West Chester, PA At-home Lifestyle Documentary Family Photographer

What is lifestyle documentary photography? Good question. My style of photography isn’t quite documentary, but it’s also not the typical lifestyle look. My style is capturing you and your children, just as you are… but in the best light I love capturing playful moments as they naturally unfold, but I will also guide you if you suddenly find yourself thinking… what do I do with this hand?! It’s truly the best of both worlds and I can create photos that are truly you and full of great memories. Even when (especially when) we spend a good part of your session in your pantry and closet!

Studio Newborn Session - West Chester, PA

Newborn sessions in my studio are a great option if you are in the middle of a move or another option just works better for your family. We have plenty of space to bring the whole family and an area for the siblings to play and take breaks. My studio is in the heart of the West Chester borough so it’s perfect for a little time out of the house and little stroll this fall!

Fall and Holiday Outdoor Mini Sessions in West Chester, PA

It's that time again... mini sessions!  Tonight, I will be posting the signup for Mini Sessions.  Hopefully everyone will be home from activities and have the little ones in bed! 

The sessions are $325 plus tax, 15 minutes, and include 5 digital images. This year, I will have 4 sets of outdoor minis:

Early Fall Minis:
Saturday 10/3/26
Stroud Preserve - West Chester, PA
(Rain Date: Sunday 10/4/26)

Holiday Greenhouse Minis:
Tuesday 11/3/26 (Election Day; no school for West Chester!)
West Chester, PA
(Rain Date: TBD)

Tree Farm Minis:
Saturday 11/7/26
Yeager's Tree Farm - Phoenixville, PA
(Rain Date: Sunday 11/8/26)

Last Chance Fall Minis
Saturday 11/21/26
Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden - Villanova, PA 
(Rain Date: Sunday 11/22/26) 

The signup will go live WEDNESDAY, September 23rd at 8:00 pm.  I will send an email to my newsletter subscribers with the link! 

I will also post the signup to my Clients & Friends Facebook group.  If you are a past client and not in that group, let me know!

I am using a new-ish booking system this year (it's the same one as last year).  You will choose which session you would like to book and then select your time.  It will prompt you to enter your contact information, sign the contract, and pay a deposit (via credit card).  Once the deposit is paid (50% of the session fee) and your contract is signed, your spot is reserved. 

The past few years, the spots have filled really quickly so make sure to set yourself a reminder!  If they look sold out, keep checking back incase a spot opens up.

I have a few more spots for my regular Petite and Classic Sessions.  If you are hoping for a full session this fall, make sure to send me an email!

I will also be doing some studio, daytime mini sessions and I'll send those out soon!  Some will be for your favorite little athletes (think dance, sports, etc portraits), some will be simple portrait sessions, and as we get closer to the holidays I am planning Holiday PJ Minis and a simple Christmas set!

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you this year!

Sunflower Mini Sessions - West Chester, PA

We squeezed these sweet mini sessions in between rainstorms and had the most beautiful rainbow at the start of this one 🌈☔️ I’m so thankful for families who go with the flow and embrace the weather chaos. It’s always worth it ❤️✨🌻

I loved doing these local sunflower mini sessions at Bailey’s Dairy Farm. It was the sweetest little patch and a perfect size for these two little ones.

Do you have an idea for a mini session location? I’m always excited to mix it up and try new spots… but I definitely think I will be back here again next year. It was amazing!! 🌈🌻

Simple Mini Sessions Phoenixville, PA

I’ve been photographing these sweet girls for the past 11 years. They were one of my very first clients and have grown alongside of my business for all of these years. My favorite part of this job is watching kids grow up in front of my lens. I love seeing them year after year and I always look forward to hearing all of their stories and finding out what things they are into during this era of life. “Are you still dancing? Do you still love pandas? I can’t believe you broke each of your arms over the past year!” It’s the biggest honor to be invited year after year to photograph your families and I don’t take that lightly ❤️

For these Simply You Mini Sessions, I love when kids pick out their favorite clothes and look like themselves. I want you to be able to look back at these simple pictures and think, that was so them 💕

Interested in a Simply You Mini? Let me know. I can work around your schedule and find a time that fits into these crazy weeks ahead.

Studio and Lifestyle Headshots West Chester, PA

Hello weekend! This was a long week. We have a full weekend of kid activities and sports. And I’ll be tracking all the weather apps to see how the rain will affect my weekend sessions!

I’m currently booking headshots in the studio and on location so if you need an updated look, let me know and I can help you find a time that works around your work schedule! 📸

Small Business Branding Photography in West Chester, PA

Fall is a hard season of life for me. It’s my most busy season and my health always takes a back seat. One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself is starting to weight train. It made the biggest difference in keeping my knees and joints healthy (family photography involves a lot of squatting and chasing toddlers).

