Home family sessions have a special place in my heart. Everyone gets to be themselves in their own familiar environment and personalities just shine throughout the entire storytelling process. This fall I had the privilege of photographing a wonderfully tight-knit family for a late-morning session. Every moment was filled with laughter, energy, and little bursts of pure toddler chaos that made my cheeks hurt from smiling so much behind my camera.
From the moment I stepped into their Long Grove home, it was clear just how close-knit and faithful this family is. Haylee had shared in their questionnaire, “Sophia, the oldest, is shy and sweet, Kiki, the middle, is shy at first but then she’s loud and silly, and Lucy is just the most perfect baby." That dynamic played out perfectly during our session; Sophia’s quiet curiosity, Kiki’s playful energy, and Lucy’s calm sweetness all blended together beautifully.
The sister's energy was high from start to finish! While I was getting my lighting settings prepped, the girls were amazed at the snap of my camera shutter, giggling to each other that it sounded just like clapping. I laughed because it's such a nuanced inside joke of photographers - the DSLR shutter sound has such a satisfyingly loud and obtrusive "click-clack" sound compared to silent mirrorless cameras. We progressed from dancing on tables, to couch surfing (yes, literally diving under the cushions was a favorite game of theirs), to Joe tossing the girls into the air for a hilarious “airplane” moments and more. Watching Sophia and Kiki giggle and play together while Haylee snuggled baby Lucy on the couch reminded me why I love a candid approach to family photography so much. These aren’t posed moments, they’re real life captured in all its joy and perfect imperfection.
The Outfits
When it came to what to wear, the family made perfect choices that made everything look effortless. They picked autumn neutrals and coordinated patterns perfect for fall. *Chef's kiss* at how they turned out. Because I had sent them my seasonal style guide during the planning phase, they were able to pick outfits using their own wardrobe. No stress, no last-minute shopping... just colors and textures that complemented each other and the season.
A few wardrobe tips I love to share with families: pick a theme!! Be it spring pastels, nautical blues and crisp whites, or fall reds and chocolate-y browns, look for those complementary tones. Layer in textures for interest and depth. Try and avoid busy patterns or logos that distract from the connection you want to capture or put a timestamp on an image. And please, leave the smartwatch at home (it's giving 2008 Blackberry, just wait a decade). These small choices make a huge difference in the storytelling of your photos.
Expect the Unexpected
Are you asking yourself, "What if my kids don't behave for the camera?" Toddlers can be unpredictable, but isn't that the best part? It's an age that is a joy to photograph!
But I have a little trick up my sleeve. Simply play with them, task them with a simple job and follow their lead. Whether it’s holding a sibling, giving a hug, pointing out something that interests them or asking them to help me choose what to photograph next, giving them a sense of purpose keeps them engaged and makes the session so fun. Taking photos should never be boring, and that's what I love. For Sophia and Kiki, these “jobs” created some of my favorite moments. You can feel their laughter, hugs and endless energy. Completely natural and free.
These images tell a story; not just of a beautiful fall morning in Long Grove, but of a family full of love, personality and faith.
Want to capture the magic of your own family in your own home? If you’re thinking about booking a family session, my goal is always to document those authentic, real-life moments that make your family unique. In-home sessions are perfect for relaxed, playful connection.
Contact me to book your session and let’s capture the full story, complete with the joy and the chaos :)