portraits – Milli Stephania Photo

Moving into a new neighborhood is always a gamble. You hope for friendly faces, maybe a neighbor who’ll wave hello… but finding people who feel like family? That’s rare. Lucky for me, my family hit the neighbor jackpot.

In the short year we’ve lived here, these neighbors have become our honorary family. The kind of people who invite you in, offer you food (multiple times, whether you’re hungry or not), and make your kids feel like their backyard is a second home. So, when their oldest was graduating high school, there was no way I wasn’t showing up to help document their celebration.

It was everything a graduation party should be: a backyard BBQ, a pool full of happy, splashing kids, and a grill that didn’t quit. And let me tell you about the food. There were bacon-wrapped mushrooms that quite literally stole my heart. I mean, if you didn’t strategically position yourself near the appetizer table, were you even at a party?

While I worked my camera, capturing every laugh, cannonball, and plate piled high, my own kids were just living their best lives. One was running wild in the backyard like it was her personal kingdom, while the other got passed from relative to relative, collecting kisses and snacks along the way. It was chaos, the sweet, heartwarming kind that fills a home with life.

As a photographer, these are my favorite kinds of events. Not the ones where everything’s staged and stiff, but the ones where life is just happening, and I get to freeze those little in-between moments that people don’t even realize they’ll miss.

It’s wild how life surprises you sometimes. I never expected to have a Ukrainian family that feels like my own, but here we are. And I’m so grateful.

If you’ve got a milestone coming up and you want someone who’ll show up not just with a camera, but with heart (and an extra appetite), I’d be honored to be there. These moments are fleeting—but the memories don’t have to be.

✨ Ready to make your own backyard memories unforgettable?
Whether it’s a graduation, a family BBQ, or just an excuse to gather your favorite people, I’d love to be there to document it all—cannonballs, chaos, and bacon-wrapped goodness included. Let’s make those everyday moments into forever memories.

Follow Me on Instagram!

Read The Blog!

investment guide

two preschool toddler girls playing princesses while wearing crowns and Princes dresses at home in a playroom covered with toys, stuffede animals like paw patrol charactersm. marshall, skye, and chase pup, with a play tent in the background. Girls are laughing and running around in a circle.

As a mom and a family photographer, I get it. The idea of planning a family photoshoot can feel as daunting as getting your toddler to eat vegetables willingly (why are they so suspicious of broccoli, anyway?). One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go for indoor or outdoor photography. Both have their charm, but the right choice depends on your family’s vibe, your goals for the session, and, let’s be honest, how much chaos you’re willing to wrangle that day.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for your crew. (Spoiler alert: Either way, you’re in good hands.)

Indoor Photography: Cozy, Controlled, and Climate-Proof

maternity photo of a woman who is expecting sitting on the side of her couch, while her dog also poses for thecamera. the background is dark and modern with a stylish, lamp, pillow and burnt orange throw for a stylish look.

The Pros:
Indoor photography is like a warm hug on a rainy day. It’s comfortable, intimate, and perfect for those who don’t want to leave the house (introverts, I see you). It’s also ideal for families with young kids who might get overstimulated outdoors or during colder months when the idea of bundling everyone up sounds less than appealing.-

Weather? What’s that? Rain, snow, or a heatwave? Doesn’t matter. Your indoor session will go off without a hitch. No sweaty foreheads or wind-blown hair to worry about.
Personalized vibes: Want to showcase your family’s personality? Indoor shoots allow you to use your home as the backdrop, making the photos feel extra meaningful. Bonus: If your toddler refuses to part with their favorite blanket or stuffed llama, it can be part of the story.
Controlled environment: Indoor sessions keep distractions to a minimum. No squirrels stealing the show or curious onlookers peeking in on your moment.

3 girls in a photo, one preschoiol toddler lays in bed drinking her chocoloate milk, while the older girl, a cousion or big sister, feeds the youngest baby her milk. all girls are in pajamas, and are in a girly bedroom with a pink purple sky colored bed sheets.

The Cons:
While indoor photography is amazing, it does come with a few limitations.

Space matters: If your home or indoor location is a little tight, it could limit the variety of shots. But don’t worry—I’m a pro at working with what’s available. (Seriously, I’ve turned the tiniest corners into magazine-worthy backdrops.)
Lighting challenges: Natural light indoors can be tricky, but that’s why I bring my trusty gear. My job is to make you and your family look amazing, no matter the lighting situation.

Outdoor Photography: Natural, Vibrant, and Freeing

newly wed couple in Manhattan, New York, sitting by bethesda fountain in central park, kissing, while the mom is expecting holding her belly in a baby blue dress.

The Pros:
Outdoor photography is like a breath of fresh air—literally. It’s perfect for families who love nature and want to capture those candid, unfiltered moments.

Scenic backdrops: From golden-hour fields to colorful cityscapes, outdoor shoots offer endless possibilities. Nature just hits differently, doesn’t it?
Room to play: Got active kiddos who need to move? Outdoor sessions give them the space to run, jump, and be themselves. Bonus: those action shots are priceless.
Dynamic lighting: The sun is nature’s spotlight, and when used right, it can create some truly magical effects. (Don’t worry—I know how to avoid harsh shadows and squinty eyes.)

stylish influenster woman, walks strongly down a manhattan street newar 14th street in SOHO. woman wears a bright yellow two set outfit with dark shades.

The Cons:
Of course, even the great outdoors has its quirks.

Weather roulette: The weather doesn’t always play nice. But hey, a cloudy day can make for stunning photos, and if it rains? We’ll pivot, dance in the rain, (Umbrella photos, anyone?)
Unpredictable elements: Bugs, mud, and the occasional “hold on, is that a skunk?” moment can keep things interesting. I’ll always have a plan to work around Mother Nature’s curveballs.
Travel time: Depending on the location, getting everyone to the spot might require a bit more coordination. But trust me, it’s worth it.

mother and daughter portrait based in Tampa Florida, laughing and admiring each other. Mom holds her first born daughter by the waist, wearing a baby blue one sided halter dress, while the daughter with long black curly hair, wears a short white mini dress, with a forest background

So, What’s Right for Your Family?

The answer really depends on your goals and what feels right for your family’s unique dynamic.

Choose indoor if: You want a cozy, personal vibe, your home has a special meaning to your family, or you need a controlled environment for younger kids.
Choose outdoor if: You’re looking for vibrant, dynamic photos, you want a variety of natural backdrops, or your kids thrive in open spaces.

curly headed expecting mother to be wearing a. long flowy yellow dress with a big bump, opens her arms to catch her young preschool daughter in all white who is running towards her while holding her favorite lovey. setting is in the woods with a nature background in the bronx Ny

Why Not Both?

Here’s a wild idea: Why choose? I’ve done sessions that start with cozy indoor shots and end with playful outdoor photos. It’s the best of both worlds and tells a complete story of your family’s life.

three kids playing in a kitchen, home setting. the 2 oldest boys play while the youngest in a diapers dances in a Conneticut home

Let’s Make Magic Together

No matter what you choose, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My job isn’t just to snap photos—it’s to help you feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely excited about capturing these moments. So, whether we’re hanging out in your living room or chasing the sunset in a park, I promise your photos will be nothing short of unforgettable.