Last fall, I broke my foot and ended up taking a (too) long break from lifting weights. I’m determined to get back to it and I’m doing the Kickstart Program by @fabfitbylw. Lauren is running a free 4 week program right now if you would like to join me! https://www.fabfitbylw.com

I worked on some branding photos for her business and we had so much fun! If you are a small business and need some branding shots done, let me know! I can do them on-location or in a studio setting… or both!

One of the hardest things about running a small business is keeping up with social media and marketing. I’m here to help you have photos right at your fingertips. From detail shots to headshots, I have you covered!

I’m working on updating my website with more of my branding work, so head on over and check it out!

Phoenixville, PA Family Photographer - Phillies Inspired!

I still feel a little crazy keeping up with all of the kids forms, papers, and new activity schedules. Every afternoon I’m like, what do we have again tonight?? Who is driving where?? I can’t wait for that to feel routine again.

I would also love to come up with some better, quick breakfast options for the kids. I am far from a morning person so if anyone has any favorites, send them our way!

And how about those Phillies? This is always a fun time of year I loved doing this session for Stroll Schuylkill Township this past spring.

Chester Springs, PA Family Photography

One of the best things about my job is my clients. I love meeting everyone and chatting away during our sessions. My sessions are not formal and I love locations that we can walk around and explore… so do your kids! There are natural breaks during the session where they can play and explore, and I will capture that too!

I love making sure the little details shine - missing front teeth, tiny fingers, and quick kisses!

My Family Lifestyle Documentary sessions are quick paced and playful. Make sure to wear something that you can move in comfortably. Sometimes you may feel intimated by an hour long session, but I promise… time flies when you are having fun!

Kids are often sad when it is over because they didn’t even realize how many pictures they were taking. It feels more like a playdate with the occasional posed picture.

I have a few more spots for Classic and Petite Family sessions this fall. I don’t book them through my website, just send me a message and we can find a time that fits your schedule. Life is busy… especially with kids!

Studio Simply You Mini Sessions

Oh hello there! It’s only been five years or so since my last blog post. This year, I’m devoting some time to working on the business side of my business and on the list is blogging! For those who don’t know me, I’m a lifestyle documentary photographer in West Chester, PA. My favorite moments are the in-between moments and I love to capture them for you. I believe in capturing emotions and “realness.” When you look back at your pictures years from now, I want you to think, “oh, that was so Sophie!” or remember the feeling of those little hands on your face when they turned your head to talk to you.

This year, we have had a lot of changes in our family. One exciting thing is that I opened a studio in the borough of West Chester! I have been in business over 11 years and have been looking for the perfect space for about 2 years. I finally found it! The before and after transformation of this space is amazing and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

I have two different spaces in the studio. I have a living room area that is perfect for lifestyle headshots, branding sessions, and newborn sessions. I will continue to offer in-home newborn sessions, but sometimes it works out better for you to come to me - especially if you are in the middle of a move, construction, or just feel more comfortable doing your session in a studio. I can also do family sessions in this space.

I also have a room perfect for portrait photography. This September, I am offering Simply You Mini Sessions. These sessions are on a white backdrop highlighting your child's unique personality; remember your child exactly as they are! Sessions take place at my studio in the borough of West Chester, PA. The session is $249 plus tax and includes 3 digital images (you will choose from a gallery of 15+ images). You can always purchase additional images, albums, or prints through your gallery.

These timeless photos are perfect for updated portraits of your children and will truly capture how you see them right now.

You can book a session right here on my webpage. If you don’t see a time that works for you, let me know!

I have an Open House for my studio this Friday, September 19th from 4:30-6:30 pm if you would like to come by to check out the space and say hello! I’m offering a complementary headshot as well. I can’t wait to see everyone!

Stay at Home Mini Sessions - West Chester, PA

Wow - what a crazy few months it has been. I really never imagined we would have a global pandemic in our lifetime, but here we are! As of Friday June 5th, PA moved to the yellow phase of opening and many non-essential business were allowed to reopen. Photographers are now allowed to begin socially distant sessions and I’m so excited to get back to capturing your family and memories! I decided to offer a special session type for a limited time as we all try to figure out our new normal - Stay at Home Mini Sessions! I’ve truly enjoyed documenting my family over the past few months and capturing memories for my kids during this time of isolation.

