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

Extended Family Portrait in Narragansett, RI at Bonnet Shores Beach Club

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Melissa Lacouture

There’s nothing quite like a summer evening at Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, RI. This portrait session was extra special because it was a full family affair: a proud grandmother, her three grown kids, and the next generation of little beach lovers!

We had three generations in front of the camera, and they brought all the love, fun, and a little bit of toddler chaos (the best kind). Toddlers are far more interested in playing in the sand than standing still for photos and who can blame them! Everyone was an absolute champ, balancing sweet moments with the babies while also making sure that one didn’t dive headfirst into the waves.

Bonnet Shores gave us the perfect backdrop, and this family gave me all the sweet photo worthy moments. I can already picture them looking back at these photos years from now, remembering this sweet season of life.

Thinking about your own family session? Let’s make some magic together—sand between your toes, wind in your hair, and all the love in the world.

Family at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Extended family posing at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Family walking at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Fathers and sons at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Father and son at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Mother and baby at Bonnet Shores Beach Club for family portrait in Narragansett, RI

Over a decade of Family Sessions in Providence – RI Family Photographer

Posted on February 8, 2025 by Melissa Lacouture

I’ve had the privilege of documenting this family’s story for almost 15 years! When I think about the happiness that being a photographer brings, this family always comes to mind. Every other year or so, we meet in the same spot in Providence. It’s the very location where I did Mom and Dad’s engagement session years ago, and now, it’s the backdrop for their growing family.

This spot isn’t just a location; it’s a character in the story. It’s where the love began! There is something about returning to the same place and recreating so many of the same poses – even some from the engagement session. Over the years, I’ve watched this family grow from two people in love to group filled with movie quotes and lots of laughs.

I feel so honored to have been part of this family’s life for all these years! It’s a reminder of why I do what I do. Thank you to this incredible family for trusting me year after year and for letting me be part of your story. Can’t wait to see you all in September so you can add more photos to the “Melissa wall”!

Extended family portrait session on the east side of Providence

Fall Mini Sessions in Roger Williams Park – RI Outdoor Mini Sessions

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Melissa Lacouture

One of my favorite times of the year is here – Mini session season! If you’ve been following me you’ve probably heard me say it a million times but I truly love these sessions. It’s such fun to reconnect with so many familiar faces each year. Some families have been with me since I started 14 years ago! Watching these kids grow up, capturing new milestones, and freezing these moments in time makes my job that much more rewarding.

For those who haven’t done a mini session before they’re essentially a full portrait session but with a time limit. Every time I sit down to edit these photos I think how much of a deal these sessions really are. If you don’t believe me just take a look at this session from last year!

This year I’m offering mini sessions at Roger Williams Park. The park is massive with so many options for gorgeous backdrops. I can’t wait to see my returning families and meet new ones too!

If you’re thinking about booking, don’t wait too long! These mini sessions fill up fast, and I don’t want you to miss out on what could be your new favorite family tradition.