We had been looking forward to these fall family photos of Leanne and Geoff for quite some time. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful couple for over ten years and have had the privilege of working with them and their beautiful family on multiple occasions.
Each session with them has always been a delight, filled with smiles, laughter, and a fantastic time shared with their immediate family.
10 years in Building Client Relationship Before These Fall Family Photos
We first met Leanne nearly ten years ago at the Oakville wedding show. Shortly after, our journey together began with their engagement photos at the Parish Ridge Stables in the winter of 2015. Later that year, I had the joy of capturing Leanne and Geoff’s wedding in the fall—an unforgettable day filled with special memories.
A few years later, Leanne introduced me to her sister Celeste and now her brother-in-law Steven. For their engagement session, I travelled to their family cottage in Muskoka, Gravenhurst. The following year, I photographed their wedding in Burlington, which happened to be at the same location where Leanne and Geoff took their engagement photos.
Over time, I stayed connected with Leanne and Geoff by photographing several family sessions. Leanne reached out again this fall to schedule a family photoshoot at LaSalle Park in Burlington, marking a new chapter for their growing family.
Their baby girl, little M, was turning one, and Leanne shared, “She has the most beautiful blue eyes, and you’re the only one who can capture them properly.” Hearing this was both humbling and heartwarming. Ultimately, it was an honour to work with little M and see Leanne and Geoff, not as a bride and groom this time, but as proud and loving parents.
The LaSalles Park Hidden Beauty for Crating Amazing Photos
I always strive to be flexible when it comes to choosing locations for family photos, especially for fall sessions. Often, I find myself inspired by my clients’ ideas and the places they suggest for their portraits.
For this session, Leanne chose LaSalle Park and Marina, a spot I was thrilled about. It’s a fantastic location, and I’ve had the privilege of photographing there before. In fact, one of my all-time favourite fall family photos—featuring a family with twin children—was taken at LaSalle Park.
However, I was a bit nervous about this session because it was scheduled just two days before my hernia surgery. There wouldn’t be any opportunity to postpone if the weather didn’t cooperate or if other challenges arose.
On the day of the session, the sky was overcast, and there was a light drizzle. I arrived at LaSalle Park early to scout additional options in case the rain made our preferred spots unusable. Fortunately, I had a backup plan in mind. The lower level of the LaSalle Banquet Centre offered a covered area that was bright and open on both sides, with views of the park and marina.
Additionally, the park itself provided beautiful alternatives. There was a large forest with teak trees leading toward the marina and a scenic boardwalk that followed the lakeshore down to the beach on Lake Ontario. These features gave us plenty of options to work with, rain or shine.
Leanne’s Fall Family Photos at LaSalle Park
A light rain was falling, but I chose to ignore it, knowing there were a couple of large trees nearby that would provide some shelter. I stood patiently, eager to see little M for the first time.
Then, there they were. Even though nearly ten years had passed, Leanne and Geoff looked just as I remembered them when we first met. When I glanced at little M, I instantly understood what Leanne had meant. Her large, bright blue eyes locked onto mine as if she were trying to decide whether to trust this stranger with a camera.
Drawing on my experience with little ones, I gave her the space to decide in her own time. Meanwhile, I started playing with their Dalmatian, breaking the ice and creating a relaxed atmosphere. Slowly, I guided the family toward the large tree that was shielding us from the rain.
Leanne had thoughtfully brought along a cozy blanket and some adorable mini pumpkins, perfectly fitting the season just five days before Halloween. Without wasting time, I began capturing moments that included the whole family.
Between the dog’s playful energy, little M’s curiosity, and the parent’s efforts to make every photo perfect, I focused on putting everyone at ease. My goal wasn’t just to take unique pictures but to create a relaxed environment where their natural connection could shine through in every shot.
My Favourite Photo Location at LaSalle Park
The rain was beginning to intensify, but as before, I chose to ignore it. We stayed under the shelter of the trees, focusing on helping little M feel more at ease. Slowly but surely, a hidden but genuine smile began to appear on her face in most of the photos.
Under the tree cover, we captured every possible combination of family photos we could think of. Then, we headed back to the car for a quick outfit change. By this time, the rain had stopped, leaving us with beautiful overcast lighting—perfect for showcasing this lovely family.
As we entered the forest, I noticed a stunning light filtering through the trees, softly illuminating the forest entrance. It was an ideal spot, so we paused for a few more photos there.
Continuing toward the lakeshore, we chatted and caught up on the changes in our lives since we last saw each other. Moments like these remind me how special it is to have a relationship with a client that goes beyond business. Over the past ten years, we’ve nurtured a genuine connection that is deeply rewarding.
At one point, we arrived at a hidden spot Leanne suggested for photos. It offered a breathtaking view of the lake and a portion of Hamilton Harbour—a view neither she nor Geoff had realized was so picturesque.
To make the most of the setting without letting the background overshadow them, I chose to shoot with a wide-open aperture. This approach kept the focus entirely on them, gently blurring the scene just a few inches beyond, creating a perfect balance between the family and the serene backdrop.
The Boardwalk at LaSalle Marina
To make it easier to move between locations, we used a stroller for little M. This not only kept her from getting tired but also let us carry everything we might need for her along the way.
By this point, little M was completely relaxed and happily cooperating with all of us. I managed to capture plenty of beautiful smiles, but I wanted to include two more photo scenes to complete their fall family photos.
Having been to this location before, I knew of a spot at the end of the boardwalk that offered a stunning composition. The forest framed the scene beautifully, creating a natural vignette with the boardwalk at the bottom.
For this spot, I envisioned the family sitting together on their cozy white blanket. With my plan in place, I felt that 80% of the work was already done—I just needed to bring the vision to life through my lens. As expected, the photos turned out exactly as I had hoped, and we moved on to the next idea.
I asked them if they’d like to step out to the beach area for the final set of photos. Leanne was initially a bit hesitant about how the background might look, but after showing them the finished images, they were thrilled that we decided to include it.
With the last shots complete, we wrapped up their fall family session and began walking back to their car, reflecting on what a lovely day it had been.
The Connection That Would Last for Years
As we made our way back to the car, I could sense how comfortable they had become in front of the camera. It was heartwarming to know we had created such a positive and relaxed environment where the focus was entirely on the family, with the photography and creative process seamlessly enhancing their story.
While walking, I found myself mentally reviewing the standout images from the session—those special moments that captured the essence of their family.
As we approached the entrance of the LaSalle Banquet Pavilion, a striking display of vibrant red leaves on the shrubs caught my eye. I knew I had to use this backdrop to emphasize little M’s stunning blue eyes. The contrast was simply too perfect to pass up.
To Leanne and Geoff: thank you for continuing to trust me with your family’s milestones. It’s always an honour to help you create and preserve these special memories, celebrating your love and the beautiful family you’ve built.
- Family Photos taken by Dragi Andovski, published ©2025 DA Photography
- Photo Location: LaSalle Park and Marina, Burlington, ON
- Do you want yo know How to eliminate fake smiles during your family photo session? Check this blog post.
- See 7 tips to reduce stress on your picture day to make your photo session more enjoyable.
- Here you can see another family photo session with kids at LaSalle Park and Marina.
