90s Bad Family Photos in Cincinnati (And Yes, There Was a Lot of Denim)

Written By Jess Summers

I love silly things. I love them even more when my clients are just as down for it as I am.

This family came to me wanting to do a "bad family photos" shoot -- the kind that looked like it was pulled straight out of a 90s JCPenney catalog. Denim on denim on denim. Awkward poses. The whole thing. And I was absolutely here for it.

Before the session we actually hit several thrift stores together to find the perfect outfits. We dug through racks for a while and walked away with more denim than any one family should legally own. The thrift shopping honestly made the whole thing even more fun -- half the session energy was already built by the time we showed up to shoot.

We took this one outside instead of the studio, which gave it a completely different feel. The session was at Devou Park in Covington, Kentucky -- first stop was the overlook with the Cincinnati skyline behind them. Those shots came out absolutely stunning. There's something about pairing ridiculous 90s energy with that backdrop that just works.

From there we moved to the playground for a second round of images, including some drone shots that turned out really cool. I also kept the editing film-colored and a little grainy to really sell the throwback feel.

If you've ever wanted to do a themed family session that's equal parts hilarious and genuinely beautiful -- this is your sign. Bad family photos, JCP vibes, whatever you want to call it. Send me a message and let's plan yours. Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky locations available.

A playful family scene with a man on all fours, a woman on his back, and a child sitting atop her, all smiling. City skyline in background. Happy, carefree mood.
A woman, a child, and a man pose playfully on outdoor steps. The woman and man create an arch with their legs around the seated child, who covers their ears.
A woman gently holds a man's face with one hand, while the man holds her face with one hand. Standing on a hill overlooking Cincinnati. They both wear black shirts and jeans, evoking a tender, intimate moment.
A family looking into the overlook of Cincinnati Ohio. The son's hands are in both the pockets of his mom and dads jeans. While the parents are both holding the back of their son. Each family member is wearing a large amount of denium from the 90s.
A playful family scene with two adults on swings holding hands, while a child stands between them, all dressed in denim. Lush green trees in the background.
A woman with glasses and a young boy, both in colorful striped shirts, sit closely together outdoors, gazing intently ahead under a tree's shade.
Three people wearing denim pose playfully in a park. One sits on two others stacked on the ground. Green trees surround the sunny scene.
A couple and a child lie on grass, forming a heart shape with their bodies. The scene conveys warmth and family love in a playful manner.

I'm here for this kind of shoot forever!

Book a 90s "Bad" Photoshoot Today!
Jess Summers

Jess Summers is a self-taught Cincinnati portrait photographer who has spent over 10 years figuring out how to make women actually feel something in front of a camera. She specializes in empowerment, boudoir, and maternity photography -- and built Celebrate HER because she got tired of the industry pretending lingerie was the only path to feeling powerful. Her work has been featured on NPR's Marketplace. She shoots out of her private studio in Camp Washington, Cincinnati, and she will absolutely make you a playlist.

https://www.sayyestojess.com
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