Jordan EllisGetting the whole family together for photos can be harder than it sounds. Amid busy schedules, restless kids, and the pressure to make everyone look natural, the experience can quickly become stressful rather than enjoyable.
We have realized that the right family photographer makes a huge difference. It’s not just about taking good pictures… it’s about keeping sessions relaxed and capturing genuine moments without forcing them.
So to make the search easier, we have rounded up some family photographers in Columbus known for creating natural, heartfelt family photos.
How much do family photographers charge in Columbus?
Family photographers in Columbus typically charge around $200 to $600 per session. The price usually depends on the photographer’s experience, the length of the session, the number of edited photos, and the inclusions in the package.
1. Robb McCormick Photography
Address: 420 E Cooke Rd
Phone: +16148344956
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Robb McCormick Photography gives off a very polished and experienced feel right away.
Clients who prefer natural-looking photos appreciate the purist style that focuses on genuine emotion and natural light rather than heavily staged shoots.
We also like that their experience goes far beyond family photography alone. They have photographed more than 600 weddings and worked with major brands like Google and Ohio State University, which speaks to the level of trust and consistency in their work.
Another thing that stands out is how flexible their portfolio is. Their work ranges from family portraits and weddings to branding and commercial campaigns, so the style doesn’t feel limited to just one type of photography.
One thing to consider, though, is that the services may be expensive for families on a tight budget.
Nonetheless, you can expect high-quality results, as shown by their Hermes Creative Platinum Award in 2024. Their membership in the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) also adds to their credibility.
We are grateful and lucky to have Robb as a photographer
“We are so grateful and lucky to have had Robb as our Wedding photographer. Not only is he a phenomenal photographer with an amazing eye, but he’s also so personable and funny, and he made everyone feel comfortable and at ease, which led to natural, beautiful photos. By the end of the night, he was a part of the family. Put simply, Robb is incredible, and we highly recommend him for any occasion! Thank you so much, Robb!”
- Doug Rawson, Google Review
Effortless and enjoyable experience
“Having Robb capture our special event was one of the best decisions we made. The photographs are absolutely stunning—each frame beautifully preserving emotions and moments we will cherish for a lifetime. Robb’s warm, calm presence instantly put everyone at ease, making the entire experience effortless and enjoyable. Every time we revisit the photos, we relive the day’s joy all over again. We would love to have Robb be a part of our future events. Thank you, Robb, for capturing and sealing our memories so beautifully. Best, Disha & Mukul.”
- Mukul Dhankhar, Google Review
2. Jacqueline Marie Photography
Address: 7622 Farmsbury Dr
Phone: +13306714849
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Jacqueline Marie Photography combines both posed portraits and candid lifestyle moments, so the final photos don’t come across as too stiff or overly directed.
The overall process also seems easy for clients to follow. Family sessions are clearly structured, with reasonable pricing around $275 to $325 for roughly an hour of coverage and more than 20 edited images.
There are also options for larger family groups, which makes the service feel flexible depending on the session size.
Additionally, we liked the effort placed into preparation before the shoot. Clients can schedule a consultation by phone, at home, or on location to discuss their expectations and preferred style ahead of time.
The gallery delivery timeline is also fairly reasonable, with edited photos typically available within 2-3 weeks. Clients can also purchase extra edited images or upgrade the full gallery afterward.
However, the appointment slots can be limited, particularly during busy seasons or for larger family bookings.
Jacqueline was amazing to work with
“Jacqueline was amazing to work with! She coordinated the session beforehand with ease and addressing any questions and theme preferences we had for our newborn photoshoot. She conducted the photoshoot seamlessly and was very patient to get the best shot even when our little one was fussy in the very beginning. Her attention to detail was appreciated to ensure we had great hair, poses, and lighting. Overall, we loved working with her and our newborn pictures. We highly recommend her to others.”
- Jessica Blankenship, Google Review
Great experience
“Had a great experience with Jacqueline with our baby’s 6-month photos. Her prices are very reasonable for the quality of photos and experience you receive. She is super nice, personable, and her studio is beautiful. She is really good at communicating. Really, she does it all well! We will be using her again!”
- Kaylyn Castle, Google Review
3. Daisy Zimmer Photography
Address: Fenton St, Columbus, OH 43224, United States
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Daisy Zimmer Photography stands out for its storytelling approach to family photography. Instead of relying on stiff poses, Daisy focuses on real moments and emotions. This makes the photos feel natural and very close to everyday family life.
We also like how their documentary-style work captures genuine interaction, small details, and in-between moments. It creates a very honest, unposed feel that feels personal and meaningful in the final gallery.
