5. Family Photos

Occasionally you will see a nature/landscape photo of mine that happens to have a person or people in it. It is very rare that I take photos that are specifically people focused. In this case, family photos. However, there are exceptions.

Way back in 2018 I was approached by my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lindsay and Ben, who were expecting their first child. They asked if I would be willing to take maternity photos for them. Sure! I had never done maternity photos before but I could learn. We set a date for sometime in January 2019 . As can be expected for January in Minnesota, it was cold. We all learned how best to feature Lindsay, Ben, and Bump. It was such a special moment to capture for their family. A month later, James was welcomed into the world.

2019 we picked another chilly winter day. James was about 10 months when we took the next set of family photos just in time for the holidays. Everyone was bundled and we did our best to keep warm and shoot fast. Going through the photos from that shoot years later, my heart melted. James was (and continues to be) a cutie. That over the shoulder shot-the cutest.

2020 we skipped family photos because it was not safe to be together.

2021-we were back! Still distanced which is good for family portraits anyway. Instead of picking a cold winter day, we went for a late fall photo shoot. The colors were just beginning on some trees and were finished on others. James was walking and talking and happy to ham it up!

2022 may be my favorite year. We picked a mild October day and the colors were at peak! James became my assistant photographer helping press the button to take the shot of Lindsay and Ben. It was a treat to share a passion of mine with my nephew. We raced against the setting sun to get some stunning photos.

2023 family photos happed a couple of weekends ago. A lovely sunny day. One of those days that feels little like summer and a little like fall. This year, James took his role as assistant photographer seriously and picked out places for us to take the next great photo. He is also curious about how everything works. I quickly learned that if I can’t explain it to a 4 1/2 year old, do I really know how something works? In addition to photography, binoculars (aka binocs) made an appearance which helped us scope out potential spots from afar.

After 4 years of family photos, I look forward to seeing the subtle changes each year and seeing everyone grow as a family unit.