So, what exactly does a socially distant, Stay at Home Mini Session mean? Photographers are expected to follow CDC guidelines during this phase of PA opening. Safety is my top priority for you family, so these sessions will be done outside, at your home. I will use lenses that allow me to stay 6-10 feet from your family and I will wear a mask the entire time. This is a documentary session where we will capture all of the outdoor fun you and your families have had over the past few months! Without after school activities and sports practices, we’ve all found new fun things to do and keep busy and I will capture that for you! Families can have a catch, do chalk, water play, swing, bike, bubbles, s’mores - the options are endless! I’ll also capture a lifestyle family picture or two for you to remember this time at home together. I know many may not be ready to venture out for an on-location session this summer, so this is a perfect option!

I was not able to do my traditional spring Cherry Blossom Minis while we were required to be closed, but I know so many look forward to those sessions. So, I wanted to offer another option and embrace this phase of our life! 2020 may not have been anything like we expected, but it truly has been a time to step back, connect with our families, learn, and grow.

Stay at Home Mini Sessions

$350 plus tax
30 minutes
10 digital images

These sessions will be weeknights only. I will be offering a 10% discount on a Fall Petite or Classic Family session if it is booked with the Stay at Home Mini Session. I also strongly believe that having tangible memories of this historic time in our life is so important. So, for the Stay at Home Mini Sessions, I’m offering a special rate on an 8x8, 20 page, hardcover Memory Book. I will bring a sample to the session and it can be added on for $175 (this is a $75 discount!).

Laurie Carrozzino Instagram | Main Line and Chester County, PA Photographer

I am so far behind on this little blog, but I've been busy over on Facebook and Instagram!  Head on over there to see some of my recent work (there is a link in my footer on each page).  I promise to be back in a few months to catch up over here too ;)

Baby Sam | Bala Cynwyd, PA Newborn Photographer

This was my second time working with this family and I was so excited to meet Sam.  Sam loved to be curled up next to his mama.  I love photographing those moments where they prefer that to anything else... because I really miss them with my own little ones.  I loved how much his big siblings loved him.  They kept sneaking little glances and touching his tiny hands off and on throughout the session.  Siblings always add an element of real life to the newborn session, and I think that's perfect.  There is nothing better than when a little real life sneaks into a family shot <3 They are my favorites to look back on. As much as I love getting a nice family posed shot, there is something extra sweet about having one like this to smile at as the years go on.  

And then they were four | Wynnewood, PA Newborn Photographer

I loved working with this sweet family of four.  Their sweet little girl was nearly two months old and seemed so strong and curious :)  I loved capturing all of her little expressions and the love her big brother had for her.  It was a beautiful February day, so we were even able to sneak outside at the end for a bit :)

Baby James | Philadelphia, PA Newborn Photographer

When Katie inquired about a newborn session, she mentioned that it was, "just us and our newborn and our small dog who we hope can make it into a few pics." Big sister Hershey wiggled her way into most of the photos and it was pretty adorable.  I loved working with this family and hearing about all of the details that went in to making the nursery such a special place.  When you first have a baby, your are so overwhelmed with your love for them and I just love to capture it so you can hold on to that feeling forever <3

Izzy 6 Months | Philadelphia, PA Baby Photographer

Izzy recently turned six months and I was excited to see her again and do a milestone mini session to capture this time.  Six months can bring a lot of changes!  They had moved into a new home and she was a strong sitter with the most beautiful, curious eyes.  We had fun playing with some of her favorite toys!

Desmond One Month | Havertown, PA Newborn Photographer

I met Desmond when he was around one month old and he reminded me so much of his big sister at that age.  He even wore one of the same outfits that she wore for her newborn session a few years ago.  It's amazing how much change change in a few years!  I really love arriving to a session and capturing those last few minutes of getting ready before we start.  It gives kids a little time to adjust to having me in their home and we really capture some nice "real life" moments :)

Stella 3-Months | Kennett Square, PA Lifestyle Photographer

I met little Stella on a sunny February morning and she couldn't have been more sweet.  She just adored her mommy and daddy and we had a relaxed session capturing life at three months old!  She loved flying in the air, looking in the mirror, and playing on her play mat.  We also made sure to capture her colorful and fun nursery!

Rosa | Phoenixville, PA Newborn Photographer

It's rare that I meet siblings who are as infatuated with the newest addition as the parents are.  These sweet kids just adored their new little sister and were so genuinely sweet with her it just warmed your heart.  I truly enjoyed spending my Sunday morning with this family of five and capturing the things that meant so much to them <3  

Samantha | Phoenixville, PA Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

I was introduced to this family through a friend of mine and I'm so happy I was connected with them!  I love doing newborn sessions with siblings.  I think they add so much to the session and really help make the sessions your own.  They keep things real :)  This family of four was so fun to work with and we had a great time playing too ;)