Josh earned some serious brownie points this year when he gifted Samantha a family photo session for her birthday. She’d been talking about doing family photos for a while, and when she finally cashed it in, she picked the perfect time, fall in Salmon, Idaho. The golden leaves, soft light, and cool air made for the most beautiful backdrop, and it couldn’t have come together more perfectly.

This was the Anderson family’s very first professional photo session, and I could tell there were some nerves at first (which is completely normal). There’s something really special about being the one to capture someone’s first “pro” session. You get to help them relax, show them that it’s not about stiff poses or forced smiles, but about connection, laughter, and real moments. Watching a family go from feeling nervous to actually enjoying the experience is one of my favorite parts of being a Salmon Idaho Family Photographer.

Now, let’s be honest, the boys were not thrilled about this whole photo thing. They made their opinions pretty clear from the start, and I totally get it. Standing still and smiling isn’t exactly at the top of most kids’ (or dads’) fun list. But the girls? They loved it. They were ready, twirling in the leaves, laughing, and making the most of it. And honestly, that contrast made for some of the best photos, because it showed their personalities exactly as they are.

Family sessions aren’t about perfection; they’re about capturing everyone as they are right now. The way the kids look up at their parents, the teasing between siblings, and those little moments that happen between the “posed” photos. That’s where the magic is.

Including everyone in your photos, even your mother-in-law, is what makes sessions like this so meaningful. It’s easy to forget how special it is to have multiple generations in one frame until you see it captured. There’s so much love and history in those photos, connections that tell your family’s story in a way words never could.

So while this session had its fair share of chaos, laughter, and a few less-than-thrilled faces, it also had everything that makes family photography beautiful: real emotion, connection, and love. And that’s exactly what I hope every family takes away from their session, not just great photos, but a fun experience together.

If you’ve been putting off booking your own family photos, fall is one of the best times to do it. The light, the colors, and the cozy layers make everything feel warm and timeless. I promise, it’s worth it.