Our very own family photo session | 2019

Welcome to our family, where we embrace imperfections, love evening light, can’t get enough of fall weather, cherish our old apple tree, and adore our baby girl.

Today, I just wanted to give you all a glimpse of our own family session and the beautiful chaos behind this adorable, seemingly calm, September evening on the farm.

First things first, I LOVE this image of my family and it will for sure be one that I print to hang in our home. I’ve already made it my profile photo on Facebook and smile every single time I look at it.

I love that we’re all smiling and looking at the camera, even if that only happened for a handful of photos. What can I say, we have a strong-willed, super silly, three-year-old! I also love: that we took this on our land under Emmajean’s favorite tree, that I listened to that little voice in my head of my mom-in-law telling me to put on lipstick (even though I NEVER wear lipstick), that I took five minutes to curl my hair (even though I burned my finger in the process), that I took one minute to take my chipped nail polish off, and that we somehow managed to pick out color-coordinated outfits in the last minute scramble. I can’t wait to print this image for our living room.

What you can’t see from that first image though, is the wonderful rambunctious nature of our spirit-filled, redheaded-superhero princess warrior, or that we have a charming gorgeous tri-color collie. (That’s why I include so many images to choose from in my client galleries.) While I LOVE the first perfectly posed, perfectly lit image above, I also adore so many of the other posed images, along with all of the silly fun candid images in between.

The next group of images show a few more poses, a little more spunk, and so many sweet moments.

Taking family photos takes patience… and sometimes the promise of a reward at the end! Emmajean definitely earned a lollipop for her efforts. We opted to take our group shot without forcing our collie into the mix, but I was sure to get a photo with our handsome boy at the end. We took a break and played in the playhouse for a few minutes and enjoyed the chaos and natural beauty of the evening and our girl.

And, while that first image is the one I initially shared with the world, some of these last images are the ones that personally make my heart sing.

Watching her daddy help her with her boots, seeing her face light up for a Buddy snuggle, watching her dance over the yard, and reliving those sweet hugs where she ran and tackled me, melting into my arms, those are the things I never ever ever want to forget.

So, while I absolutely love that first posed image that captures our family so peacefully, I can’t get enough of these candid playful images that capture our family so perfectly.

I know our little girl won’t remember this particular evening, or how tired I may have been, or that we had to promise her a lollipop to get her to smile for the camera. My hope is that when she looks back at these images in the years to come, she’ll feel that sun-kissed snuggle and a warmth in her heart, knowing how much her mom and dad loved her silly, sweet and spicy, beautiful three-year-old spirit.

Family Photo Tips

Don’t be afraid to mix it up with patterns and solids

Boots are always cute .. in my opinion! ;)

Ladies, put on your lipstick - even if you don’t typically

Avoid fabric that wrinkles

Watch out for lint on dark clothing

Embrace the chaos

Don’t stress, let the little ones play

Keep smiling!

Cheers♥

Jillian

If you’d like me to document this season of life for your family, find out more here and send me a message.