The last time I photographed Jessie, she was a senior in high school, full of dreams, a little shy in front of the camera, and just beginning her journey into adulthood. Standing there with her again, all these years later, watching her as a mother with her sweet little Raelynn and her fiancé Gabe, felt like one of those full-circle moments that make this job so meaningful. As an Idaho Family Photographer, these are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do, watching families grow and capturing the heart of who they are.

We met at her dad’s home tucked in the “hole” near Williams Lake, one of those hidden pockets of Salmon, Idaho that feels like a private little paradise. Quiet, open, warm, and familiar, exactly the kind of place where kids can run free and families feel like themselves. As a Salmon Idaho Photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop. The soft fall colors, the calm air, and the comfort of being somewhere special to them made everything flow effortlessly.

Raelynn was an absolute ray of sunshine. She instantly fell in love with my camera companions, especially the kitty and the little pink bunny. I bring several to sessions, but she only had eyes for those two. (If you know, you know!) With every family session involving young kids, I know my time is limited, and the best photos always come from going at their pace. Raelynn wanted to run, explore, smile big, look for animals, and of course, have a few tickle breaks. She even had a few tears, because honestly, being in front of a stranger with a camera is a lot for a little one. But she did so well, and she gave us the sweetest smiles when she felt ready.

She also came prepared with her Panda Bear, and there was no way we weren’t giving Panda Bear his moment in front of the camera. Panda Bear has obviously seen some adventures, and I love when kids bring something special from home, it becomes part of the story, part of their childhood, part of the memory.

And like most toddlers, she really wanted two things: a snack and to see Grandpa. Valid. Completely valid.

As an East Idaho Photographer, sessions like this remind me how much joy there is in photographing families with young kids. They’re fast-paced, unpredictable, full of tiny moments that matter way more than the “perfect” pose. Kids rule the show and honestly, that’s how it should be. My goal is never to force them into stiff smiles, but to help them feel comfortable, safe, seen, and free to be exactly who they are.

To the parents reading this, if you have young kids and worry they won’t cooperate for family photos, please don’t stress. Kids don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be themselves. The giggles, the wiggles, the snack breaks, the shy faces, the big smiles, the snuggles with mom and dad, those are the moments worth capturing. Those are the memories you’ll hold onto long after the toys are put away and the Panda Bears are retired to a shelf.
If you’re thinking about photos, let’s go at their pace and create a session that reflects your real, beautiful life.