Family portrait sessions are something I always look forward to, and this session was no exception. There’s a certain magic in watching parents and children share those unfiltered, genuine moments of connection. Whether it’s a playful tickle, a warm hug, or a shared glance, these moments make for the most beautiful pictures. Chris and Melissa’s session was full of these moments, and I couldn’t help but smile behind the camera as I captured them.
I first met Melissa when I photographed a wedding she was in, and it’s been such an honor to capture so many important moments in her life since then. I was even able to capture her maternity photos at the very same location where we did this family session. It’s truly special to watch families grow and be part of this journey. This close-knit circle of friends has been such a joy to work with, and it’s wonderful to see their bonds deepen over time.
Surrounded by nature, the focus was entirely on the loving relationship between this mother, father, and son trio. There’s something about fresh air and open spaces that just brings out the best in everyone, and this session was a perfect example of that. Family portrait sessions like these are a wonderful way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Styled in casual clothes and armed with a whole lot of love, Melissa, Chris, and Wes were all set to create memories that would last a lifetime. Melissa looked radiant as she beamed with happiness, while Chris was every bit the proud dad. Wes, on the other hand, was the epitome of cuteness in his little shirt, jeans, and boots. And here’s a fun tidbit: Chris and Wes were twinning with their shoes! It was one of those adorable moments that you just have to capture on camera.
Throughout the session, Wes was a happy little camper. His infectious smile and curious eyes made every shot even more special. But as any portrait photographer knows, kids can sometimes get a bit overwhelmed with all the posing. That’s why I always make sure to keep things light and fun. After all, kids should be kids, even during a photo session!
One of the highlights of the session was when Chris took Wes in his arms and, with a twinkle in his eye, threw him up in the air before catching him again. Don’t worry—it was all perfectly safe! The look of sheer joy on Wes’s face was priceless. Moments like these are what make family portrait sessions so memorable. I was able to capture some truly beautiful father-son and mother-son pictures that day.
As the session continued, I made sure to give Chris and Melissa a little time to themselves. It’s easy to forget that parents need some couple time, too, even during a family portrait session. So, I suggested they hold hands, share a few sweet kisses, and just enjoy the moment together. It was a lovely reminder that once you have the right one by your side, everything is possible. And in October, I’ll have the pleasure of photographing Chris and Melissa’s wedding! I absolutely can’t wait for that day—it’s going to be another unforgettable experience.
Melissa and Chris, thank you for reaching out to me and giving me the opportunity to photograph your picture-perfect family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have documented such a precious time in your lives. I can’t wait to see you again!
If you are looking for a family, maternity, engagement, elopement, or wedding photographer, you can send me an email or contact me here, and I will get back to you. You can also head to my website for more details and check out more of my work on Instagram and Facebook.