Every year, I get the joy of seeing familiar faces through my lens, and this year, it was the Bruce family. Last time I saw Tristyn and Jonathan, we were in Las Vegas celebrating their wedding. This time, they traded the glitz of the city for the soft golden light of an early Idaho morning, and we captured their first family photos in Salmon, Idaho as a family of four.

If you’ve followed my work, you probably recognize Tristyn and her son, Henry. I’ve photographed them together many times over the years, just the two of them, full of laughter, love, and that unmistakable mother-son bond. Watching Henry grow up through my camera has been such a gift. He used to hold tight to his favorite little toy car during every session, now he’s a confident big brother and a total pro in front of the camera.

This session felt extra special. Not only did we welcome Jonathan and baby Bryce for their very first fall family session in Salmon, but we also added Troy, Kamrin, and their sweet baby girl. The entire Bruce family together, generations, giggles, and love all in one frame, it was everything I love about being a Salmon Idaho Family Photographer.

We met in the morning, which I always recommend for families with little ones. The soft light, cooler air, and calm pace make it the perfect time of day. And it truly was both babies were full of smiles, and even the older "kids," Henry and Jason, joined in the fun. There’s something magical about photographing families who genuinely enjoy being together; those natural moments of laughter and connection tell a story far beyond the photos themselves.

I think that’s what makes family photography so meaningful. It’s not just about the pictures, it’s about the memories, the milestones, and the reminder that these moments are fleeting. Kids grow fast. Life changes quickly. But freezing these small slices of joy lets you hold onto them forever.

Thank you, Bruce family, for trusting me once again to document your growing story. Watching your family blossom through the years is one of the many reasons I love what I do.

If you’re ready to update your own family photos or start your yearly tradition, I’d love to capture your story, too.