This was it; the first and only shot with everyone looking and everyone smiling. These are my favorite kind of sessions though…

When a photographer poses you, you’re less focused on the moment. It’s wonderful to have images worthy of grandma’s mantle where everyone in the picture is happy and looking at the camera while huddled together on a cozy blanket. You’re having your current season of life photographed by a professional and it will be beautiful and real….but when you forget about the camera and you play, that’s when your smiles touch your eyes a little more, joy sparks between you and the camera and everyone’s personalities are brought to life.

The power of play during you session brings to life those real life moments that happen at home, and on date night and in life most mundane moments when you think to yourself “I wish I had my camera” or “I wish someone would have caught that on camera”. So, book a photographer and use your time to experience those natural moments!

Upon arrival to this session, John, Jess and I came in hot with stern instructions of sitting, smiling and listening [and maybe a few bribes]. After that first pose, that was pretty much it as far as instructions from me went. The rest of the session was the boys were in charge; tickling, joke telling, sharing trail mix, face hugs, clapping, tackling, snuggles, more trail mix, chocolatey kisses, peek-a-boo and so much more. In that moment it may feel like embarrassment or wishing your kids could listen/sit still for 15 minutes or wondering if they’re the “worst I’ve seen“. [Spoiler alert: they’re not.] What I see is your own personalized, beautiful chaos and I hope that you see the same thing when you get your gallery of images.

This is your season of life, one year olds don’t smile on que, toddler boys don’t sit still, toddler girls have attitudes [or is that just mine?]. A perfectly curated photo hanging on your wall will look great today, but let’s be real, a drool covered baby, laughing in pure joy because you’ve pinned him with tickles is so much sweeter to keep forever.

A huge thank you to the King family for choosing me and always bringing their authenticity. ;]