Family Photography Sessions

BOSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Boston family photography portrait of parents and two young boys playfully posed around fall foliage.

I (literally) know what it feels like to be the one always behind the camera. As parents we do so much to capture the little moments—messy hands, belly laughs, first steps—but how often are we in the photos? How often do we just get to be in the moment, feeling put together, feeling present, while someone else takes care of the details?

That’s where I come in.

I believe every parent deserves to be seen, to have photos where they look and feel their best, without the stress of wondering if they look good (you do!), if the kids will cooperate (they may or may not… and that is okay!), or if the moment will turn out “perfect.” The truth is—the best moments aren’t forced. They happen naturally, in the love, the laughter, the in-between. My job is to guide you there, so you can simply relax and enjoy being with your family.

As a parent, you already know how fast it all goes. One day, your baby is curled up on your chest, and the next, they’re running ahead of you, full of independence and curiosity. These moments are fleeting, but photography has this incredible way of holding onto them—so that years from now, you’ll have more than just a memory. You’ll have something real, something tangible, something that brings you right back to the way it felt.

My approach is relaxed and natural—I’ll gently guide you with prompts that highlight your family's love and connection while ensuring you look your best with flattering angles on camera. I invest in getting to know my families because the better I know you, the better I can tell your story—authentically, beautifully, honestly.

You take care of loving your people, and I’ll take care of the rest. ❤︎

Logo with the words 'connect + BOOK' and a yellow underline.
"plan + prep" with star illustrations
Text reading "relaxed + fun session" with a yellow underline below "fun"
Text "your story delivered" with three gold heart outlines on a white background.
Logo with the text "connect + book" above a gold underline.

.01

I truly love to connect with new families first to get a clear sense of what type of photography session you are looking for and the vision for your shoot. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have and to see if we are a perfect fit for each other.

If we make a perfect pairing (super exciting!), I’ll send over your booking info, and we’ll make it official! A signed contract and non-refundable retainer are required for all bookings.

Larz Anderson Park family photography portrait of parents kneeling down while kids run into their arms.
Logo with the word 'plan' followed by a plus sign and three yellow stars on a gray background

.02

I know that figuring out what to wear, how to prep the kids, and just getting everyone out the door can feel like a lot—but I’ve got you. I’ll send you my client guide with tips on what to wear, how to prepare your little ones (and yourselves), and what to expect on session day. I can guide you as much or as little as you’d like.

You’ll also fill out a questionnaire that helps me get to know your family better—your kids’ personalities, special connections, and anything important to capture. We’ll check in before your session to go over final details so that when the day comes, all you have to do is show up and enjoy it.

Family portrait of a mother and daughter hugging in park by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Text 'relaxed + fun' with a yellow underline beneath 'fun'.

.03

It's your session day! There’s no pressure to be perfect—just be yourselves. I’ll guide you with posing prompts, while capturing the real, unscripted moments. Don’t stress about getting the perfect smiles or keeping the kids still - let them play, explore, snuggle up together, and just be little. We’ll create a space where you can relax and be present while I capture the beauty in the in-between moments—the giggles, the real smiles, the tiny hands reaching for yours, the joy of just being together.

Beach maternity family photography portrait of family walking down beach.
"your story" written in gray text with three yellow outlined hearts on a black background.

.04

A couple of weeks after your session, your family’s gallery of hi-resolution images and a beautiful, custom slideshow arrive in your inbox, ready for immediate download. Prints, canvases, albums and other products will also be available.

Park family photography session portrait of parents posed under tree tickling daughters.

  • The quality of Kristin's work is second to none, and her creative guidance was much appreciated. I would recommend her services to everyone.

    Laura, Newport Beach, CA

  • Kristin is all HEART and ART! She made the process of photographing our nuptials so smooth and comforting. She is meticulous and provides such gorgeous photos. We loved her so much we had her photograph our son when he was just weeks old.

    Shadi, Laguna Hills, CA

  • I've never worked with more caring people! They took care of us every step of the way, were professional, flexible, and most importantly they took some AMAZING shots that we totally love. I highly recommend Kristin and her team for anyone out there looking for a really fresh and soulful experience.

    Tom, Hingham, MA

  • We had our family pictures taken with Kristin and we were supremely pleased with the outcome.  She was extremely patient with me and my boys, offered many different options for locations and poses and made the whole session fun for everyone.  We love our pictures and anyone who sees them in my house comments on how great they are!

    April, Riverside, CA

BOSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Your all-inclusive Boston family photography session includes:

  • A planning call and my family session guide to ensure we have the best session together!

