The crunch of pebbles underfoot. A clatter of dropped rocks. The tweeting of late spring birds. A deep whirring of a plane overhead. And the low roar of a dinosaur. What do all of these sounds have in common? We heard all of them during the Rex family’s photo session at Rowe Arboretum in Cincinnati!

Steph and JT, along with their three amazing kiddos, Chloe, Caleb, and Logan joined me at Rowe for literally the perfect night of typical family chaos surrounded in joy. This was such an enjoyable session for me, getting back into shooting sessions after the shelter in place order was recently lifted. Bye quarantine! Bring on the joyful sessions all day! We could not have asked for better sunlight, and look at how amazing Steph coordinated her family’s outfits!

‘Momma, you be the dinosaur this time!’

Caleb celebrated his second birthday at the beginning of May, right in the middle of quarantine. I too had a birthday at the beginning of May (although a lot more fingers than Caleb’s two), so this session was a great opportunity focus some extra time on this little man! Look at that giggle! And a bit of a mischievous smile, too!

‘Ok, I gonna be the dinosaur now!’ AHHHH!

Family sessions always feel so chaotic in the moment. All of your hard work put into planning the outfits. Getting the kiddos ready. Getting yourSELVES ready. All for the wish of the one perfect family photo. I am not a mom, yet, but I have so many beloved clients who are moms out there. I see your hope. I feel your heart. I understand that these sessions can sometimes start off more stressful than fun.

But.

There is always a turning point in a family session. This point can happen at any time, but it usually right after one of the little’s has a breakdown. Or after an exploration into the woods. Sometimes after a game of hide and seek or Simon says. After all the exhaustion of perfect wears off, your family starts to sparkle. When I look through your family’s photos, I love seeing your real family. I see the giggles. I see the tears. I see the love. As your photographer, I obsess over these in between moments. So just know, that the two photos below are my two favorite photos from your entire session.

JT is yelling right along with Logan. Steph’s pure joy after the ‘let’s go run at mom and give her a big hug’ prompt! These candid moments are glimpses into what it looks like on a regular Tuesday night. The mess and the love. The only difference? Great lighting and you are looking flawless! It was such an honor to capture these moments of your family, JT and Steph! I hope you cherish these as much as I am obsessing over them!

 

Rachel