This week, I had the opportunity to photography my youngest daughter's first grade teacher from last year and her family.  I just loved being able to meet her kids - three beautiful and sweet children.  I had so much fun with them and we were blessed with such a gorgeous December day.  The weather was perfect.  We started taking pictures at their home in Franklin in front of their Christmas Tree. We then went to a neighborhood park.  I love being able to go to a playground after the more formal photos are over because it allows me to capture the kids having fun and being themselves.  Often, my favorite photos are those more candid shots. 

I've written a few times lately about how I find toddlers to be the easiest to photograph. That doesn't mean that I don't also love the older children - I just find them to be more of a challenge, and that usually surprises parents.  I find I'm naturally good and following a racing toddler and documenting their reaction to their world.  I find it harder to convince an 11 year old to stop giving me fake smiles and just be real with me.  That was true of this session as well.  Four year old Ella tried giving me a fake smile sometimes, but she was happy to play with me and I captured genuine smiles with my usual tricks.  8 year old Jackson was not too hard as he was pretty quick to act silly with me.  11 year old Dominick was my challenge.  He did everything I asked of him....I just have a harder time getting that age group to relax and be real.  But when I am able to capture that true, relaxed expression, it's so rewarding.  I think this last photo in this set (and also one of the last I captured at the session) is one of my favorite photographs.  He is simply stunning...absolutely worth waiting for.  

Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session Winter Family of Five Session  Love these pictures?  Please take a minute follow me on Facebook , Instagram or Pinterestand share with your friends who might be interested.  Also, take a moment to sign up for my new monthly newsletter. Email me now to book a session to capture your own family's beautiful moments.