When I look at these images of Ashley, Ray and little Brooklyn… THIS is what it’s all about. The simplest afternoon spending time in the playroom, pulling out all of the photo books and looking through them together, playing in the living room with your pup and riding your tiny bike around while chasing each other… and just following your child’s lead to see what they are interested in doing next. Ashley wanted images that capture THEM as a family, in their truest form. No pressure, no posing, just light and playful fun— and this has become one of my all time favorite sessions I have ever photographed. Hands down.
When I see these photos of the three of them, I see their genuine laughs and smiles how they naturally would come out. I see the genuine connection between Brooklyn when she throws herself into mom or dad when she needs to take a break from playing, just for a second. I see the home that these three build their life together in, in it’s true state. Nothing fancy, nothing staged or put on purpose, just simple how it’s supposed to be.
When you are able to let go of the standards, throw all of the things you ‘think’ you’re supposed to do during a photo session out the window, and TRULY be in the moment with the people you love… you guys…. NOTHING can beat this! When Ashley and Ray want to look back at family photos when Brooklyn was a child, these are the photos I want them to have. (and SO glad they do!) To see just how tiny she was on the couch in her playroom… in her home, how her little hands fit around books that you used to read together, and see her true curiosity and wonder come out when she emerges herself in play. You just can’t get this type of GOLD when you are frolicking around a tall grass field that you have no connection to. You just can’t.
Let this session inspire you and encourage you to rethink your family photos. Rethink photos with your significant other, your best friend…. WHOEVER! Because these moments are the true, good stuff of life that I know for myself is what I look forward to having once I have a family of my own. Enjoy scrolling through some of my favorites from this fun afternoon getting lost in play with Ashley, Ray and Brooklyn. 💙