  • In-home or outdoor photography session in the Boston area

  • Your curated collection of 60+ images

  • A slideshow of your images set to music

  • $100 complimentary print credit

  • A print release for unlimited personal use of your images

  • Optional: virtual appointment to choose printed products

INVESTMENT

starting at $975

(Travel fees may apply outside of the Boston area. Sessions are for immediate family. Additional family members may be added for an extended family session at $100 per person.)

Military homecoming photography portrait of soldier meeting newborn baby girl for the first time.
Granddaughter holding Grandmother's face in her hands in field of yellow flowers at Arnold Arboretum by Boston family photographer Kristin Palkoner.
Family photography portrait of teen siblings posed with sunset behind them in a park by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Military homecoming photography portrait of military soldier kneeling down while his daughter runs into his arms and his oldest daughter, wife and newborn baby girl watch by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Family photography session portrait of a mom and dad walking over a wooden bridge with toddler son strolling along between them by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A family portrait of a mother and two teen daughters of Indian decent posed in front of a brick structure for a family photography session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A young girl in a purple dress running with her black dog down the sidewalk while her family strolls behind her in Laguna Beach, CA during a family portrait session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Black and white portrait of a toddler boy peering over his mom's shoulder into the distance during a family photography session by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A toddler girl with curly hair and boots dancing in Arnold Arboretum while her family cheers her on during their family photography session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Larz Anderson park family photography portrait of two young brothers in plaid shirts hugging and kissing on the cheek by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Black and white photograph of Indian grandparents holding and kissing their grandson during a family photography session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
An engagement photography portrait of an engaged couple posed leaning on the side of their boat in the San Diego harbor by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Black and white photograph of the side view of a toddler boy walking in the grass and the legs of his parents walking on either side of him during a family photography session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A family photography portrait on the beach at sunset in Laguna Beach of a couple and two boys hugging and laughing by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A beach maternity photography session portrait of a family with two little girls and pregnant mother dressed in bright pink by Kristin Palkoner Photography. Dad holding youngest daughter upside down.
Family photography portrait of a mom and dad hugging and laughing with their nosed pushed together by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Family photography portrait of a mom and dad of Asian decent, holding their daughter in a purple flowers and laughing in San Juan Capistrano by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Arnold Arboretum Boston family photography portrait of two parents holding their daughter and laughing while dad makes a funny face and grandma watches by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Boston Arnold Arboretum family photography portrait of a toddler girl with curly hair jumping on the stump of a tree while Mom sits next to her smiling by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Two young boys posing with a skate board and toy owl in fall foliage during a Boston family photography session at Arnold Arboretum by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Family photography portrait of a couple wearing maroon and denim and kneeling on a bridge with their toddler son by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Four siblings posed hugging each other for a family portrait in a park during a family photography session with Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A family portrait of a mom, dad and two sons dressed in navy blue and orange color scheme and leaning against a fence at Laguna Niguel park for family photography session by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A family portrait of a mother, father and teenage daughter posed on a bench at sunset for a family photography session in San Juan Capistrano, CA by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
Adorable portrait of a young girl in blue dress with piercing blue eyes for a children's portrait in San Juan Capistrano, CA with Boston family photographer Kristin Palkoner.
A backyard family portrait of a family with two young boys and family dog for a family photography session with Boston family photographer Kristin Palkoner.
Family portrait of a couple with a teenage son and daughter posed against a wooden shed during a family photography session with Boston photographer Kristin Palkoner Photography in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
A family photography portrait of a mom and daughter sitting and leaning against a brick wall at Newport Beach by Boston Family photographer Kristin Palkoner Photography.
A beach family photography portrait of an Asian family posed with a couch on the sand with ocean and sunset behind them by Kristin Palkoner Photography.
An engaged couple
Two children running on a sandy beach near the ocean during a lifestyle photography session in Laguna Beach, CA.
A family portrait of two young girls sitting on ground with two black Labrador dogs against a teal wooden door background.
A black and white photo of a couple sitting on the beach. The man is sitting behind the woman, embracing her gently with his head resting on her. The woman is leaning back comfortably against him. Both are dressed casually.
