I wholeheartedly believe that professional photos are one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family. That’s not to say that the iPhone pics and selfies don’t have their place, too. I’m sure we all have a camera roll full of photos from everyday life. But, having some professional photos mixed in is really special.
The opportunity to gather together, maybe pick out some color coordinating outfits, and have a photographer snap some photos is priceless. I’ve had the pleasure of working with lots of families over the years, and it is a true gift to be able to witness their seasons of life.
Every family brings something unique to a session. Whether it’s a family of 4, or a group of all the grandparents and cousins, it’s magical to be a part of these photoshoots. I get to see the growth of families, the addition of pets, the changing from toddler to “big kid” to teenager. I am always so incredibly humbled to be asked to photograph families from year to year.
The Neve family chose a gorgeous Petaluma location for their photos and the rolling hills combined with the golden sunlight were pure magic. I love being able to capture candid moments with families – the laughter and silly faces are some of my favorite photos. It’s also important to me that every family member feels seen and celebrated during these sessions. I love to break up the kids and the parents and to get photos of each person together, too. There are so many different personalities within a family unit, it’s a blast to see how they all blend together.
Even if it’s not an annual tradition, having a collection of family photos to pass down is a treasure. Keep in mind that photographers book up quickly before the holidays, so it’s best to reach out early.