The session I used to be the most terrified of is now my favorite! In the past, I wished all families that booked me only had one little baby that still slept all day and couldn’t run away from me yet haha. Or maybe even a senior girl that was a total natural in front of the camera and listened to everything I said. I would get so nervous before a family session with several young kids or heaven forbid, toddlers! How will I win them over? Will they listen to me? What if they cry the whole time? Will dad just roll his eyes when I give him directions? Once I figured out how to work with energetic kids instead of against them, it all changed! Of course kids don’t want to stand perfectly still and take a list of instructions from a stranger. And no kid gives a natural smile when you say, “look here and say cheese”. Instead we play games and run and cuddle and it’s magical. Family sessions are so fun and are now my favorite to shoot! Every session ends up going so differently, highlighting each family’s unique dynamic. I love how I can give families the same games to play and yet the photos end up being one of a kind. Capturing the love and joy within families can’t be beat!
desert family session
Jensen Family + Desert Session
Jeremiah is my second cousin and our families used to go camping together when I was younger. Not sure why we stopped because it was always so fun! It’s exciting when everyone starts their own families, but the downside is that it gets so big we gradually stop seeing our extended family as often. I was excited when his wife Melissa contacted me about a family session because it gave me a chance to catch up with them and to see their kids. I can’t believe how old they are! They look so grown up. Jeremiah picked out this location and it was perfect! He had gone here growing up and I’m so glad he suggested it. Basically they made my job super easy and I love the results!
Player Family + Desert Session
I can’t believe I haven’t blogged this session before now because it’s a pretty one! I really love the desert tones and think its the perfect backdrop to showcase families. This family was so sweet and I loved watching them interact with each other. They were so kind and loving. We did their family photos as part of their extended family session with Kirk’s side of the family. I was blown away by how cooperative all the kids were. Seriously, they won my heart. They were so sweet and too cute for their own good. Wait until you see their little boy… I met him once and I love him! Their girls were glowing from the inside out and I could tell they have beautiful little souls. The shots of them dancing in the desert feel so carefree and make my heart happy.
Desert Family Session + Player-Timmons Family
Desert family sessions are one of my favs for sure! The kids love them too because afterwards they have a blast climbing all the rocks! This location is so close to where I grew up and we still spend time here for picnics and Easter camping.
Shannon was a good friend of my mom’s; they bonded over their mutual love of yarn and crocheting. Anyone that had a place in my mom’s heart, has a place in mine. Shannon hand-dyes and spins her own yarn and she is so talented! You can check out her gorgeous creations here. Thanks for giving me the chance to capture your beautiful family. I love this session!
[Read more…] about Desert Family Session + Player-Timmons Family
Behling Family + Desert Family Session
I’m lucky enough to call these guys family! Katie is such a sweetheart and I’m so glad my cousin Brooks brought her into the family. When she told me she wanted to do their session on the desert, I was so excited! She wanted something a little different, and I love that. It turned out to be a favorite, even if we did get pretty dirty doing it! Their two boys had a blast rolling in the dirt together. When the boys were done, I stole Katie for a few shots of just her. I love doing that for moms. She is gorgeous!
