Picnic Session at Blacklick Metro Park with the Simmons Family

As a Columbus, Ohio family photographer, one of the greatest honors of this job is getting to walk alongside my clients through every season of their lives and this session with the Simmons family was truly full circle.

I was lucky enough to photograph Rick and Justin’s love story from the very beginning – their engagement session, their incredible wedding day, and even their gender reveal session when they were preparing to welcome their baby boy. Getting to document yet another milestone for them, this time as they settled into life with their son, Julian, meant so much to me.

A Meaningful Location at Blacklick Metro Park

For their family session, we met at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, a location that holds special meaning for Justin. He spent time there growing up, so being able to return with Julian made this session even more sentimental, blending past and present in such a beautiful way.

A Cozy Picnic-Inspired Family Session

Justin and Rick envisioned something relaxed and intentional, so we leaned into soft, cozy picnic vibes. I brought along a simple picnic setup with a blanket, wicker basket, plates, silverware, and a small cutting board, and they added their own personal touch with grapes and a few meaningful items.

They also included some of Julian’s sweetest little belongings – a couple of his toys, a baby book, and a very special blanket that added even more heart to the session. These small details always help tell a deeper story, and they made the images feel even more personal and connected to this season of life.

Capturing the Beauty of the Newborn Stage

At just 3 months old, Julian was still in that fleeting newborn stage, full of tiny details like wrinkly toes, soft features, and all the sweetness that changes so quickly. Since he wasn’t walking yet, the session naturally focused on connection – gentle cuddles, quiet moments, and the kind of closeness that defines these early days.

This was a short and sweet 30-minute session, which is often perfect for little ones. Julian was in such a great mood, and we were able to capture a beautiful mix of moments – him peacefully sleeping, smiling, being held close by his dads, and simply being surrounded by so much love.

Real-Life Moments (Because Babies Keep It Real!)

Of course, no session with a baby is complete without a little bit of real life mixed in, and Julian delivered a moment we’ll never forget when he spit up on Rick’s arm mid-session. Instead of stress, it brought laughter. Rick and Justin embraced it completely, knowing these are the moments that make this season so real and memorable.

And honestly? Those unscripted moments are often the ones families cherish most.

Why Family Photos Matter in Every Season

Sessions like this are such a beautiful reminder that family photos don’t have to be perfectly posed to be meaningful. Whether it’s a quiet cuddle, a shared laugh, or even a messy moment, these are the memories that tell your story.

If you’re looking for a Columbus, Ohio family photographer to document your own season, whether you have a brand new baby or growing kiddos, I would love to help you create something just as meaningful and true to your family! Learn more about family sessions with Magical Minutes Photography.