Emily, Greg Noah and Lucy


This lovely family was connected to me through some of my favorite photographer friends, Kim and John. It always means a lot when another photographer trusts me enough to recommend me to one of their favorite clients. In this case, I feel even luckier to have met and photographed Emily, Greg, their son Noah, and their sweet, lemon-spotted Dalmatian, Lucy.


Emily and Greg wanted to capture some time together at Trexler Nature Preserve in Lehigh County, one of their favorite places to explore with Noah. I’m not sure how this spot was never on my radar before. I had no idea there was even a zoo in the Lehigh Valley! The zoo wasn’t part of our plan this time, but it might need to be on my list for a future visit.


We started our session at a scenic overlook, then wandered down one of the nearby trails. It gave us a chance to warm up, take our time, and get to know each other a bit. Not only is this one of their go-to spots for family walks, it’s also where Emily and Greg got engaged. Toward the end of our session, this adventurous crew even balanced on slippery creek stones so I could get a few photos of them standing right in the middle of Jordan Creek. Totally worth it.


There’s something magical about slowing down during a session and letting things unfold naturally. You start to see little moments that could never be planned. In this case, the challenge was keeping both Noah and Lucy focused at the same time—a familiar scene for anyone who’s ever wrangled a two-year-old and a high-energy Dalmatian. Eventually we found our rhythm. Noah loves to run, so once he warmed up to me, we turned it into a game. I’d set up mom and dad, then have Noah race back and forth between us. When he reached me, I’d show him the photo, then we’d sprint back to Emily and Greg and he’d spin around and beam right at the camera. His joy just lit up every frame.


Emily and Greg (and Noah and Lucy), thank you so much for trusting me to photograph your family in such a special place, on such a beautiful day. I hope you love these images as much as I loved capturing them with you.

Couple sharing romantic kiss outdoors with scenic mountain landscape and autumn trees in background.

Oh man, this image just melts my heart. These three just immediately sank into a comfortable pose. Look at that connection. ❤️

A group of people walk through a field of tall grass under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
People resting and enjoying a scenic view from a hilltop on a sunny day with blue skies.
A couple walks their Irish Setter dog through a scenic autumn field on a sunny day.
A panoramic view of a vast desert landscape with scattered clouds in a bright blue sky.
Family enjoying a tender moment together while sitting on a grassy hillside during golden hour.
Three people sit together on a black metal bench overlooking an autumn mountain landscape on a sunny day.
Family relaxing together on a scenic hillside with blue sky and autumn landscape in the background.
A couple walks with their dog through a scenic autumn field during a golden sunset.
Black and white photograph of a family sitting together on a grassy hill under a bright sky.
A hunting dog and its owner walk through tall grass in an autumn field on a sunny afternoon.
Trees stand silhouetted against a bright blue sky along a grassy hillside on a clear autumn day.
A scenic autumn hiking trail winds through colorful fall foliage with people enjoying the outdoors in the distance.
A family and their white dog enjoy a sunny autumn day outdoors on a grassy hill with colorful fall foliage in the background.
People enjoying a sunny autumn day in a golden prairie field with rolling hills and cloudy blue sky in the background.
A sequence of photos shows a person in casual attire performing a backbend on a wooden bridge walkway.
A romantic autumn moment shared between a couple embracing outdoors with fall foliage and blue sky in the background.
Two people walk hand in hand down a sunlit autumn forest path surrounded by golden leaves and trees.
Two people share a tender moment on a leaf-covered autumn path surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

Emily's parents were able to join us for a bit which allowed us to take a quick walk with just these two. Mini date shoot within the session! I don't know what was said below, but I love their reactions.

A series of black and white photos showing two young children playing and hugging on a wooded path.
Black and white photo series of two young children sharing a sweet moment on a wooded path.
A series of fall photos showing people enjoying activities under large autumn trees with golden leaves.
Two people walk hand in hand down a path surrounded by autumn trees with vibrant orange foliage casting long shadows.
A couple and their child enjoy a playful autumn photoshoot on fallen leaves in a park setting.
A couple sits on fallen leaves with their small white dog during an autumn photoshoot in a park.
People standing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by autumn trees in a romantic outdoor setting.
Family enjoying autumn weather while walking on a wooden bridge in a forest park.
Two people fishing in a scenic autumn stream with fallen logs and colorful foliage reflecting in the calm water.
Anglers cast their lines into a calm autumn lake surrounded by colorful fall foliage and bare trees.
Two people share joyful moments while sitting together in fallen autumn leaves on a crisp fall day.
Couple standing on fallen log over tranquil pond with autumn foliage reflecting in calm water.
A parent and child share tender moments while sitting among fallen autumn leaves in an outdoor photo series.

Exploring Together


Family sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. There’s something honest and grounding about documenting families in places that already hold a piece of their story. Trexler Nature Preserve offered the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and meaning, with wide open trails, sunlight through the trees, and a little bit of wildness that fits a curious toddler and an energetic dog just right.


If you’re looking for a Pennsylvania family photographer who loves exploring new places, chasing light, and photographing real connection, I’d love to meet you. Whether it’s a quiet morning at home, a favorite trail in the Lehigh Valley, or a spontaneous creek crossing like this one, these are the kinds of stories that make my work feel alive.


I photograph families, couples, and weddings across Lancaster County, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond, creating images that feel natural, heartfelt, and rooted in real moments. If your family has an adventurous spirit and you want your photos to feel like you, reach out and let’s plan something together.


You can view more documentary family photography and authentic outdoor portrait sessions at Photokindred.com or get in touch to start planning your own family adventure session.