One thing the Kauer family shares, without question, is love.

It’s the kind of love that fills the space between them with laughter, patience, and a thousand tiny moments of joy that show up in every photo. This is the second year I’ve had the honor of photographing the Kauer family, and once again, it was every bit as fun as the first time. Watching families grow and reconnect year after year is one of my favorite parts of being a Salmon Idaho Family Photographer, it feels like being invited back into someone’s story, right where it left off - well + plus a new baby.

We met up on what was supposed to be a calm afternoon, but the Idaho wind had other plans. The kind that makes hair dance and shirts ripple, but instead of fighting it, we laughed our way through it. Wind or not, this family just radiates joy. And honestly, those windy days sometimes make for the best photos… the ones full of movement, genuine laughter, and real life.

Of course, I had my trusty sidekick with me, the camera frog. He never fails me when it comes to helping kids smile and have fun during sessions. A little bit of silly goes a long way, especially with little ones, and it’s always worth it to see those big, genuine smiles that can’t be faked.

Thayne and Emily are the kind of parents who make family photos easy. They go with the flow, they trust the process, and they make everything feel lighthearted and easygoing. Their love for their kids shows in every look, every giggle, and every time they lean in close as a family. These sessions are what being an Idaho Family Photographer is all about, capturing connection, chaos, and love all in one frame.

When I look back at these photos, I see more than just a family smiling for the camera. I see the way a dad makes his kids laugh. I see a mom who’s soaking in every second, knowing how quickly it all changes. I see a family who loves being together and that’s the magic I always hope to preserve through every click of my camera.

Whether the wind is wild or the light is perfect, what matters most is always the same: love, laughter, and time spent together. That’s what I see when I think of the Kauer family.

If you’ve been waiting to update your family photos, let this be your sign. The kids won’t stay little, and the years go by faster than any of us expect. As your East Idaho Photographer, I’d love to help you freeze these moments exactly as they are before they change again.