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!! :) 

There are families who I work with that are just downright refreshing. 

They don't run from who they know their family to be... 

They embrace the awkwardness, or the discomfort, or the lack of "Pinterest-worthy" perfection. 

And it gives me such freedom. 

For this particular photo shoot, I made sure to let the boys know that since I normally work with little kids, I was bound to accidentallytreat them like 4 year olds at some point.

But it turns out, they didn't mind at all. :) 

Paul and Sarah, thank you SO much for showing up wholeheartedly with your family and giving me such creative freedom with your photos. It was so fun to catch up after so many years and I'm so grateful for the chance to work with you again! :)