The in-home lifestyle sessions are another strong point. Shooting in a familiar space helps families feel more relaxed and natural. There is less pressure from traveling or performing in front of the camera.
Pricing is straightforward, with short sessions at $1,300 and half-day sessions around $2,000. Both include full digital galleries and print rights. This is a big advantage since all meaningful moments are delivered without needing to select favorites.
Yet, customer service can feel inconsistent. Plus, sessions may occasionally start later than scheduled.
Absolutely enjoyable
“Where to begin – Daisy is incredibly talented and makes family photos so absolutely enjoyable!! As new parents, we have enough to worry about with trying to raise a newborn. Daisy made our in-home newborn session completely stress-free and so much fun! She has lots of experience working with families and knows how to capture all the wonderfully unique parts of our family! We are so in love with our photos and so happy to have such wonderful keepsakes that we will treasure for a lifetime.”
- Monica Blatnik, Google Review
Daisy did a fantastic job
“Daisy did a fantastic job capturing graduation photos of my two friends and I! We were all apprehensive about being in front of a camera, but she is so kind and friendly that we settled right in. We adore how the pictures turned out and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Daisy also provides the best post-photo snacks.”
- Meghan Beery, Google Review
4. Lauren Hillery Photography
Phone: +16145951280
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
We looked into Lauren Hillery Photography, and what stood out right away is how simple and natural their style feels.
They offer family photo shoots, including extended-family sessions, which work well for larger gatherings while still keeping everything natural and relaxed.
The newborn sessions feel especially thoughtful, with everything guided by the baby’s pace. This keeps the experience slow and comfortable for both the baby and the family, instead of feeling rushed or overly structured.
A lot of care also goes into preparation before the session, even behind the scenes. There’s planning support and pre-session questionnaires that help shape the shoot around what each family actually wants.
However, there is no upfront cost for the full package, as pricing depends on the selections made after sessions.
Even so, their quality and expertise are evident. They have been recognized by Expertise as one of the Best Newborn Photographers in Columbus, adding to their credibility.
Pictures are perfectly captured
“We had a mini fall session with Lauren Hillery Photography and absolutely loved how our photos turned out! Lauren was warm, professional, and made the whole experience easy and fun. The pictures perfectly captured our family and the beautiful fall colors. Highly recommend her!”
- Tori Amicon, Google Review
Lauren was an absolute delight
“Lauren was an absolute delight. She was so sweet with our family and took the most beautiful photos. Our kids, ages 5 and 3, had so much fun and felt at ease. The whole process was easy, from scheduling to purchasing our beautiful photos. I am going to cherish these for a very, very long time. So, what are you waiting for? Book with Lauren today you won’t be disappointed.”
- Ashley, Google Review
5. Sarah Cropper Photography
Phone: +16148060389
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sarah Cropper has strong experience with newborns and families, with over 9 years in the field. Sessions tend to feel calm and well-managed, supported by their ‘baby whisperer’ approach that helps keep newborns ready and relaxed.
Their family and baby sessions focus on natural moments instead of heavily posed setups. Clients appreciate the simple, easygoing style, which helps families stay comfortable throughout the shoot.
The studio is very straightforward and prepared for sessions. Their all-white space includes props and newborn accessories, as well as help with planning and outfit coordination before the sessions.
Though the studio style is quite minimal, it may not suit families seeking outdoor locations or a wider variety of photos.
Nevertheless, their strong expertise is reflected in six years of recognition from Peerspace as a Best Family Photographer. They also completed a newborn safety workshop in 2019, further reinforcing their credibility.
The in-home studio is great
“Sarah was the perfect person to capture our baby’s newborn days! I highly recommend! After our family friend could no longer take the pictures for us as planned, I was extremely disappointed and worried that I wouldn’t be able to have these precious pictures of my new baby. However, Sarah was luckily available and made time for us! She was super responsive and helpful in setting up the session. She has an amazing way of calming Baby and setting up beautiful shots. Her in-home studio is great! She pays close attention to the little details and takes the time to make each picture perfect. We had so much fun and loved our photos, and we will enjoy them for many years to come.”
- Leah Bisignani, Google Review
Consistently amazing
“We have worked with Sarah for multiple family sessions, as well as for newborn photos and she is consistently amazing!! Her pictures are stunning, and she is always so calm and caring, even when kids can make things challenging. I’m always so proud to display the pictures she captures, and my friends and family are always very impressed. I’m so glad I’ve found Sarah and look forward to using her for years to come.”
- Megan Duggan, Google Review
