There comes a time in life when your kids go off to school and life starts going in different directions. Some of my most happy moments is when I can do a family session with one of these families that takes the time to stroll and just be family while I capture their togetherness. Hanging out on the beach with the C family kept me smiling. The moments captured were priceless. Enjoy!

Part of what makes my job so enjoyable is seeing the interaction in other families. This family had amazing communication and sent off awesome happy vibes.

After a session like this I run home looking forward to the editing time – to relive those happy faces all over.  How can you not smile after spending time with these guys?!

This image above is a square image. I often like to take similar shots and crop them differently to give another perspective of the moment and look for the home. Many frames are built as square – or if someone wants a centered image, the square works beautifully.  15×15, 20×20

The most popular crop in my collections is the 2×3 crop. This is the one that is shot in camera. This particular crop is one I love because it shows so much more. It does not feel cut off as I find the 8×10 feels.  The 8×10 crop works great for a head shot, sure. But when you combine Nature and Family you kind of want it all! For this reason I go with the 2×3. This can be a gorgeous 16×24. Those additional 4 inches captures a lot!

Again, I love my cropping. Here is the same image in a 10×20 (which can be a 15×30 or 20×40) crop. Where the square hones in on one aspect of an image, the 2×4 gives more. By the time you start moving on to the 10×20 you are getting more of an almost (not quite) panoramic type feel. I find that this can be so fun vertical or horizontal. I have quite a few of this crop in my own home. Just love it! Works wonders with storyboard work as well.

Often times, before a photo session, I will show my clients the many products that I offer. During that time I take note of the images that make them go ooooo or ahhhh. If they tend to lean towards images with textures (a bit more artistic) then I make sure that in the session I get enough images that I may play with them using textures. Offering a different and fun look for them to choose from. I loved this setting for textures because of the colors and features already there. I knew I could make it pop in a very fun way.

As you can see ~ The family has pets. These dogs were so fun. They loved the water and were game, along with everyone else, to jump right in!  When pets join the fun I like to take moments and get them individually as well. Many of life’s memories include these fury fun family members. For that reason it is important that they shine too!  In the next 3 you can see I took some very similar images which was the intent. I do that so that if a story board was requested I would have 3 images that match perfectly.

There were seagulls everywhere, the lighting was so dreamy, and the dog was being a dog. What a fun sequence to capture!

There are a variety of looks in just one small area. When talking to the boys I asked what setting each liked. By doing so, hopefully each member in the family will have something they enjoy come out of the session. One of the boys loved the grass. Because this family is 3/4ths men – I thought this son’s choice would be perfect for their together shot.

If dad gets to be with the boys then of coarse I wanted mom to have her moment too. I love how they were all willing to stick their feet in the water. The setting was serene.

You know – I wish I could take credit for what the animals, birds were doing while shooting this. Not only were the guys so natural at smiling and making my job easy – but the animals all seemed to know what I was aiming for and performed perfectly!

I can never explain how important mom and dad time is too. Maybe because I feel that that is so in our house. I love those tender moments. Ok, maybe it is the romantic in me. This beach had its fair share of perfect spots – and this couple were so beautiful together. It is no wonder they have such a darling family!

Here is another crop. I love this image. And yes – often you want a close up of the two – but there are times when a person wants a piece of art in their home. This is an example of that. This is a 10×30 crop. Very thin but works great over archways or doorways. If you have a collage on your wall the 10×30 adds a fun new dynamic to the set.

J&D Thanks so much for letting me spend an evening with you and  your boys! I loved how friendly, fun, and easy your family was to work with. Loved all the smiles and laughter! It was a perfect way to capture this time in all your lives. Thanks again!