If one photo could tell your story, what would it say?
The art of your everyday story, told through photography.
It's hard, and it's beautiful, and the day will come faster than you realize. Your family's story, unique to the life you're living, deserves to be remembered. As a family photographer in St. Louis, I photograph the moments that make your family’s story entirely your own: their childhood, your parenthood, and all the small ways you look at each other, reach for each other, and love each other.
Maybe your toddler asks for Goodnight Moon every single night. Maybe it's the same lullaby while you rock them, Sunday morning coffee with your teenager, pancakes, or the walk to the same park every day. Whatever it is, your family is living a story right now that belongs only to you.
Lifestyle and documentary family photography in St. Louis, created around the story your family is living right now.
One day the house will be quiet. These are the days you’ll want to remember.
The things around you already tell your story. So what is the story you're living now that you'll want to remember in 20, 30, even 50 years? That's the one I want to help you tell.
My favorite place for your family session will always be your home. It's where your everyday story lives, where you're raising your family, and above all, it's where everyone feels most comfortable and at ease, especially little ones. Snacks are within reach, and so is everything else you might need. That said, if there's a place that feels like home without being home, I'm always open to it. Whether it's somewhere you already have in mind or something we dream up together, we'll find the right setting to tell your beautiful story.
Instead of reaching for your phone and squeezing into a selfie, you get to be documented together as a family, artfully and slowly, simply enjoying the moment with the people you love.
That’s why I’m drawn to documentary-style photography and sessions that take place in your home or somewhere meaningful to your family.
From magic in the mundane to the art of the small details.
Getting to know your story
Wardrobe, handled
A slow session at home, or a place that feels like home
A storytelling gallery and fine art heirlooms
Working with a photographer in St. Louis doesn’t have to mean rushing everyone into Pinterest-perfect outfits and hoping for the best. Your session is thoughtfully planned and you’re taken care of from start to finish.
We'll plan your photography session around something your family actually loves doing together, the things that make you you. Little ones get to play, you get to connect, and I gently guide you along the way.
That’s the heart of documentary-style photography, I capture the way you really are: the way you stroke their hair, the way they snuggle into you, whether they're a toddler or a teenager.
This is their childhood, but it's your parenthood too. This is not cookie cutter, and it won't look like anyone else's. It's your family, documented as art, for now and for generations to come.
Not a quick portrait at the park, praying your kids will sit still & smile.
Your family's story, fully held from start to finish.
What's included
This is not a cookie cutter photography session, and it won't look like anyone else's. It's your family, documented as art, for now and for generations to come.
Featured in
“We have been having professional photos taken for many years, & the candid images Rachel captured were some of the best I have ever seen!”
“Rachel is an amazingly talented photographer who has a knack for capturing beautiful family photos.”
“Rachel takes the most beautiful photos and have an incredible eye for capturing the little moments!”
Love Notes
You're so often the one behind the camera. This is your turn to be in the story. From maternity photography that honors the anticipation of what's to come to intimate motherhood sessions in the thick of everyday life, these intimate sessions are a visual love letter to you and the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart.
Motherhood Photography
The tiny fingers, the sleepy weight in your arms, the way your home shifts to make room for someone new. My approach to newborn photography is gentle, unhurried, and rooted in the comfort of your own space, in your own nest, so you remember not just how they looked, but how it felt.
Newborn Photography
Lifestyle and documentary family photography at home, or a place that feels like home and holds meaning for your family, exactly as it lives. The morning cuddles, the kitchen dance parties, the beautifully imperfect in-between. An unhurried, guided session where you get to simply be together while I capture what it all feels like.
Family Photography
Family, Motherhood & Newborn Photography in St. Louis
With five years of experience behind the camera, and over 15 years as a certified former early childhood teacher in the classroom, I bring heart, intention, compassion, and kindness to every family I serve.
I'm on a mission to give families an artful, truly memorable photography experience. Nothing rushed. Everything custom. Family photos don't have to be something stressful and quick, dreaded and gotten over with while we bribe the kids. I want to show you how beautiful it can be to slow down, be together, connect, and play with your children, at every age and phase.
As a professional family photographer in St. Louis
I see you, mama, because I've been that mama. I've been up in the middle of the night with a newborn, learning to nurse through pain and love. I've been googling at 2am trying to solve the latest phase, and waiting up for my teen to come home at 11 o'clock at night. I've been the mom with the toddler meltdown in the middle of the store, the mom navigating an IEP, the mom who walked through miscarriage and everything in between. I've felt invisible. I've had days when I had nothing left to pour. So when I'm with you, I'll hold space for you, just as you are, and help you feel seen and beautiful. That's why mothers are at the heart of everything I do.
Founder of Sunday Lane Photography
Hi, I’m Rachel, a St. Louis photographer documenting the beauty of your life.
You're not here for a quick photography session with panic-bought outfits that match the ones on Pinterest. You're here because you want to wear the clothes that feel like you, and be with your family doing the things you do, the things that tell your story. Memories and emotion over the perfect "stand here, look here" photo. Being together over convenience and stress.
You choose connection over perfection
This isn't a quick updated photo for Instagram or the Christmas card. You're booking a whole family photography experience, one that's thoughtfully considered, where every detail is planned for you. An experience where you're truly seen, and your story is understood and artfully told, exactly as you are.
You want your family photos to feel like art
You don't want a photographer you've never met, or one who meets you at the park, snaps a few frames, and gives quick prompts that look like connection but aren't your real story. As your St Louis photographer, I'll help you plan every detail of a session that reflects your family, all the way to your artful gallery. And I'll walk you through turning your photos into heirloom fine art pieces, with guidance every step of the way, so you're never left to figure it out on your own.
You want to be seen and cared for, start to finish
Sunday Lane is for you if…
Honest stories, photography inspiration, session planning advice, & meaningful moments captured one frame at a time.
from the journal
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Every family deserves to have their story told. While you're busy raising these children and trying to take it all in (the phases, the ages, the things they love right now), it's easy to forget how beautiful it all is, even when it's hard. One day you'll miss all of it. They're growing, you're growing, and this is the family story you're living right now.
As a St. Louis photographer for families, motherhood, and newborns, I would love to create photographs that show you just how beautiful your life is, so you can savor it now and treasure it years from now. A meaningful session, unique to the story only you could live.
Reach out today. I would be so honored to tell your story.
Let’s make some magic!
