It’s hard to fully explain what it’s like watching a family grow year after year.

Babies are born - little bundles of hope and joy and newness.

Little babies turn into kids, and kids turn into mini adults.

With sass and character all their own.

Sometimes I get asked by families if photographing lots of children at once is intimidating.

But it’s only intimidating if you’re expecting everyone to have a plastered, fake smile on their face in every photo.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes of moments.

Especially the crazy ones.

Mike and Chris, THANK YOU so much for allowing me the privilege of photographing your family year after year. I can’t tell you how much joy I get from watching your family grow and change every time. I LOVE what we captured this year, and I hope you do too! :)

She mentioned trains and flowers. 

When we brainstormed about locations, she said her boy loves trains, and her daughter loves flowers. 

So we found a place that had both. 

When finding a great location, there are a few key things to look for. First and foremost, the light has to be amazing. Without great light, photos fall flat. 

Secondly, there has to be room for the kids to roam. Corralled kids don't laugh very easily. (And what would kid photos be without a tiny little bit of laughing?)

And finally, there has to be something interesting for the kids to do or look at. Like a ginormous set of train bridges... :) 

When you put all three of those together... you can make anything location look beautiful. 

Even an old gravel road under a train bridge. 

Kacie and John - THANK YOU so much for trusting me with your family. I'm so glad that the rain held off and we were able to have such fun tromping under the bridge watching the trains go by! It was so great to meet you and I can't wait to work with your adorable and creative children again. Enjoy!! :)