Greenville, South Carolina Editorial Family Photographer Dani Lacey Photographs
Where Candid Meets Couture
Family photography doesn’t have to mean matching outfits and a forced smile under a tree. Let’s reimagine your family photos, shall we? If you’ve ever wanted your family photos to feel like they belong in a magazine spread — stylized, cinematic, expressive, and so unique— then editorial family photography is your answer. (And I’m your girl)
This is not your average “picture day.” It’s a curated experience that blends storytelling and style — a collaboration where we bring your family’s energy to life through concept-driven direction, wardrobe styling, lighting, and creative set design. Think of it like booking a magazine photographer for a campaign where your family is the star.
So, What Is an Editorial Family Session?
An editorial session is guided by a theme, aesthetic, or vibe — but always rooted in connection. It’s not about stiff poses or checklists. It’s about crafting a mood and letting real moments unfold inside that vision. It’s more like creatively directed photos that FEEL effortless, but were actually extremely thoughtful.
Whether we’re in-studio with controlled lighting and bold wardrobe pieces or outdoors with movement, wind, and natural light — each shoot is designed to look like it belongs on the pages of a high-end magazine. We use props, textures, intentional colors, and curated looks to elevate your story into art.
Curated Movement, Meaningful Mood
In an editorial family session, movement is guided — not messy. Think of it less like kids running wild and more like flow built into the frame. I direct movement with purpose: a slow walk hand-in-hand, a soft touch to the face, a twirl that catches the light just right. These are moments that feel natural but are thoughtfully shaped to reflect connection, grace, and real emotion.
It’s not chaos — it’s choreography. Styled wardrobe, intentional lighting, and scene-setting all create the foundation. Then I layer in just enough direction to keep things fluid. This approach creates images that look like a magazine spread but feel like your real life — beautifully elevated.
Styling Is Part of the Story
Editorial shoots thrive when wardrobe is part of the visual language. We’ll discuss color palettes, textures, accessories, and intentional clothing that complements the vibe and location in order to reimagine your family photos. You don’t need to guess — I’ll guide you the whole way.
Professional Hair + Makeup
Not just for glam — hair and makeup help elevate the tone and consistency of the shoot. It ensures the family looks cohesive, confident, and camera-ready, aligning with the styled vision. Usually we keep hair and makeup (or one of them) on site during the shoot too!
Concept-Driven Storytelling
Every session begins with a creative concept — not just “what to wear,” but what story you want to tell. Are we capturing a Sunday morning at home in dramatic black-and-white? A whimsical studio shoot inspired by vintage Vogue covers? A warm editorial about motherhood in a wildflower field? The concept guides every choice. Wanting family photos in a field at golden hour, is lifestyle photography. (Which is beautiful and meaningful) However, if you’re wanting family photos in a field at golden hour in a designer fur coat, with hair and makeup on site, and a vintage car? Epic editorials will follow. Check out this Pinterest concept I’ve been dying to do, you in?
Creative Set Design or Location Scouting
From minimal backdrops in studio to styled picnic vignettes, floral installs, antique furniture setups, or urban architecture — editorial family photography turns location into a character in the story. Even at-home sessions are staged with an editorial eye.
My Process: From Concept to Final Edit
Here’s what working together looks like:
Step 1: Creative Discovery
We start with a questionnaire or consultation to uncover your family’s energy, style, and what kind of editorial story we want to tell. Are we channeling 1970s rockstar kids? Minimalist chic? Whimsical garden fairytale? Anything is possible.
Step 2: Styling + Prep
I’ll provide wardrobe guidance or connect you with a stylist if needed. You’ll also receive a prep guide so the session feels intentional, not overwhelming. Hair and makeup is encouraged — this is your moment to go all in.
Step 3: Shoot Day
This is where the magic happens. Studio or on-location, we use editorial lighting, intentional direction, and movement to create a session that’s fun, dynamic, and visually layered. Expect dancing, lounging, laughing — not posing.
Step 4: Delivery
You’ll receive a gallery that looks like a story. Not just a photo of what your family looked like that day, but how it felt.
Curious If This Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a session that breaks the mold, then its time to reimagine your family photos to be as custom and elevated as a magazine shoot. Family editorial photography still captures the heart of your family in a stylized, intentional way! So let’s book the session now!