As an Elkhart Family Photographer, I’m always excited to explore beautiful locations throughout Elkhart County with the families I photograph. Today I’m sharing one of my recent family sessions that took place at the gorgeous DeFries Gardens in New Paris, Indiana.

If you’ve never visited DeFries Gardens before, it is truly one of the hidden gems of Elkhart County. With winding paths, beautiful landscaping, and colorful blooms throughout the spring and summer months, it provides the perfect backdrop for family photos, engagement sessions, and senior portraits.

Why I Love DeFries Gardens for Family Photos

When families ask me for location recommendations, DeFries Gardens is often one of the first places that comes to mind. The variety of scenery makes it feel like multiple locations in one session.

Whether you’re looking for lush greenery, colorful flowers, charming pathways, or open spaces for your children to run and play, this location offers a little bit of everything. The beautiful gardens create a timeless backdrop that keeps the focus where it belongs—on your family and the moments you share together.

As an Elkhart Family Photographer, I love locations that allow children the freedom to explore while still creating beautiful images, and DeFries Gardens does exactly that.

What to Expect When Booking an Elkhart Family Photographer

One of the biggest misconceptions about family photos is that everyone needs to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time.

The truth is, the best family photos often happen in between the poses.

My approach to Elkhart family photography is child-led, relaxed, and focused on genuine connection. I want parents to feel comfortable knowing they don’t need to stress about getting their children to behave perfectly. Kids are allowed to be kids!

Before your session, I’ll help guide you through everything you need to know, including:

• Choosing outfits that photograph beautifully
• Selecting the perfect location
• Preparing young children for the session
• Knowing exactly what to expect during your photo experience

My goal is to make the entire process feel easy and enjoyable from start to finish.

Capturing Every Important Family Combination

Before every family session, I arrive with a plan while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous moments.

I always make sure to capture a variety of images, including:

• Full family portraits
• Mom with the children
• Dad with the children
• Individual photos of each child
• Sibling photos
• Mom and Dad together
• A mix of posed and candid family moments

Having a variety of images ensures your final gallery feels complete and tells the full story of your family during this season of life.

The Vollon Family Session at DeFries Gardens

During this session with the Vollon family, we were able to capture every combination on my list while also creating plenty of authentic moments along the way.

Some of my favorite images came from the candid interactions—the laughs, the hugs, the playful moments, and the genuine emotion shared between family members.

These are the photographs that often become the most meaningful over time because they truly reflect who your family is right now.

While I always deliver beautiful portraits that are perfect for displaying on your walls, I also focus heavily on documenting the moments that feel real and natural.

Looking for an Elkhart Family Photographer?

If you’re searching for an Elkhart Family Photographer, I’d love to help you document this season of your family’s story.

I photograph families throughout Elkhart County, St. Joseph County, Mishawaka, Granger, South Bend, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor session at a beautiful location like DeFries Gardens or a cozy studio session, I’d love to create images that feel authentic to your family.

Contact me today to learn more about booking your family photo session. I can’t wait to meet your family and create photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.