I met Ros, her beautiful two girls Kayla & Holli and her little champ Jasper when I was capturing some photos of kittens that Ros was fostering for CK’s Paws are Worth Saving animal rescue.
Kaylah introduced me to her special dog Elsie a 6-year-old Cattle x Kelpie who was helping me grab the attention of the kittens through the sliding door. Haha
I had this immediate connection with them and on my way home I just knew I wanted to photograph them. I sent an awkward message to Ros asking if she would like some family photos captured and she said yes!
About the family portrait session
We spent a couple of weeks conversing back and forth with outfit ideas and came up with the perfect complimentary combination that wasn’t too “matchy matchy” but looked lovely together.
We met for the photo session at Bunyaville Conservation Park and to help break the ice I had come a little early so I could set up my little treasure hunt for the children. It was a huge success, and they ran off with their clues whilst I helped Ros take a few breaths and relax. Getting three children and a dog ready for a photo session is not an easy task!
I must admit I was not quite prepared for what would be involved photographing three children, mum, and a dog. Trying to remember all the different combinations and making sure it was fun for everyone definitely tested my abilities, but I was truly happy with the beautiful shots we captured that day.
My goal is smiles all round...
I did learn from the experience however that I had paid so much focus on capturing family photos that I left it a little late to capture a lot of shots of Elsie on her own, so we arranged another photo session closer to home that worked out perfectly. I began my session focusing on capturing some gorgeous shots of Elsie and when she had essentially had enough, I captured some more photos of the children who were having fun playing with the blanket.
We all had so much fun together. Lots of giggles and genuine laughs.
After the Session
I am learning that I am simply going to have to come to terms with being an over shooter. Hahaha I simply don’t want to miss a genuine smile or cheeky grin and so I click click click and I’m left with a mini headache when it comes to sorting through all the photos.
But when I see wet cheeks on Mum and children crying out pointing and laughing because they’ve seen a funny picture, I know it’s worth it. I know I’ve done my best in capturing some very special moments that will be cherished forever.
The Reveal
Ros arrived with Kayla, Holli and Jasper and my heart melted when Holli had made a little gift for me that I will always treasure. xx It was so wonderful to have the children there too, watching their eyes light up when they saw the photos and call out and laugh at the funny captures. Plus hearing the lovely things they said about each other’s photos too. It was really such a sweet moment to be apart of.
It was a tough choice for Ros in the end and I realised the children were getting a little antsy which led to Lexie’s favourite part of the reveal session! haha They all went out to play with her and I spotted Lexie running around the outdoor dining area with a toy in her mouth and Jasper chasing after her. haha Lexie was in heaven. She definitely needs more children in her life.
We left the final chosen ‘wall print’ decision as a surprise which will be fun to reveal when they come to collect their photos. woohoo!
Meanwhile, once again, please do enjoy the lovely collection of photos I captured and shared with Ros, Kayla, Holli and Jasper.
Would you like to capture some extra special photos of your family?
Reach out and we can design the perfect session just for you.
