel, Westfield, and Zionsville THAT FEELS LIKE HOME.
Your family isn’t picture perfect- and that’s why your photos matter.
Let’s be honest: family photos can feel like a circus. Someone’s refusing shoes. Someone else is crying (sometimes you). And your partner’s muttering, “How long is this gonna take?” Sound familiar? Good news — that’s where the magic actually happens.
I’m an Indianapolis family photographer specializing in laid-back, lifestyle and documentary family photography for families who want photos that feel like real life. No stiff poses. No forced “cheese.” Just the good stuff: belly laughs, little hands holding yours, snack breaks, meltdowns, and the moments that make you pause in the chaos and remember why this season matters.
With a little direction from me and a lot of love from you, you’ll walk away with photos that look like your family — not Pinterest-perfect strangers.
Whether your kids are splashing creekside in Carmel, racing bikes through your Westfield neighborhood, or snuggling on the couch in your Noblesville home, my goal is simple: to document your family in a way that feels honest, connected, and unmistakably you..
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![A young girl with light brown hair and a floral dress, smiling and looking through a pink plastic structure.]()
Book Lauren for a shoot, just do it. You will NOT regret it. From the beginning of my search for family photos to delivery of my photos and beyond, Lauren has been amazing. She is easy to communicate with, you can tell she truly loves what she does and takes pride in the product and services she delivers. We are beyond thrilled with our photos and my heart explodes every time I look at them. She truly captured my heart in film and I am forever grateful.
-Alyssa T.
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![A family of six posing outdoors by a creek surrounded by trees. The man and woman are smiling, with children hugging and climbing on them.]()
We love working with Lauren. She's done two family sessions with us so far, each time creative images that we deem Canvas Worthy for a gallery wall. Her patience with our four boys and chaos crew is admirable, and we enjoy her humor and playfulness. Will absolutely use her again and again!
-Jena I.
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![A family of four enjoying a day outdoors on a grassy hill. The father is holding a young boy, and the mother is hugging her older son, both children smiling.]()
We always get our family photos done by Lauren! She has a way of making them fun experiences for all of us. We’ve done smaller family minis and also extended sessions with our wider family.
-Oaksoon C.
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![A family of four picking pumpkins in a pumpkin patch, black and white photo.]()
Lauren is absolutely wonderful to work with!! She has captured our little family 3 times and I am so lucky to have found her! I have been so appreciative of her flexibility, responsiveness and skill during our family shoots. She is a pro at capturing toddlers who do not like to have their picture taken and is creative on the fly!
Haley B.
These aren’t quick, stiff photo sessions. They’re intentional, lifestyle family photography experiences designed to document your family as you are. In this season, with all its beauty and chaos.
Indianapolis family photography sessions, done differently.
All sessions are designed to be unhurried, kid-friendly, and centered on connection over posing.
The Family Photography Packages
Most Indianapolis Area families choose a session length that allows kids time to warm up and settle
Family sessions are designed to feel unhurried and grounded in real life. As an Indianapolis family photographer, I focus on connection over posing, allowing space for kids to warm up and families to simply be together.
The two session options below are designed to meet families in different seasons, while still offering the same documentary approach and level of care.
Every session includes guidance before we start, space for kids to warm up, and a thoughtful approach to documenting your family as they are right now. The collections below reflect the time, care, and intention that go into creating images that feel honest and lasting.
Important: Extended family sessions are only available through the Legacy Collection to ensure time and space to capture every connection with care
Not sure which option is the best fit? Think about who you’d like in the spotlight—immediate family, extended family, or just the kids—where you’d like to shoot, and how many loved ones will be involved. Most families choose the longer option for large families or in-home sessions, while the shorter session works well for simple, outdoor sessions.
Your collection includes a full proofing gallery and custom slideshow where YOU choose the best images from your Session. Your Collection choice determines how many images you’ll download, with simple upgrade options available if you find yourself loving them all (most families do!).
Bonus: Book 3 sessions within one year, and you’ll receive free all-image upgrades for all three sessions.
The Wholehearted Collection
Pricing: $600 || 60 Minutes || 30 Images
Perfect for Central Indiana families who want their story told simply and sweetly. This family photography session is ideal if you’re looking for updated photos without wrangling the crew for too long.
We’ll spend just enough time to capture the laughs, the snuggles, and that one classic “everyone smile,” while keeping the energy light and fun. Great for busy families, parents who secretly dread long photo shoots, or anyone who just wants the good stuff without the stress.
The Legacy Collection
Pricing: $725 || 90 Minutes || 50 Images
Made for extended families or anyone who wants more breathing room in their session. With the Legacy Collection, we have the time to slow down, move through different groupings, and let kids (and grown-ups) warm up naturally.
This extended family photography session is ideal for Indianapolis and Central Indiana families who want to document connection across generations.
This is perfect for grandparents or families who want to capture both the chaos and the quieter in-between moments. The extra time means less pressure and more space for those real connections to shine.
Why chaos belongs in family photos
Real life > picture perfect.
The loud laughs, the goofy faces, the way your kids climb all over you…that’s the good stuff. It’s what makes your family unique, and it photographs beautifully.
Chaos helps you relax (I know, really!)
When you’re chasing your toddler or twirling them around, you stop worrying about stiff poses and start having fun. That’s when the photos start to feel natural and start to feel like you.
The in-between moments are the good ones.
Sure, we’ll get the “everyone smiling at the camera” photo for grandma. But the real gold is in tickle fights, messy snack breaks, and those little gestures that show who you are.
These are the memories that last
Ten years from now, you won’t care about matching outfits. You’ll remember how your kid clung to your leg, twirled in the yard, or laughed so hard they fell over- and you’ll have the photos to prove it.
This documentary approach to family photography leaves room for real life… because connection doesn’t happen in perfect moments.
Family Photo Inspiration & Planning Guides
5 Reasons Indianapolis Families Choose an In-Home Documentary Session
Discover why in home family sessions create relaxed and meaningful photos. Here are five reasons to choose a home session in Indianapolis and Central Indiana.
10 Best Parks for Family Photos in Hamilton County and North Indianapolis
Looking for the best parks for family photos near Carmel, Noblesville, or Fishers? Explore ten beautiful Hamilton County locations perfect for relaxed, natural family portraits that feel genuine and full of heart.
Real Family Sessions Around Indianapolis
Capturing the perfectly imperfect, beautifully real love that lives inside your family—Carmel, Indiana & beyond…
Frequently Asked Questions from Indianapolis Families (and the Answers)
What should we wear for our family photoshoot?
Think comfy and coordinated, not identical. Neutrals, textures, and layers work beautifully. You’ll also get my styling guide, Client Closet access, and Style & Select to keep outfits stress-free.
Can we include grandparents or extended family?
Yes! If you want multiple households together, book an extended family (Legacy) session so we have time for group shots and all the fun candids. Pets are always welcome too.
Where will our session take place?
I have TONS of amazing locations to suggest, depending on your location and the vibe you family is aiming for. Whether we shoot in your home, in a bucolic downtown area, or in nature, I’ll recommend the perfect locations for you during our consultation call!
How far in advance should I book?
Weekends usually book 3–6 weeks ahead. Fall sessions can go even faster, so plan 3 months out. Weekdays often have more flexibility.
What time do you usually photograph outside lifestyle sessions?
I always aim to shoot for “golden hour” sessions, so you have the best, most flattering light- approx 1-2 hours before sunset!
What time do you usually photograph outside lifestyle sessions?
Turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks depending on the season. Busy fall dates may lean toward the longer side, but I’ll keep you updated.
