If you’ve ever tried to take family photos in NYC, you know the drill: crowds, chaos, and maybe a saxophone player soloing aggressively in the background. Which is why, whenever I can, I schedule family sessions early, like, really early. And for this shoot with content creator Kerry, her husband, and their sweet baby boy, that meant 7:30 AM sharp at Carl Schurz Park.

And you know what? It was perfect.

Sunrise, Sleepy Baby & Zero Crowds

Carl Schurz Park is one of those NYC spots that feels a little like a secret. Tucked along the East River on the Upper East Side, it’s quiet, leafy, stroller-friendly, and has just the right mix of green space and interesting textures. Arches, paths, water views, you name it.

At 7:30 in the morning, the park was basically empty. The light was soft, the air was still cool, and we could move around freely without dodging joggers or dogs or double-wide strollers coming at us from both sides. A dream, honestly.

Let’s Talk About This Family (And That Baby Face)

Kerry and her husband are super down-to-earth. Kerry wore white-on-white (a textured top and cropped pants) and her husband matched the vibe with neutral tones and clean lines. Their baby showed up in a soft beige onesie and dark pants and immediately won MVP for calmest 6-month-old I’ve ever photographed. Little tip: Kerry came with a back up shirt for their son who was teething ;)

He was alert, chill, and totally into watching the trees sway and listening to the birds. We didn’t stress about big smiles or perfect poses. We just let them hang out, hold their baby, take a walk, and be together. That’s where the good stuff lives anyway.

Why Morning Sessions Are My Favorite (and Should Be Yours)

Okay, yes, waking up early is brutal, but it’s also 100% worth it. Here’s why:

Your baby is in a better mood. No over-tired meltdowns or missed nap drama.
It’s quieter. You don’t have to wait for a clear background or compete with a dozen other photo shoots.
The light is better. Morning sun is soft and golden, and makes skin tones look amazing without the need for harsh editing.

Plus, it’s over by breakfast, and you still have the whole day ahead of you, preferably involving iced coffee and a nap.

A Few Behind-the-Scenes Wins

Sometimes the little moments end up being the most memorable. A few favorites from this shoot:

That exact second when their baby leaned his cheek against Kerry’s and just…melted. No prompting. Just being a baby.
A shot of the whole family under the stone arch, framed perfectly by the curve and the sun hitting the path just right. One of those “we didn’t plan this but it looks like we did” moments.
Dad making the world’s silliest noise to get a smile, then Kerry cracking up, then baby giving us the tiniest grin. Chain reaction gold.

Tips for Parents Planning a Family Session (Especially with a Baby)

You don’t need to go full Pinterest board to get great photos. Here’s what actually helps:

1. Dress like yourself, but elevated.
Think clean lines, soft tones, and comfort. Kerry’s outfit was a great example: neutral but textured, easy to move in, and perfect against the greenery.

2. Don’t overthink “the shot.”
The best moments happen when you’re not trying too hard. The in-between stuff? That’s what you’ll want to remember.

3. Bring the basics.
Wipes, a backup outfit, a burp cloth, maybe a teether. You don’t need a wagon full of props. Just come ready to hang.

4. Let your baby lead.
If they want to be held the whole time, that’s totally fine. If they want to stare at birds for 20 minutes? Let them. We’ll still get beautiful shots.

What Happens After the Session

I always send a sneak peek within 24 hours, just a handful of images to hold you over while I finish editing the full gallery. For Kerry, I delivered a few favorites the next day, and sent the full gallery within the week. Galleries are private, easy to download from, and you can order prints directly if you want to turn those digital files into real-life memories for your wall (or grandparents’ fridge).

No, You Don’t Need a Special Occasion

This wasn’t a birthday or a milestone shoot. It was just a regular Sunday morning, the kind you might otherwise spend in pajamas, coffee in one hand, baby on hip. But that’s exactly why I love it.

Your family’s now matters. The tired smiles, the messy baby curls, the fact that your baby fits perfectly on your hip (for now). You don’t need a cake smash or coordinated outfits or a fancy setting. You just need to show up.

If You’re Thinking About Booking a Session…

Do it. The experience is fun. My sessions are relaxed, judgment-free, and built around your actual life, not a Pinterest board.

We’ll meet somewhere that feels right for your family (Carl Schurz? Prospect Park? Your backyard?) and go from there. I’ll guide you enough that you don’t feel awkward, but not so much that it feels fake.

You don’t have to worry about poses or kids behaving perfectly. You just have to be present.

TL;DR: Why This Session Was a Win

Timing: Early = golden light, happy baby, empty park.
Vibe: Low pressure, high reward.
Outfits: Simple, cohesive, no overthinking.
Results: A gallery full of real, sweet, and frame-worthy moments.

And the best part? Everyone was home before 9 AM.

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Early Morning Family Photos at Carl Schurz Park with Kerry and Her Crew