As the year winds down here in Philadelphia, I find myself slowing down and reflecting—on the quiet moments, the loud ones, and everything in between. Cozy nights at home, walks through the city bundled up together, the way this season somehow makes time feel both fuller and faster all at once.

And every year around this time, I start asking families (and myself) the same question:

How do we want to remember this season of our lives?

We take more photos than ever. Our phones are full of them—thousands, really. And while I love how accessible that is, I also know how easy it is for those images to disappear into the cloud, get lost during an upgrade, or simply never be seen again.

That’s where heirloom family photographs come in.

Why Heirloom Portraits Feel Different

When you see a family portrait printed and hanging on your wall, it hits differently. It’s not just a photo—it’s a pause. A reminder. A record of who you were together in this moment.

The portraits we create aren’t about perfect smiles or stiff posing. They’re about connection—the way your child leans into you, the look you give each other without realizing it, the laughter that happens in between. These are the details that matter years from now.

we often choose meaningful outdoor locations in Philadelphia for their family portrait sessions—Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Fairmount Park, quiet streets close to home—and that sense of place becomes part of the story. Your family, in your city, in this season of life. And many families choose to do their sessions in our family portrait studio in Old City.

These Are the Photos You’d Save First

I often ask parents: If your house were on fire and you could only grab one thing, what would it be?
Almost every time, the answer is the same: family photos.

Not the hard drive. Not the phone.
The framed portrait. The album. The tangible pieces that hold memory and meaning.

Printed photographs give children a sense of belonging. They help us remember where we come from and who we are connected to. These images don’t just live on a screen—they live with you, and eventually, they get passed down.

Why I Focus on Artwork, Not Just Digital Files

Digital images are wonderful for sharing, but they’re not meant to be the final resting place of your memories.

That’s why my work centers around creating finished artwork—wall pieces, albums, and framed prints that are archival, timeless, and designed for your home. Whether you live in a modern Center City apartment or a classic Philly rowhome, your photos should feel like they belong in your space.

I keep my sessions limited so every family gets a thoughtful, personalized experience—from planning to final installation. This isn’t about rushing through a shoot. It’s about creating something lasting.

Creating a Family Legacy

Philadelphia is a city built on history and stories, and your family’s story deserves to be preserved too.

Whether it’s welcoming a new baby, documenting the fleeting years of little kids at home, or bringing multiple generations together, these portraits become part of your family’s legacy—something your children and grandchildren will one day hold in their hands.