I love meeting new families, and the Smiths were such a joy to work with. There’s something so special about being invited into a family’s world for even just an hour to capture who they are in this season of life.

Little Hayes stole the show from the moment he arrived — dressed like the cutest little cowboy you’ve ever seen, complete with the biggest belt buckle. And when I say big, I mean it was almost as big as his smile… well, until the camera came out.

Seriously — every time I lifted my camera, he’d go completely into “camera mode.” You know the look: serious, curious, and slightly suspicious. It was honestly the funniest thing! But those sneaky smiles still made their way into the gallery — sometimes when I was just chatting with Mom or letting him explore without any pressure.

Photographing kids of all ages is always an adventure, and that’s one of the things I love most about family sessions. When you’re working with babies or toddlers, it’s a little chaotic, a little unpredictable, and a lot of fun. One minute we’re chasing after them with silly noises and dancing behind the camera, and the next we’re pulling out all the stops (like squeaky toys, snacks, or a big sibling) to get their attention.

But that’s where the magic happens. Real, unscripted moments. A tiny hand gripping Mom’s finger. A shy glance at Dad. A gummy smile that pops out when you least expect it. These are the photos that parents treasure for years — not because they’re perfectly posed, but because they feel real.

The Smith family rolled with the chaos like pros. We played, we laughed, and we captured moments that will remind them of this sweet, wild season for years to come.

So if you’ve ever worried about bringing young kids to a session — don’t! Come as you are. Let them be little. I’ll handle the camera and the chaos, and together we’ll turn this chapter of your family story into something beautiful.