You never know what a family photo shoot will turn out to be.

Will your kids behave? Will the outfits get dirty? Will they need to go potty every five seconds? Will it rain instead of shine?

But truthfully, the best thing to do is show up with willing hearts.

Plan, prepare, do all the work ahead of time… and then simply let it be.

I can work with dirt, rain, mess, and potty breaks.

But it’s impossible to edit-in joy.

And you can’t cover up this delight.

Heather and Eric, I’m so glad we dodged all the other people and enjoyed the flowers!! What a lovely spot, a lovely family, and a lovely day. I so enjoy hanging out with your family and I can’t wait until next time! :)

One of my favorite parts of photographing families is working with the little kids.

Adults are great (don’t get me wrong), but kids have no filter.

They don’t like you? They’ll tell you right away.

They think you’re silly or scary or safe? You’ll know pretty quickly.

Kids don’t act or think or operate like adults. (Captain Obvious over here)

But that means I get to pull out all my tricks. Making up the silliest questions, pondering the most outrageous scenarios, and doing the weirdest dances.

Usually the kids end up being just that - kids. But somewhere hidden in those hundreds of photos I take are the genuine, in-between, unexpectedly pure, little faces.

And those are my favorites.

Jared and Amanda, thank you so much for choosing me year after year! It has been so lovely to watch Gus grow up over the last several years and I’m in love with what a sweet little man he is. Much love to your little family! :)