Celebrating one of my favorite families ever with a Saturday morning session!
It’s not often that I photograph a family session without a newborn or baby, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up!
Meet the Williams family, some of my favorite people ever. Our friendship goes back about 11 years now, when my husband and I were dating. Craig and Brandy had just one kiddo then (and she was the most adorable little girl I had ever seen!). How things have changed!
I could write pages about all the special memories we’ve made together, but I’ll just share the big ones here:
- Brandy and I both have a shared addiction to chips and queso
- Craig and Brandy have known my husband longer than I have!
- Craig officiated at my wedding and Brandy was one of my bridesmaids
So when Brandy called me in 2018 (yes, really, two YEARS ago) and asked me to take family photos, I was overjoyed to help them out. But life got in the way for both of us and that session we initially scheduled two years ago finally happened this weekend!
Jewel tones and pretty patterns
Brandy did an amazing job putting together outfits for this Saturday morning photo session in The Woodlands, TX. I love the jewel tones and fun patterns she included.
She did an especially good job with accessories and layering. Those little touches really add up! You’ll notice her necklace that adds a little pop of color and the sweet bow in Micah’s hair, along with boots for the whole family. With rodeo season upon us, it was also the perfect excuse for Craig to add in a cowboy hat, too!
Times for couples photos!
My favorite part of every session is pulling mom and dad away for a few images of just them. Most couples haven’t had photos of themselves since wedding portraits! I’m so happy with how this series of photos turned out, and I hope it’s a beautiful reminder to Craig and Brandy of just how amazing marriage is.
I loved how both of them were in shades of blue, and Craig’s vest works so perfectly. There’s always time for a couple romantic moments, even during a family session like this one!
Three sweet kiddos
It’s hard to believe how big the eldest Williams kiddo is; I’ve known her since she was tiny! In so many ways, I can still see that precious baby girl in Ella’s face, even though she’s now 11 years old and ready to take on the world.
Another sweet part of this family session happened when I photographed each of the kids with just one parent. As a mama of three, I know how special those one-on-one moments are, when you can direct all of your attention toward just one child. There is softness in Brandy’s smile as she snuggles with each of her kids, and pride in Craig’s eyes, especially in the photos of him and Gatchel.
I almost hate to admit it, but there’s no secret recipe to capturing moments like this – it’s just photographing the love that a parent has for their child. I’ve learned both as a mom and a photographer that giving a parent time with one child at a time instantly takes the stress out of family sessions.
Why family photos are so important
If the idea of a family photography session stresses you out, you’re not alone! While I stay relaxed when shooting other families, taking pictures of my own kids can make me lose my cool, too!
But the memories you make when you take the time to schedule a session are priceless. Since I’ve known this family for over a decade, it was so easy for me to appreciate the memories they made together on a sunny Saturday morning.
Craig and Brandy took a few moments to savor the snuggles and little kid laughter during our time together, and these are photos and memories they’ll forever be thankful to have.