A family portrait of a couple sitting on a wooden bench under a tree with autumn leaves, gazing at each other lovingly in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
A young mother hugging and kissing a young child while sitting on a tree stump in a grassy area with trees at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
Portrait of two babies dressed in plaid shirts and jeans, holding the hands of LGBTQ parents, standing against a wooden backdrop.
Military homecoming photography session featuring a smiling soldier in camouflage uniform holding his daughter in a red dress. The girl is wearing the soldier's hat and laughing.
Smiling baby being held by his Mom outdoors at a park photography session.
Laughing mother holding baby in a field, with young girl in the background, black and white photo, hillside scenery.
Engaged couple kissing in front of a mosaic sculpture of a whale tail with an octopus design during engagement session.
Black and white photo of a woman standing next to a horse, gently touching its face, in a rural setting with trees and a wooden fence.
Mother-daughter portrait of a mom and teen girl posing outdoors, one in a black dress and the other in a maroon velvet dress with lace stockings, surrounded by greenery in San Juan Capistrano.
A portrait of a girl sitting on a leather chair, kissing a brown horse's nose at an equestrian center in San Juan Capistrano.
Black and white lifestyle photography session featuring a woman holding a baby, with a man smiling beside them at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
A black and white photo of a mother holding and kissing her young son at Lakenridge in White Plains, NY.
A toddler in a white dress and gray cardigan stands on a paved surface with a group of uniformed military personnel in the background. Flags are also visible, and hills can be seen in the distance.
A smiling couple holding their child playfully between them on a garden path in San Juan Capistrano.
Family posed for a portrait sitting by a pond with trees and shrubs in the background, reflected in the water with lily pads.
Father sitting on a couch with two children, viewed through a doorway, in a black and white lifestyle portrait.
Child photography of a little girl riding a wooden rocking horse near a real brown horse in a fenced area
A family portrait of an Indian man in a green shirt and an Indian woman in a yellow shirt holding and kissing a baby in a blue dress.
A married couple embracing under a tree, with the man kissing the woman's forehead. The black and white photo shows them smiling and standing in a garden-like setting.
Father lifting baby in colorful dress outdoors with green trees in background for fun family photography session portrait.
Lifestyle portrait of two young children wearing floral dresses and pink sandals play on a sandy beach near the ocean.
Family posing for a portrait in a living room with a fireplace, blue walls, and decorative vases on the mantel.
Woman smiling while holding a baby in a garden.
A family of three posing in front of a horse stable, with a woman, man, and girl wearing coordinated outfits in purple and gray. Horses are visible in the background inside their stalls.
Black and white portrait of a freckled girl wearing a hat and scarf, with braided hair and a ring on her finger.
Two children playing and hugging on a couch with patterned cushions.
A lifestyle beach photography portrait of a dad and two young children playing on a sandy beach near the ocean. The man wears a pink shirt and white shorts, while the children wear matching floral dresses. A bird walks on the sand nearby.
Lifestyle family photography of a couple and two boys posing at a baseball field in baseball attire and sports-themed shirts.
Black and white photo of two boys in baseball caps smiling by a chain-link fence, wearing team shirts.
Black and white lifestyle portrait of a smiling woman seated on grass, playing with a young child who is walking nearby.
Family walking on a beach, parents swinging child.
A family portrait of parents standing with two young children posing in a wooded area of Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
Two Jack Russell Terrier dogs sitting on the ground with two people seated on a painted tile wall above them.
Boy doing a handstand on a rocky beach at sunset with islands in the background.
Black and white photo of smiling woman holding a young child close, both looking at the camera.
Two children lying on a blanket in a field with yellow flowers, wearing pink outfits.
Family sitting on grass in autumn for a portrait, with colorful trees and a white house in background; two children and two adults smiling.
Family portrait of parents and tree children posing at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano with brick arches in the background.
A family portrait featuring a man, a woman, and a young girl in formal attire smiling at the camera.
Young boy in a navy blue polo shirt sitting on wooden steps, smiling.
A family of three posing outdoors in front of tree branches with autumn leaves at a photography session at Arnold Arboretum in Boston.
Portrait of a smiling toddler in a floral dress holding a red metal bar at the San Juan Capistrano train station.
Black and white photo of a smiling dad holding his young daughter outdoors.
Happy family with a child standing by a wooden fence, surrounded by greenery.
Family sitting on a wooden bench outdoors with trees and plants in the background.
A family portrait of parents with their two teenage daughters posing by a fence in downtown San Juan Capistrano.
A toddler posing by a rail in a plaid shirt and jeans at the San Juan Capistrano train station.
Lifestyle portrait of a happy family swinging a toddler girl holding a leaf outdoors in a park with autumn foliage.
An engaged couple playfully posing on steps for an engagement session.

BOSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

A family posing for a portrait on a red caboose at San Juan Capistrano train station.

View More of Kristin’s Portfolio

In-home newborn photography session portrait of parents holding baby girl.
A children's portrait of an Asian toddler girl in yellow dress at playground.
High school senior portrait of teen at senior photography session.