Sunrooms, Swings, and an Unexpected Splash:

It is always a treat to catch up with past clients. I first met Liz a few years ago to shoot some lifestyle branding portraits for her website and social media, so getting to hang out with her and her husband Ben at home, surrounded by their kids, was a great change of pace.

We had a gorgeous, sunny day for their at-home session. For the most part, I just let the family guide the afternoon and take me where they wanted to go—and youngest daughter Quinnley had plenty of great ideas to keep us moving!

Sunrooms and Sibling Dynamics

We started the day on the couch in their sunroom. Of course, the family’s two Bernedoodles, Boden & Briggs, inserted themselves right into the shots, which was perfect.

The energy was great from the start. Quinnley was feeling feisty, keeping her big brothers, Liam and Everett, on their toes. Capturing those authentic, unposed sibling dynamics is exactly why I love documentary-style family photography.

The Great Pool Plunge

Next, we headed outside near the pool. Because Everett and Quinnley are both dancers, I had the bright idea to have them do some leaps in front of the water.

They jumped, it looked awesome, and then—the laws of physics kicked in. Poor Everett lost his footing and fell straight into the pool.

He was an incredibly good sport about it and hopped right out laughing. But looking back, I have to laugh at myself. The second he went in, my “mom brain” took over and I realized having a kid do mid-air leaps on a concrete pool deck probably wasn’t my sharpest tactical move. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and it definitely made the session memorable!

Porch Goals and Backyard Swings

Once Everett was dry, we moved around the property to capture a mix of candid moments and traditional setups. We took some beautiful portraits by their fence with the weeping willows in the background. While I love the unposed moments, we made sure to grab some classic “smile and look at the camera” shots here, including some special combinations and pairings just for those Christmas cards.

From there, we spent some time on their front porch—the kind we all dream of having—before wrapping up the photos out back with some quiet moments of Liz and Quinnley on the swings.

Ending on a Sweet Note

You can’t have a session that involves an accidental pool plunge without a proper reward. We ended the afternoon the best way possible: with a round of ice cream for everyone, myself included.

I love this family and had such a blast spending the afternoon with them. Thanks to Liz, Ben, and the kids for being such fun, easygoing sports!

Let’s Capture Your Family’s Story

Whether your dream day involves relaxing on the front porch, hanging out with your pets, or an unexpected splash in the pool, I want to capture your family exactly as you are! I love letting kids be kids and finding the beauty in the real, unposed moments right in the comfort of your own space.

If you are ready to book your own relaxed, documentary-style at-home family session, let’s chat and get you on the calendar!