When I tell people that my favorite type of session to photograph is a family with several little kids, most people (and photographers too!) look at me with surprise. I guess it's because most people assume that little kids are really really difficult to photograph! 

And in a way... they're definitely not wrong. 

Let's face it: most little kids don't care about cameras. Sitting still and looking pleasantly in one direction at a crazy lady behind a camera is really not how many toddlers spend their free time. 

But one of the things that draws me to family photography so irresistibly is the unpredictability of it all. 

You really never know what is going to happen when you put two adults in one spot, a multitude of little children around them, tell them to look relaxed, jump up and down like a crazy woman to get everyone's attention, and hope for the best. (And hope that your images aren't blurry from all the jumping!)

On many occasions, there are tears and tantrums. By kids and adults alike. ;) 

But there are other moments too. Smiles, giggles, and laugher often show up in brief moments, and I have to be ready to grab them before they quickly disappear. 

When it comes to family photography, I have a love-hate relationship with control. 

I prep my clients about outfits, locations, and expectations, then guide them to the best spots for light, give them brief directions and step back to watch the magic (or the disaster) unfold. 

It's a beautiful (and hard) combo of controlled and free. Posed and candid. Stale and lifestyle.

And while I LOVE giving my clients images where everyone is happily gazing at the camera... 

My favorites moments are the ones afterward, before, or in between. 

From the drooly, tired, happy snorts... 

To the dirt piles that turn into magical imaginary places... 

And literally anything in between. 

Micah and Ashley... how are we ever going to top this?? We may have to just stop here and pray that the boys never grow up and no one ever changes! :) Your boys are delightful; working with your sweet little family is always a pleasure, and I'm SO in love with how the photos turned out! Love you guys! <3 

A few days after Sunil and I found out were pregnant in May, some of my family came to visit! Morning sickness had JUST kicked in full swing, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph my adorable nieces and nephews! When you have this much sweetness, all you need is some green grass and a comfy quilt... so we ended up shooting in our backyard!. :) 

Like, I mean... REALLY. 

Baby toes and fingers!! 

Their littlest guy was cutting teeth the entire time he was here, but barely cried! Baby grins like this make me excited for my own! :) 

One of the challenges that I really really enjoy as a family photographer is the effort it takes to get down on a kid's level and coax out a natural smile or laugh.

Every child is different, and some take a lot longer to break out of their shell and join me in silliness. It's what makes each session uniquely challenging and uniquely rewarding! 

Sometimes you even have to get the adults out of their shell and get them to be silly too! 

Thankfully Mel and Jose have lots of experience with that! ;) 

Thanks for driving all the way to Kansas to visit with us and putting up with a puking sister! Can't wait to see you again - Love you guys! :)