A Longleaf Pine Forest Family Session

I adore this sweet family! Joanna has been friends with my sister since high school, her aunt was my first grade teacher, and I photographed her brother’s wedding last October. I was so happy that I still had a slot open on my calendar for a fall session when she contacted me. It is always extra special when you get the chance to work with family friends!

Fall is the most insane portrait session season. Since we don’t get cooler weather down on the Gulf Coast until closer to mid-October, everyone waits until then to schedule portrait sessions. Add the seasonal influx of family sessions to a full calendar of weddings and editorial shoots and you have what I call insanity season. Insanity season is the reason I’m just now sharing some of my favorites from this adorable family session that I photographed back in November.

It was a bit chilly the day of this session, but sweet little Annie was all smiles. The session coincided with her first birthday and was the first session for the family since Annie’s newborn photos. I just couldn’t get over how happy Annie was the entire shoot! Joanna’s mom and sister joined us for part of the session, which was definitely helpful in getting some great expressions from Annie.

Having help from Joanna’s mom and sister also meant that I could get some mom and dad portraits of Joanna and Heath. I think this is a must for all parents on a family shoot (even though most say they don’t need a portrait without the kids, I always encourage it)! The light was so dreamy! The wedding photographer in me just couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a few couple portraits!

Look at this golden light!!! Such. A. DREAM.

View more family sessions here!