Photoshoot at Historic Smithville Park, NJ with lucid ladybug.
- meghankennedy
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Spring family photoshoot with lucid ladybug photography at Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton Township, NJ.
When we first moved to Florence, NJ, we didn’t know a soul in town. We slowly began meeting neighbors, and a little post in our town's Facebook group is what connected me to the Mannino family. From swapping recipes and plants to caring for their two kind kiddos with crafts and creativity to boot - I’m so thankful for our neighbors!
One of the cries of my heart was to find like-minded girlfriends in our new season of life in the suburbs. I feel so grateful for friendships like the one I share with Katie. She’s been encouraging me and rooting me on from literally across the street since we became friends.
Although they’ve since moved out of the neighborhood (we’re plotting for us to move into their new neighborhood next, stay tuned), we stay in touch and plan activities together.
Katie encourages my creativity and has trusted me to capture some of life’s most precious moments.
We met at Smithville Historic Park this spring to snap some photos of Lucas and Sophia at golden hour. My approach with family photography is simple - allow time and space, and let them play.
"Smithville Historic Park is home to a c. 1840 Greek Revival Mansion and one of the few remaining “intact” Victorian Industrial-era villages in the region. Encompassing 312 acres of upland forest, wooded wetlands, historic village, and Smithville Lake, this park includes trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, a canoe landing, and a floating walkway on the Smithville Lake."
I never rush any of my sessions because kids (and adults, too) need some time to open up and become comfortable with the lens. I rarely pose the kids - I simply give them playful prompts and games like “red light green light”, or “Simon says”. I talk with them, ask them inquiring questions, and let their little personalities shine through.
Watching Katie and Vito be the most amazing parents is honestly a privilege. I feel so lucky to call them friends (and my little besties too!).
This gallery truly may be the sweetest one I’ve ever delivered - and Katie was so touched she called me in tears to express her gratitude. Of course - this cues tears for me because the heart of lucid ladybug is sparking conscious conversations and these photos will be cherished and talked about for the rest of their lives.
We are thankful for any opportunity to capture or style your special celebrations. If you're interested in working with lucid ladybug this summer or fall, spark a conversation.
Cheers, Meghan Kennedy
lucid ladybug llc. Copyright. All rights reserved.
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