Lifestyle Photography - A Journey with Family
I recently made my way back to the Pacific Northwest to spend some time with two of my adult children, their families, my grandbabies (including a newborn and a very busy 14-month-old), and my 94-year-old dad. It was a trip filled with family, fun, and a reminder that rain in the PNW smells nothing like rain in Tucson. Seriously, desert rain has a musty, smell, like an old library, some say it is the creosote, and others say it is the decaying cacti in the desert. The PNW rain smells like pine trees, fresh moss, and nostalgia mixed with a hint of sea breeze. Every time I’m back, I rediscover the magic of wandering those green forests—and the magic of and delight of woodland photo shoots.
Aunties, Photobombs, and Toddler Wrangling
When we decided to tackle a photo session with my own kids and grandbabies, I knew we were in for a wild ride. Luckily, we brought in Auntie for backup—because, let’s be real, trying to wrangle a toddler AND a newborn is basically a team sport. Auntie jumped right in, plopping the toddler into place like a pro, and then tried to ninja her way out of the shot. Spoiler alert: She didn’t make it in time. I’ve now got a solid collection of her photobombing the scene, including a gem where she’s hoisting the baby overhead, full-on *Lion King* style. Honestly? Those might be my favorite photos from the entire day.
That’s the thing about family photos—they rarely go according to plan, and that’s exactly what makes them so special. Sure, we all dream of capturing that serene, angelic newborn portrait (you know, the kind where everyone looks like they slept 12 hours). But the real magic happens in the chaos—when toddlers decide mid-shoot that pants are optional, Aunties can’t stop giggling, and you just have to roll with the beautiful, unpredictable madness. Those are the moments that tell the best stories—and the ones we laugh about for years.
Family Fun!
photo session Fun!
Capturing light, feelings & moments.
When strangers Crash Your Family Photo Session
That’s what I love most about this work—the way it brings people together. Whether it’s toddlers squirming out of place, aunties photobombing with newborns, or total strangers joining the fun, these are the moments that matter. The ones you never plan, but always remember.
When it comes to family sessions, you’ve just got to go with the flow—because the best moments always sneak up on you when you least expect them. Like that time during a shoot out on a trail. We were deep in one of those belly-laugh moments, the kind where you forget what you were even posing for, when a group of strangers wandered by. Next thing you know, they’re grinning, shouting “Why not?” and hopping right into the photo like they were long-lost cousins.
And honestly? It was perfect. For that brief, silly moment, we weren’t just a photographer and a family—we were all just people, caught up in a shared laugh, making memories with strangers who felt like honorary family for a second.
That’s what I love most about this work—the way it brings people together. Whether it’s toddlers squirming out of place, aunties photobombing with newborns, or total strangers joining the fun, these are the moments that matter. The ones you never plan, but always remember
The Art of Getting The Guy to Smile
Now, not every shoot starts with laughter. Sometimes there’s that one person (ahem, usually the guy...) who’s not thrilled to be in front of the camera. I had one session with a young couple, and let’s just say the husband was not exactly over the moon about it. I gave him a fun prompt to get him relaxed, and he looked me, “No. Give me something else.”
When There is that one person, who just isn't into it...
I threw out a few more ideas, and while he still wasn’t loving it, he eventually started laughing—and once that wall came down, the photos were magic. We got some incredibly sweet shots of him and his wife, and by the end of the session, while he still didn't love it, and he was glad it was over, he admitted it wasn't that bad.
All of this is what makes these sessions so special. It’s not just about photos; it’s about the shared experience of spending time together and capturing real moments.
Challenge accepted.
