UPDATE: Scroll to the end to see what mom has to say about her session two and a half years later!
Picture this: You pull up to your family session location with the sun soon to be going down, casting that perfect liquid golden glow over the landscape. Everyone is dressed in what you picked out for them. You made sure everyone would be cute AND comfy to avoid any displays of defiance because this ain’t your first rodeo. It’s everything you were hoping it would be and you already can’t wait to see the photos!
You and your husband start getting your kids out of the car while I take some test shots for lighting and scope out where we should start. Your toddler is a little shy, but calm and your 5 year old is following directions like a champ!
Sounds perfect right? Well this is about where the record scratches and this calm, picturesque family session goes from 0 to 60.
After the Schryvers booked their session, they ended up moving in down the street, we realized our husbands worked together, and their kids, Weston and Julia, and my kids became fast friends.
Since we had all hung out together a bunch already, I knew the high-level energy my buddy Weston was sure to deliver come Session Day. He’s always a big personality, it’s who he is!
I start off every session with posed shots because everyone’s usually a little stiff, unsure, or shy anyway. Even though I knew the Schryvers well already, we started the same way. Once the camera is out, it’s natural to feel more awkward, no matter who’s holding it!
After just a few shots, Weston couldn’t contain himself any more! We were surrounded by rocky slopes and he had been itching to go climb. Off he dashed and while mom and dad tried to convince him to come back for more pictures. I knew there would be tons of little breaks like this so I just focused on Julia instead.
Weston eventually found himself higher up than mom was comfortable with and we all coaxed him back to earth. After just a few more snaps of the shutter though, he was off again. The fine sand was just BEGGING to be kicked up! Mom and dad both start getting more stern. This session was mom’s Mother’s Day gift and the first family photo session since their daughter’s newborn photos. I knew they were probably feeling pressure to make these count.
I reminded them that this was actually GREAT for their session - I LOVE when I have a mini-tornado at a session because the photos always turn out so fun! Lots of upside-down swings, airplane rides, tossing, and goofy faces. Plus, I already had great shots and half of their session still to go. We got this.
I found a larger rock and knew Weston would love my next idea. I double checked that Dad was up for it and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse:
"Hey, Weston! How about a superhero jump from up there into your dad's arms?"
Ohhhhh yeah. It was like Christmas! Up he climbed, all fired up and ready to take off.
Snap, snap, snap! Mom grabbed Julia and now he even had cheerleaders for each jump.
Julia didn’t want to miss out so she joined big brother in a few rounds of chase while mom and dad got to rest a moment.
This session was NOT about picture-perfect poses. But honestly, NONE of my sessions are.
Emotional, moving family photos still happen even if your kiddos are bursting with energy!
Your ‘wild’, is wonderful.
Two and a half years later, this is what mom, Anna, had to say about her session:
It was the best decision, a wonderful Mother's Day gift! Looking at these photos reminds me of how crazy the session was, but how wonderfully they captured the chaos and joy of those moments with young kids that don't necessarily get captured in everyday life. When I look at them now it always reminds me that I need to have more taken, and wish you were here to take them for us! You have the best eye for capturing those wild moments, and I'm so glad we have them frozen in time to look back on 😊