Shayna, Marvin, and Brody - Lifestyle Family Photography

I started this session as I usually do, by greeting the family.  When Brody and I first met, he was enjoying the A/C in his car seat, and I went over and said hello.  And I guess we bonded, because he took my hand as we were walking to and from our photo spot, and he gave me lots of camera eye contact!  I had so much fun spending the morning with this lovely family, and just as much fun reliving our time together when I was editing the photos.  And as I always say, when you relax and enjoy yourselves and each other in front of my camera, it gives me many 'so you' moments to capture!  I think in this case, it's obvious that Brody was given the space to be himself, and that's exactly who I captured!

Terry, Tara, Layla and Luke: In-Home Lifestyle Family Photography

In-home lifestyle photo sessions are always a good idea.  It's special to capture your family in the environment where you spend the most time, and are most comfortable.  To document the memories you create there every day.  It's especially special when you live in South Florida.  That means we are subject to Hurricane season.  And since this year was a pretty active one, when I scheduled post-Irma family sessions, I suggested to some of my families who've never done photography in their homes to schedule an in-home family lifestyle session this year. 

Because honestly, if we had gotten a direct hit by a Category 5 storm, none of our homes would look the same.  And wouldn't it be nice if you had those photos in a worst-case scenario?  Because while many people stayed for the storm, many didn't.  And we all thought about what we'd take with us or protect.  And family photos were one of the first things on everyone's list!

So, without further adieu, here's one of my favorite families whose kids have grown up in front of my camera.  I love how we always create some fun 'so you' moments together!  And don't you love the spontaneous cookies and milk?!  It was totally unplanned and based on a pantry raid for a snack when the kids were starting to lose it!

Rachel, Greg, Ellie, Cullen, and Evelyn

It's so amazing to get to freeze time for families as they grow.  I've been photographing these guys since before baby was born, and now she's 2!  She's walking and talking, and her big brother and sister adore her so, and she adores them right back!  Mom and dad are smitten with these kiddos too, and they're pretty chill as a family and in front of the camera, which means lots of 'so you' moments for me to capture!

C Family Lifestyle Photography at Wynwood Walls

I always aim to capture real emotion and connection within families when they give me the honor of stepping in front of my camera, and the more relaxed, and emotive, and connected they are, the more 'so you' moments there are for me to capture.  And they were in this session in abundance.  It was a hot morning in Wynwood Walls, but that didn't stop us from exploring the area together. 

And there were moments when little dude wasn't feeling the jam of our session, but these parents just took it all in stride, kept their happy on, and let him have those moments.  Now this is a photography blog, not a parenting blog, but as an observer who captures families, including parents, I have to say, the sessions where the children are safely free to be themselves are the most magical.  Society has conditioned us to crave that perfect portrait of everyone looking and smiling at the camera.  And yes, I'll get that for you, but I what I really want is for you to be real with me.  For you to allow your kids to be real with you.  If they want to run off, playfully redirect them to interact with the family.  No scolds, no bribes ... well, ok, the promise of some ice cream on the way home never hurt... but really, they're not necessary.  And that's where the 'so you' magic happens!