Getting ready for holiday cards, this cute family had a photo session right in their own little neighborhood.

Grapevines, beautiful creamy white buildings and grassy park areas made for some epic backgrounds for this family session! With a palette of cinnamon, blues, creams and tans, this family was ready for their session. I loved that they planned and coordinated their outfits! A little preparation can really make your photos pop!

You would have never guessed that this was the first professional photo session that this family had ever had! The session ran smoothly as we walked through the neighborhood looking for the perfect locations and lighting. Often, we stopped and decided to run, twirl or even hug a fire hydrant! (Dad knew that the fire hydrant was a favorite and cleaned it before our session!) Thanks Dad!

Family photo sessions can be stressful. Everyone envisions these perfect scenarios. You may get the perfect family session. You may not. Embrace whatever happens and just realize that, if you let the family members have a break, they may come back ready for action! I try to allow for little breaks and some play time with movement. (It also doesn't hurt that I bring bribes and an awesome assistant to help make everyone laugh!)

At this session, I brought along some props to add interest and keep the littles involved. The bed here is a doll bed that my husband made for my daughter when she was young. It was the perfect height to use as a bench!

I also brought along a little bouquet of flowers that I made from a few flowers from Trader Joe's. Flowers always add a nice touch! They are also a way of making people feel special and, as with littles, gives them something to focus on in the photo.

One of the highlights of the session is when the youngest stood up and the entire family celebrated! It is one of my favorite pictures from the session! Pictures don't lie. The love definitely shows!

Thank you so much for allowing me to capture the love in your sweet little family!