The Kalyanpur Family

Two brothers play on a wooden bridge in Central Park

When I first met Susan in passing in the lobby of our building, we said hello, and rode the elevator to our respective floors.  I remember that her smile never left her face, even as she wrangled her little boy and the family pup with another on the way.  

Over the years, we have lived together in the same building.  Both of us experienced moves within the building.  Both watch each other's families grow.  Both of us are excited as our friendship develops.  We respect each other immensely and look to one another for support as we navigate work, families, and life.  We also share a love of travel and art.  So when Susan asked me to photograph her family, it was an absolute honor.

The Kalyanpur boys are full of life and exploration.  If there is no fun to be found, they create it!  I am pretty sure that comes from their adventures worldwide with their parents.  Their session occurred in Central Park and was full of laughter, running, and bubbles!  We explored the trails of the North Wood and chased bubbles along The Loch.  You could see how much the youngest adored his brother, mimicking his every move.  Every frame I shot felt like a keeper as the connection between the family simply radiates through the lens.  

On the day I was culling Susan's images, I rang her to say I was spinning my wheels attempting to narrow them down.  That night we spent hours chitchatting, reviewing her session's photographs, and enjoying reliving the afternoon.  

I am so thankful to have a "job" that allows me to grow deeper friendships.  A "job" requires me to capture the love between a family.  A "job" that will enable me to show them how beautiful they are.

A black and white image of a toddler boy leaning against a tree.
A family smiling a posing together in Central Park.
A father holding his two sons while smiling at the camera.
A toddler laughing while playing in Central Park.
A tender moment between father and son at The Loch In Central Park.
A laughing young boy smiling at the camera while playing in Central Park.
The young brother's posed and smiling on a wooden bridge in Central Park.
Two young brothers running on a trail in the North Wood of central Park.
Two young brothers wrestling and laughing on a bridge in Central Park.
A loving kiss between parents while their two young sons climb on them.
A loving moment between a son and mother.
Jessica Leigh ProkopPhotography By Jessica Leighphotography by Jessica Leigh, new york photography, new york families, NYC, Central Park, documentary family photography, family photographer, mini sessionComment