Suspenders. Boat shoes. A big one-year old toothy grin. Maxwell has all the right accessories. Nicole, Dave, and Max met up with me at Glenwood Gardens to have an early morning celebratory birthday photo session! I have photographed many clients at Glenwood Gardens, and this was the first time I had a morning session there. Let me tell you, it was like we were transported to the Cotswolds. Her country cottage entrance was positively blooming this morning. And the way the light fell through her trees surrounding the gardens was pure magic! You wouldn’t even guess this is in Cincinnati!

While I love adventuring to find new locations for future sessions, I will always have some favorite locations that I love shooting at again and again. What was extra fun about shooting at a well-loved favorite, was that I realized this was the first time I saw Glenwood Gardens in all her morning glory! Auer family, thanks for taking the morning adventure with me! This is exactly why we schedule these sessions early in the morning or late in the evening. You can only get this dreamy glow during golden hour!

I can never preach it enough. Taking the time to invest in a photographer who you trust will always be worth it. My dad has a photo of his (my grandparents) giggling like teenagers while playing a game of backyard kick ball. I have a framed photo of me smushing my three year old cheeks against my sister’s cheek. I have photos of my nieces covering my refrigerator and walls. The moments are only a split second, frozen in time. But they honestly become some of our most cherished moments as well.

Getting on the same level as your little.

Watching him try and make the same amAZING water drop noises that his Dad is making.

Capture his perfect reaction to peek a boo.

Watch his adventure unfold right before your eyes.

As a professional, I will always strive to capture all of the typical moments we want from a session. Classic and timeless. Genuine joy and laughter. And while I invest more and more time with my clients, especially you beautiful souls that keep joining me year after year, I find myself being drawn to these little moments more and more. It is exciting and really fun to capture!

Thank you Nicole and Dave for sharing your family with me. I had a ton of fun giggling with Max and playing among the flowers. Also, I am still so freaking impressed with all the sound effects you can make, Dave! I can’t wait to see you guys again soon! Happy Birthday, Max!

Rach