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Family Travel Photographer: Telling Your Story Wherever You Are
If you received my February newsletter (what? you didn’t? we should fix that HERE), you know that one of my goals for 2026 and beyond is to take on more travel photo sessions.
Today, I’m sharing a family photo session that made that goal feel less like an idea… and more like something I really want more of in my life.
A Family Story in London
It was the fall of 2025. One of my favorite local families had recently moved to London, and we decided to make something happen—a family session in their new home, in their new neighborhood.
The goal wasn’t to create “perfect” family photos.
It was to tell the story of this new and exciting chapter in their lives.
We played. We snacked. We walked to the local playground (where, I have to say, the children were incredibly chic). We settled into the rhythm of their new life and let it unfold naturally.
And that’s where the magic always is.
What a travel photo session looks like
When people hear “travel photo sessions” or “family vacation photography,” it’s easy to picture something a little more posed. You know the typical tourist photo—landmark behind you, everyone lined up, a quick smile before moving on.
And sure—there’s nothing wrong with that. But that’s not really what I’m after.
What I’m interested in—whether I’m photographing you at home or somewhere far from it—is what’s actually happening while you’re there.
The wandering. The way your kids explore a new place. The way your family settles into a rhythm, even when everything around you is unfamiliar.
Because those are the things that will zap you right back to that moment.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about Field Trip Sessions—sessions where we head out into the world and let your family simply be, while I document what unfolds.
A travel photo session, as I see it, is just an extra special version of that.
Same approach. Same intention. Just set against the backdrop of a place that matters to you. Whether that’s your favorite places, on your family’s adventures, a new home, a new city, or somewhere you’ve been wanting to go.
And there’s something about being away—out of your usual routine—that makes everything feel just a little more vivid.
You notice more. You slow down (even if just a little). You’re experiencing things together in a different way.
Which is exactly why these photos matter.
Because years from now, it won’t be the “stand here and smile” photo that pulls you back into that trip.
It’ll be the one where your kids were mid-snack on a park bench. Or running ahead of you down a street you’d never seen before. Or leaning into you in a way that feels so specific to this season of your life.
It’ll be the one that feels like you.
Planning a Travel Photo Session
If you already have a trip on the calendar—whether it’s a big family vacation or a quick getaway—this can be a really beautiful way to document it.
From here on out, I’ll be sharing my upcoming travel plans right at the top of my Instagram feed.
If you’re in one of those places—or planning to be— DROP ME A LINE and we can start dreaming something up together.
I’ll also be keeping a running “wishlist” of places I’d love to go. If you’re there (or want an excuse to be), I’m always up for the conversation.
And if your location isn’t on either list? Tell me anyway. I’ve got an adventurous spirit and I’m always open to adding somewhere new.
Oh, the places we’ll go!
Thanks for looking,
Jaye
Jaye McLaughlin is an award-winning newborn and family photographer serving Westchester, NYC, and beyond since 2010. Her work focuses on natural, lifestyle photography that helps families slow down and remember the beauty of everyday life together.
