A Heartfelt Family and Engagement Session
When this sweet mama first reached out, she shared something I hear more often than you’d think—she didn’t have many photos from her early years as a parent. Now that her son was a little older, she was ready to slow down, get in the frame, and create something meaningful with him and her boyfriend. What started as a family session quickly became even more special—just before the session, she emailed to say they had gotten engaged! It was still a family session at heart, but now also a celebration of their next chapter together.
A Favorite Lifestyle Family Photoshoot Location (With a Twist)
We had planned for one of my favorite golden field locations here in Lilburn—wide open skies and tall grasses that glow during golden hour. But when I arrived earlier in the week for another session, I saw that the field had been freshly mowed. A true photographer heartbreak! I let her know, and although we were both a little bummed, she trusted me and we decided to move forward with the same location.
Here’s where the magic of flexibility comes in. After we captured some beautiful moments in the trimmed field, she spotted a little patch of fall color across the street from a gas station. Without hesitation, we parked, scrambled down an embankment, and made our way into a scrubby little field. The sun was setting just behind the trees, and the light, the leaves, and the laughter all came together in the most unexpected but beautiful way.
Why Flexibility Matters in Family Photography
It’s easy to get attached to a specific vision for your session—location, outfits, the “perfect” shot list—but real life rarely follows a script. That’s why I always encourage families to come with a plan but hold it lightly. The moments you’ll love most usually aren’t the ones you planned in advance—they’re the ones that unfold naturally when you’re present and open to what the day brings.
The Harvin family showed up with heart and openness, and their session was a reminder that even when things don’t go exactly as expected, they can still turn out more beautiful than you imagined.
Setting the Right Mindset for Your Own Family Session
If you’re planning your own session, it can be helpful to take a quiet moment to think about what matters most to you. Are there specific images you’ve always dreamed of having — a snuggly photo with your child, laughter between siblings, or a quiet moment with your partner? What feels like a “must-have,” and what expectations might you be holding onto that you could release a little?
Sometimes, past photo sessions haven’t met your expectations, and that can shape how you feel going into a new one. Were you rushed? Did the energy feel off? Were the kids overwhelmed? It’s okay to name those experiences — and then set a different tone this time around.
The most meaningful photos often come from the in-between moments — the ones that happen when you’re not trying too hard, when you’ve let go just enough to be present. Your family’s connection is already there. A session mindset rooted in flexibility, trust, and a little bit of curiosity can make all the difference.
And if that sounds like the kind of experience you’re craving, I’d be honored to plan it with you.