Real life, with a cinematic point of view.

I’m a New York City–based photographer capturing people in the places where they feel most like themselves, the rituals, objects, and everyday moments that create a sense of belonging. From family stories to personal milestones and brand storytelling, I create images that preserve the feeling of a place, a season of life, and the people within it.

With a background in art direction, I bring a thoughtful eye for composition, atmosphere, and detail while gently guiding you through a relaxed approach that leaves space for real moments to unfold.

top family photographer in NYC

NYC Family PhotographerNYC Family Photographer

NYC Family PhotographerNYC Family Photographer best NYC Family Photographer best NYC family photographer

award winning photographer NYC

NYC Family PhotographerNYC Family Photographer best NYC Family Photographer best NYC family photographer

award winning photographer NYC

NYC Family PhotographerNYC Family Photographer

Let's Create Your Story

Collaboration with my subjects is important to me; I love guiding them in choosing their wardrobe, location, and mood, ensuring we create unique work. Embracing all ideas without judgment, I thrive on exploring new concepts that inspire creativity and enrich the storytelling of each session.

Here are some ways I capture the life of others but I’m happy to tailor a session to your needs.

my approach

artistic family photography in NYC

lifestyle photographer NYC

A woman interacts playfully with a young girl who sticks her tongue out, while a boy in the background scratches his head in a cozy, well-decorated living room.

Family Sessions

Your life is already interesting. Let’s capture it that way.

I’ll guide you into beautiful, cinematic scenes while leaving room for the unexpected to happen. We might move through a favorite or new place, play together, slow down, or simply be close with just enough direction to create something intentional, but never so much that it stops feeling like you.

Sonja Malic capturing a black-and-white photograph of a couple in love. Cinematic couples photograph in black and white in NYC.

Couples Sessions

Your love story, told like a film.

Together, we’ll create cinematic, emotionally rich images that feel less like a photoshoot and more like a scene from your own love story. Choose a place that means something to you, bring your connection, and let’s create something entirely your own.

Three young girls playing and smiling on a playground swing indoors, with a girl sitting on the swing and two girls standing nearby.

Family Photographer NYC

Brand Sessions

Photography that reflects your values, not just your visuals.

I work with thoughtful brands that value honest, story-driven visuals. My approach is immersive and intuitive: I don’t direct from the sidelines. I step into the scene, observing and connecting, so the images reflect not just what’s happening, but how it feels to be there.

Family Photographer NYC

natural photography NYC documentary photographer NYC photojournalistic photographer NYC unposed photographer NYC lifestyle photographer NYC relaxed photography NYC

Recognition

3rd Place — Family Photography
Berlin Photo Awards, International Open Competition
Recognized for its artistic approach to family storytelling.

Sonja Malic wins 3rd place at Berlin Photo Awards 2026, in the Family Photography Category

As Seen In

Cover of Heartful Magazine with a white background, a yellow circle border, and the title 'HEARTFUL' in large gray letters, with smaller gray text 'MAGAZINE' below.

Cinematic Photographs of Real Life.