The sun was shining bright. The trees and water were glowing with light at San Gabriel Park. It was a beautiful, breezy Texas day. Honestly, the weather was perfect for a January afternoon. I was spending my time with a wonderful family of three. Smiling, playing, having a good time. After a few minutes passed, little Miss Independent decided she was done with the session! Being her confident self, she headed straight towards the park. The obvious choice for a toddler. In her blue jeans and monogrammed vest, she marched away, occasionally looking over her shoulder to wave and say bye to her parents. She was determined to make it to the playground, even if it meant going solo. I couldn’t help but laugh at her boldness. It was seriously the cutest! Mom and Dad did so great at allowing their daughter to alternate between exploring and smiling for photos. It’s hard work for a toddler to sit still and smile for a camera when they are at an exciting location! So as the littles explore, I take candid photos of just that: them exploring and playing. We walk away with great memories, great photos, and a happy toddler.


This moment from the Conner’s family session was one of my favorite memories. I loved their laid-back attitude that allowed their sweet little girl to play when she needed to. Toddlers are unpredictable on photoshoot day. Trust me, I get it! This moment showed me how great of parents they are to their sweet little girl. Mom and Dad allowed her to feel a sense of independence while still following the directions of her parents. With little kiddos like this one, I let them lead the session! She wanted to move around, so that’s what we did. We even got to enjoy throwing leaves into the air! That was a big hit. Let this family be your reminder that it’s okay if your family session isn’t “picture perfect” at every moment. That is a lot of pressure to put on yourself and your littles! I take breaks when needed because it allows me to get those classic smiling-at-the-camera photos too. It really is a win-win for everyone.


Conner family, thank you for having fun with me on your Sunday afternoon! I absolutely loved watching baby girl’s personality shine through. She really is a star! You three are the sweetest family and so fun to be around. I will hang out with you anytime. :) I can’t wait to watch Little Miss grow into the strong, smart, independent girl she is destined to be! And of course have two of the biggest cheerleaders as parents by her side. I appreciate y’all! 

A black and white photo of a family swinging their small child while walking together.
A stylish family walks together holding hands on a pathway with bare trees in the background.
Black and white photo capturing a playful moment between parent and child in a park.
Side-by-side photos of a family spending time together by a scenic pond.
A family poses together outdoors near a pond on a sunny autumn day.
Black and white photos capturing sweet family moments outdoors by a lake.
A tender moment between two people walking along a serene pond with autumn foliage in the background.
Joyful moments captured as a person lifts a small child in the air by a lake.
A touching family scene by the water's edge on a sunny afternoon.
Sweet candid moments of family bonding outdoors in a natural setting.
A black and white portrait of two people under a large bare tree in a park setting.
Heartwarming candid photos showing playful interaction outdoors on a sunny day.
A toddler wearing a cozy gray vest and black sweater explores an outdoor park setting on a sunny day.
Playful toddler in gray vest and jeans enjoying time outdoors in a sunny park.
Family shares loving moments together in a scenic park during golden hour.
A couple embraces in a rustic outdoor setting with bare trees and wooden fencing.
Sweet candid moments of a couple embracing outdoors in casual western attire.
Romantic couple portraits in western wear against a serene park backdrop.
A toddler in a gray vest peers through wooden fence rails in black and white.