Family Photo Time

Aug 8

Family Photo Time

As a portrait photographer, this day was a gentle reminder of everything that my clients go through to prepare for their family photo session. I was blessed to have teamed up with one of the best family and portrait photographer friends in Atlanta who executed our vision perfectly!

Hours before our photo shoot, I had no shirt to wear, Avery had no shoes, and I had no Idea how I was going to style our hair. We were about to take our very first set of family photos as the Richardson Party of 4 and I was super nervous to be on this side of the camera.

A week prior to our session, I spent about an hour and a half in Old Navy trying to put together the perfect coordinating wardrobe for everyone. To make life easier for us (and everyone else in the store), I browsed the aisles while Sam stayed in the van with the kids as they watched one of their favorite movies. This is often our method of shopping and if you are a parent of toddlers, you totally understand why. I kept picking things up, placing them side by side, switching up items and debating until I found the perfect set of outfits for everyone... except me. Why is it that moms always put themselves last after everyone else is situated? I guess we're just wired like that... it's the Momma Bear in us.

The day of the shoot came and I still had no outfit. A few hours before the session, I stepped out to make a last minute attempt at finding a coordinating piece to flow with everyone else's outfits. After I had just about given up, I spotted the perfect shirt on a mannequin at Lane Bryant. That was God looking out ;-).

With the assistance of my Aunt and Cousins who were in town visiting for a few hours that afternoon, we all got dressed and headed out the door in what seemed like record timing. Toddler Moms & Dads, you already know the struggles of getting yourself and kids dressed when you have a deadline to make. Surprisingly, the Richardson Party of 4 made it safely to Turnipseed Nursery Farms just in time for an amazing shoot!

I was instantly reminded of how it feels to be a parent during a photoshoot. I brought snacks, made sure the kids had naps, grabbed some water, and tried my best to be optimistic. As expected, my oldest, Khi, wanted no parts of pictures and insisted on including his favorite TRex in the family photos. Luckily we bargained enough for him to eventually put the toy down... but it was never too far from his sight. He has never really been a fan of being in front of the camera and even though I hoped today would be different, he stayed true to himself (lol). Avery was a jewel the entire time (even though she only smiled on demand). She was so excited to be all dressed up and after the shoot, she insisted on sleeping with her headband on because she loved it just that much. Even though the kids threw us a few curve balls, our photographer Latricia Buffington of Precious T. Photography remained positive, pleasantly patient, and simply amazing the entire time.

Sam and I were both in full blown parent mode by the end and nerves were all over the place from dealing with a grumpy oldest toddler. I remember walking away and thinking, "Well, if we only got ONE family photo of everyone at least LOOKING decent, today was a success!" I am sure that some of my clients have felt the same. Somehow, we as photographers always manage to deliver a surprise or two when all is said and done.

When I got the gallery of the finished photos, I was floored! It is hard for me to put into words the happiness and love that I felt from seeing all 4 of us together in these beautifully photographed images. My babies, ages 4 and 2, would never be as young as they were in these images ever again and it was truly special to see them captured in the way that they were. These memories are so precious to us and to my surprise, there were quite a few gems captured among (what I considered) our normal chaos. I am forever grateful and I am thankful for such a talented photographer and friend, Precious T. Photography, who made it her business to capture these photos for Sam and I.

Hopefully from here on out, we'll be able to take MORE family photos on a regular basis. Let's just hope that the "Little Guy" decides to cooperate... eventually.

I have to admit that it's extremely hard not to share the whole album. I'll keep some for "just us" as we prepare to print and hang these on the walls in our home. Take a peek below at a few of our favorites from the day.