It felt like summer forgot to leave.


Another almost 80-degree October day, which at this point feels like a tradition whenever I photograph Chris, Sabina, and their sweet little family (peep their family session from the previous year). The air was warm, the leaves were glowing in shades of yellow and orange with just the right pops of red, and the sunlight filtered gently through the trees like it knew it was part of something special.


And it was quiet. The kind of quiet you only find when you’re tucked away somewhere meaningful. Somewhere like their family cabin in Indiana, where time slows down and memories seem to linger a little longer.

Being there felt like stepping into a dream. Not just because of how beautiful everything was, but because of what that place represents. Years and years of memories, laughter, and time spent together. And getting to be part of that, even just for a few days, felt like such a gift.


Spending time with Sabina and Chris is always something I look forward to. They’re the kind of people who make everything feel easy. Comfortable. Joyful. And getting to photograph them in a place that means so much to them made this session feel even more personal. We wandered through the property, soaking in the golden light and crisp fall colors, letting the moments unfold naturally.


And then there was C. Little man had officially reached the phase where photos are… not exactly at the top of his priority list. And honestly? I get it. When you have leaves to run through, snacks to eat on demand, and the freedom to yell at the top of your lungs, standing still and smiling for a camera is probably the least exciting option. But that’s what made it so fun.


Because instead of forcing anything, we leaned into it.


Alex, my husband, stepped in as the official snack distributor, bribing C with cookie after cookie until he fully embraced his role as a real-life cookie monster. There was laughter, a little bit of chaos, and so many moments that were completely unplanned and completely perfect.


And it reminded me of two things I hold so close to my heart.


The first is how important it is for me to build real relationships with the people I photograph. Chris and Sabina are friends turned family, which makes this even more special. But it’s the perfect example of what happens when that connection is there. The moments feel easier. The chaos becomes funny instead of stressful. And those are the memories that stick with you the most.


The second is something I always come back to during family sessions. Meet your kids where they are.

Because that’s your life in this season. That’s what it looks like right now. And those are the moments you’ll want to remember someday. The wild energy. The snack breaks. The running and laughing and not wanting to sit still.


Letting kids be themselves doesn’t take away from the session. It makes the session.


So be like Chris and Sabina. Laugh a lot. Lean into the chaos. Don’t be afraid to bribe your kids with snacks if it gets you through the moment. Enjoy the simple things, like warm fall days and time spent in places that mean something to you. Because one day, those are the moments you’ll look back on and be so thankful you captured.


Chris and Sabina, I love you guys so much. Thank you for welcoming me into your space, your memories, and your lives. Watching your family grow and getting to be part of these moments means more to me than I can put into words. 🤍