I recently photographed this sweet family on a beautiful Saturday morning. We met at a nearby park for some outdoor photos as the sun was starting to rise in the sky, and then we went to their house for more pictures. When Colleen reached out to me about having a family photo session, she said she wanted to document their first year together as a family of three. I just love that.
Enjoy a few of my favorites from our session:
Time goes by so quickly, especially when you add children to your family. There is so much to do and so much to think about on a day to day basis that when you stop to take a breath your newborn has turned one and is walking!
When I meet a family to make pictures with them, I always let the session unfold in a laid back way, with the goal of everyone having fun. But I do have a shot list in my head that I try to check off. Some of my priority shots going in:
I usually start with a group shot. We get the everyone looking at me with their best smiles on out of the way while everyone is fresh. Then I tell the family to not look at me--look at each other, tickle the person next to you, whatever. I am touched by pictures of families engaged and connecting.
Because it is usually a Mother who is scheduling, and often Mothers who are the family photographer (which is to say rarely in the photo), I try to get some good shots of Mom with each of her babies, as well as with all of her babies. Snuggling her kids, but also the everyday things that can go unnoticed--the way she pushes her hair out of her daughter's face, and the way she holds her little guy's hand as he walks down big steps. At this session it was the photos of Mom sitting on the kitchen floor with her toddler that moved me.
I also try to get a portrait of each child, and my favorites are the ones that show their personality (which isn't always sitting up straight and smiling sweetly!). Sometimes my favorite portrait of a child is wrapped in Dad's arms, where he is comfortable and happy!
Once I have these key pictures, I let the session unfold however it does. There is magic that happens when a family has fun together, and that's what I want to document.
Ready to book your session? Let's talk!
Chanda Williams is a natural light photographer and videographer in Atlanta, specializing in authentic and beautiful maternity, newborn and family photos.
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