When the Storm Follows You to Your Session
Every family session I photograph tells a story, and this one started before I even arrived. I had my music cranked up and decided to relive my Justin Bieber days, because before having kids that was one of my favorite albums to listen to! As I was singing "What Do You Mean" I noticed the weather had taken a strange turn and the sky was no longer this beautiful blue like the ocean but more of a scary grey that made me a little nervous. I looked behind me and noticed some storm clouds following me to my location, I prayed the weather would cooperate with me and wait till my session was over, but when you live in Colorado you have no idea what the weather is going to do.
Why the Park is My Secret Weapon
When I arrived at my location I smiled, because this is one of my favorite locations — there are many walking trails, and a beautiful lake you can walk around that gives you some great landscape photos. But the real reason why I love this location is because there is a park here, and when I plan out my family sessions having a park is a must have, because girl I have kids of my own and I know that when I need to smile for more than 20 minutes, the eye rolls start coming out and the "are we done yet?" is repeated over and over. So I knew I needed to have an easy win with my family sessions, so I can tell the kids "okay lets get our pictures taken, and then when you're done you can play at the park!" This is exactly why this is one of my go to spots as a Westminster Colorado family photographer.
My Approach as a Westminster Colorado Family Photographer
9 out of 10 times they straighten up and put their hands on their hips and showcase their best smile*, and the session can start relaxed and easy, we don't have to force them to smile and they get to just be themselves. Because working with families, being able to read the kids is one of the most important parts — if it's not fun for them they aren't going to enjoy it, and the next time you schedule a session they are going to feel the same way. So I make it my goal to make it as fun as possible, I try to play games with them, make silly faces and sounds, and sometimes with the older kids I play "would you rather be a dinosaur or live in a volcano." That gets them focused on me and not the camera, and this session wasn't any different.
Letting the Kids Take the Lead
Jerid and Mya have 2 beautiful kids and they were so much fun to photograph. Jru was ready and eager to get her photos taken and Daylin was a bit shy and kept running away from the camera, but did that bother me? Absolutely not, it just gave me an opportunity to get my cardio in so thanks Daylin, I appreciate you buddy! But those photos are my favorite because he's being natural and he has the most gentle smile.
The whole session was relaxed and fun, and at one point Jru grabbed a lollipop out of her mom's bag and popped it in her mouth and we all laughed, because with family sessions sometimes allowing the kids to take the lead can really help the session run smoothly, because they feel like they're in control and we just let them have fun. That is honestly my favorite part of a family session, when everyone loosens up and you just get to have fun together. And that is honestly what every session looks like when you book with a Westminster Colorado family photographer who loves what they do.
The Moment the Rain Finally Showed Up
As the session continued I kept a very close eye on the weather, every few minutes looking around and noticing the clouds were moving closer and it was getting darker. So I asked Jerid and Mya if it was okay for the kids to play at the park, and they both smiled in relief and said absolutely! This gave us the perfect opportunity to get some photos of just Jerid and Mya, because once you have kids there are so few photos of you two together and I want to make sure that love is documented too. And honestly these two, they were such naturals in front of the camera — their poses were so effortless and you could just feel the love and care they have for one another. With that stormy sky and the lake behind them I just kept clicking because girl, it was so good! And capturing moments like these is exactly why I love being a Westminster Colorado family photographer.
The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Session
As I took my last few photos I looked up at the sky and knew it was time. I said "alright guys, I think it's time to head out because I want to keep us all safe and not get stuck in this storm!" So we quickly ran to our cars, said our goodbyes, and the minute I closed my door the rain came down so fast and so hard that I couldn't even hear my music. I was so thankful the weather waited for us because those moody clouds and that stormy sky made for some of the most beautiful photos — and I drove home still listening to Justin Bieber and couldn't wait to edit this session!
And that is what every single one of my sessions looks like — relaxed, fun, and full of real moments. You don't have to worry about perfect outfits or getting the kids to sit still, because girl, I get it. Just show up and let me do the rest. I would love to capture your family! (Book here)
Come hang out with me on Instagram for behind the scenes moments, candid laughs, and a whole lot of realness!
