Family Pictures at Saint Mary’s | South Bend Family Photographer
Some sessions stick with you for all the best reasons — this Saint Mary’s College family photo session in South Bend was definitely one of them.
A Session Full of Personality
Brynn came prepared with ideas for the shoot, including a fun leap photo she really wanted to capture. I love when families bring their own creativity — it makes the session so personal.
And then there was Nolan. Oh my goodness, we 100% captured his personality. Editing these photos had me laughing through tears. His dad (one of the funniest people I’ve known since elementary school) clearly passed down the sense of humor. At one point, mom looked at the photo and said, “That IS Nolan. He will LOVE that and think he’s so funny!” She was right. These are the kind of photos you frame, not the ones you scroll past.
Real Smiles, Real Fun
To get authentic laughter, I tried out a new game during this session — and it worked better than I imagined. The kids loved it, and the smiles we got were so genuine. Sessions like these remind me why I love capturing families just as they are.
We even had a surprise moment: an older gentleman in a security car pulled up, and I braced myself for him to ask us to move along. Instead, he gave us insider tips on a few hidden gems around campus. Sometimes, the kindness of strangers makes the day even better.
Why Saint Mary’s is a Hidden Gem for Family Photos
Yes, it was 100 degrees that day (and no, I didn’t love that part!), but I was reminded just how gorgeous Saint Mary’s really is for a photo session. The campus has the same stunning architecture and peaceful water features as its more famous neighbor, Notre Dame — but without the crowds.
That makes Saint Mary’s a win for families, especially with little ones who tire quickly. Everything is close together, walkable, and easy to navigate — even on a hot summer day.
This family session at Saint Mary’s College had everything I love: personality, laughter, a beautiful location, and plenty of memories worth printing big. If you’re planning a South Bend family photo session, don’t overlook Saint Mary’s. It might just be the perfect spot for your crew.
Ready to Capture Your Own Family Story at Saint Mary’s?
Whether it’s playful personalities, sweet in-between moments, or timeless portraits, your family photos should feel authentic to you. Saint Mary’s offers the perfect mix of beauty and ease—no crowds, just gorgeous backdrops and space for your kids to be themselves.
📩 I’d love to help you plan your next family session here in South Bend and create photos you’ll treasure for years to come!