Newport RI Family Photographer | Fort Adams Family Portrait Session

Posted on 1 Day Ago by Melissa Lacouture

Fort Adams Family Portrait Session

Some family sessions feel especially meaningful and this one at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island was definitely one of them.

As a Newport RI family photographer, one of the greatest privileges of this work is getting to watch families grow over the years. I first started photographing this family when the kids were just four years old, and since then I’ve had the honor of capturing so many milestones along the way, including each of their senior portraits. Seeing them again now again always feels like a full-circle moment.

Family Photos at Fort Adams in Newport

This session took place inside Fort Adams, one of Newport’s most unique and historic locations for portraits. The family had arranged a short window of time for us to photograph inside the fort, which made the session feel a little fast-paced but sometimes those quick sessions create the most natural moments.

The textured stone walls, dramatic archways, and historic architecture inside Fort Adams create a completely different backdrop from the typical beach setting that Newport is known for. The mix of light, shadow, and old stone adds depth and character that works beautifully for family portraits, especially with older kids and teens.

Photographing Families Through the Years

One of the most rewarding parts of being a family photographer is building relationships that last for years. I’ve photographed this family through so many different seasons of life — from childhood sessions to senior portraits — and it’s always special when they come back for another round of family photos.

When I first met them, the kids were small and full of playful energy. Now they’re young adults with their own personalities, interests, and plans for the future. Being able to document that growth is something I never take for granted.

A Family I’ve Photographed for Years

Even though we didn’t have a lot of time for this session, it was more than enough to capture what matters most — the connection between them.

Photographing families over many years is one of the things I love most about this job. Watching kids grow from elementary school to high school and college is pretty incredible, and it’s always an honor when families continue to trust me to document those chapters.

Sessions like this are a reminder that family photos aren’t just about one moment in time — they’re about preserving the story as it unfolds.

Family session inside Fort Adams in Newport, RI

Westerly RI Family Photographer | Extended Family Beach Portraits for a 90th Birthday

Posted on 11 Days Ago by Melissa Lacouture

Extended Family Beach Portraits for a 90th Birthday

Celebrating a milestone birthday with the entire family gathered together is something truly special — and this extended family portrait session in Westerly, RI was the perfect way to honor Bob’s 90th birthday.

As a RI family photographer, I love when families choose the beach as the backdrop for meaningful moments like this. The ocean, soft sand, and relaxed coastal setting create timeless portraits that feel both natural and heartfelt.

Extended Family Beach Portraits in Westerly, Rhode Island

This session brought together three generations to celebrate Bob turning 90. His two daughters were there with their families, along with his wife and her daughter and grandson. Altogether, eight grandchildren filled the beach with energy, laughter, and just the right amount of joyful chaos.

Extended family portrait sessions are about more than just getting everyone in one frame. They’re about documenting connection — grandparents with grandkids, siblings together again, cousins laughing in the sand. I always make time for large group portraits, smaller family groupings, and individual grandparent photos so every relationship is captured.

Why Choose a Westerly RI Beach for Family Photos?

Westerly’s coastline is one of our favorite locations for Rhode Island family photography. The soft evening light, open space for large groups, and calming ocean backdrop make it ideal for extended family sessions.

Beach sessions also naturally encourage interaction. Kids can move, cousins can play, and grandparents can relax — which results in portraits that feel genuine and full of life.

Planning an Extended Family Session in Rhode Island

If you’re gathering multiple generations together — whether for a milestone birthday, anniversary, or summer vacation — an extended family portrait session is the perfect way to document it.

As a Westerly RI family photographer, we help guide large groups with ease so the session feels organized but never stressful. From outfit guidance to grouping combinations, we make sure everyone feels comfortable and cared for.

Because moments like a 90th birthday don’t come around twice.

Extended family session on the beach in Westerly, RI

Grandparents and grandkids at extended family session on the beach in Westerly, RI

Real Life Newborn Session at Home | Beautiful Chaos with Three Little Girls

Posted on February 10 by Melissa Lacouture

There is something special about photographing a newborn session in the comfort of someone’s home… especially when that home is filled with the energy of two older sisters! This sweet family wanted to do a session to welcome their newest baby girl and her two big sisters made sure the photos were full of personality, laughter, and plenty of jumping on the bed.

Newborn sessions with toddler siblings are never easy but that’s exactly what makes them meaningful. Between the giggles, wiggles, and the occasional moments of chaos, we captured the moments that truly tell this family’s story at that very moment. It was real, honest, and full of love.

This session is the perfect reminder that newborn photos don’t need to be perfectly posed or perfectly quiet to be beautiful. Sometimes the magic is in the mess, the laughter, and the real chaos of life with little ones. And honestly…those are always my favorite moments to photograph.

Golden Hour at Goddard Park | Fall Family Session in East Greenwich, RI

Posted on May 17 by Melissa Lacouture

One of the most rewarding parts of being a photographer is watching a couple’s love story grow—and getting to document each new chapter along the way. I first met this sweet couple when we photographed their wedding, and this fall, I had the absolute joy of capturing them again—this time as a family of three—at beautiful Goddard Park in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Their little one, around 7 months old, was all smiles (and a few adorable giggles!) as we wandered through the golden foliage. Fall in Rhode Island is truly magical, and Goddard Park delivered with its mix of vibrant leaves, tree-lined paths, water views and soft, glowing light.

We kept things relaxed and candid for this session, focusing on connection and natural moments—snuggles and little laughs. It was such a full-circle moment for me to see them again, now stepping into this new season of parenthood with so much joy and tenderness.

If you’re thinking about booking a fall family session in Rhode Island, Goddard Park is one of my favorite spots for its variety of backdrops and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re a returning wedding client or it’s your first session with me, I love creating relaxed, meaningful images that reflect the real heart of your family.

Scroll through to see a few of my favorite moments from this cozy fall session.

Family Portrait in Goddard Park in East Greenwich

Narragansett, RI Extended Family Beach Session – RI Photographer

Posted on April 23 by Melissa Lacouture

Every summer, this sweet family of five—Mom, Dad, and their three grown sons—packs their bags and heads off to a new beach town for a week of sand, sun, and serious memory-making. This year, Narragansett, Rhode Island got lucky. And so did I, because I got to photograph the whole crew during their trip!

I’m a Rhode Island family photographer who works a lot in Narragansett, so when they reached out for a beach portrait session during their vacation, I was all in. There’s nothing quite like an extended family photo session on the beach.

This year’s trip was extra special because there was a new addition to the family: a baby! About 18 months old and absolutely stealing the show (as babies tend to do). I definitely leaned into my role as the baby paparazzi—he was a natural. But don’t worry, we made sure to capture all the family combos too: the full group, each couple, siblings, parents, and everything in between.

Whether you’re visiting Rhode Island for a vacation or you’re lucky enough to call it home, there’s no better place for family photos than the beaches of Narragansett. If you’re planning a trip and looking for a Narragansett family photographer or someone who specializes in extended family beach portraits in Rhode Island, I’d love to chat. Let’s bottle up your summer memories in photos you’ll treasure for years.