Family Photography

The Sawatzky's at Fort Myers Beach

This sweet little family session at Fort Myers beach happens to be of my sister and her two boys. I adore capturing memories of my own family— especially my sweet nephews. They are also absolutely spoiled because those two made me an auntie for the first time (a title I hold dearly).


This family photoshoot was a bit last minute because the next day (our planned shoot date) was to be rained out. This being said, we showed up a bit later than my typical start time when dusk had started creeping in. I did love the cooler tones, as well as the clouds in the sky, offering up a moodier cotton candy vibe in some shots ✨

On a personal note, these monkeys (including my sister;)) are the reason I head to Florida for as long as I can in the winter. My nephews are only little once. These moments of hugs and kisses, 1000’s of questions, high pitched giggles, big smiles, hearing “autie Sevenanah” in little chipmunk voices, excited little faces and screams saying “IT’S AUNTIEEE” when I see them… MELT my heart. Can’t wait for next year.


Savannah


Harris Family Session

The Harris Family 💕

There is one thing I love most about coming to Florida from Minnesota, and I’m not talking about the beach or the weather, or the fine white sand that gets EVERYWHERE, or the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, or the tan I get, or the cool shells I find, or even the fact that it’s a vacation and I get to rest…. the thing I love most is connecting with people when I’m in this beautiful atmosphere. My job as a photographer allows me to do this with just about anyone, but since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten to reconnect with friends and meet new people that are all from home—Minnesota. And it is an honor to capture them during such intimate phases of their lives… changing jobs, buying homes, getting married, having families (yep, even giving birth)… all of these big things that I’m so thankful to help celebrate with them. So here’s to doing that for a long, long time.

Okay, back to the session details… :) We did Tony and Jessica’s family photoshoot at Seagate beach in Naples, Florida. I love Seagate beach specifically, because the sunsets are in just the right spot, the rocks the kiddos are on are perfect for family and kiddo portraits, the area is clean, safe, a little more secluded, and quieter (except for a lovely musician that often plays on his porch overlooking the ocean at sunset). Not much more you can ask for from a beach. It’s a slice of heaven.

Tony and Jess—you two, your boys, and these photos, made my heart happy 🤍🤍🤍

Tips For In-Home Family Sessions

If you have younger kiddos, this can be one of the sweetest times to capture their unguarded, full-of-life personalities with an In-home photography session. Looking back, you’re going to miss so many things about your babies. Heck, I already miss my nephews being babies… I can’t imagine (yet) how this feels with one’s own kids. When they’re little, they’re unguarded, passionate, resilient, explorative, and ready to take on the world. Guess where allllll of that is nurtured? Yep, home.

That’s why I’m passionate about these in-home family sessions. Hire a trusted photographer, because this is your space and you are allowing them into it to capture your littles in their natural environment.

Not sure what to do? Successful In-Home sessions require a little bit of prep, but not really. Because these are natural aspects of life for your kids, they will enjoy “showing” the photographer the ropes. Just make sure you have ideas of what your kids enjoy, to help the photographer navigate the session. Below are some easy ideas to consider:

-       Activities with mom/dad (dancing in the kitchen, board games, baking etc.)

- Hobbies your kids take part in (sports, piano, technology, reading, etc.)

-       Photos of mom/dad doing what they normally do (yes, even washing dishes, your kids WILL remember this—especially when they’re parents;))

-       Games siblings like to play together

-       A fort!!! (This is so much fun to capture)

-       Intimate moments, like hugs and snuggles, with parents

- They’re rooms! (These are full of familiarity, and will be something they fondly look back on)

Hopefully, this list gets your gears going!

Remember, these photos will serve a great purpose for years to come. You’ll see more than just your looks… You’ll see home.

-Savannah

(PS! I’m a Minneapolis, Minnesota based Photographer, with a love for capturing families and couples! If you have any needs (including travel!), please ask about my photography info/price guides. I’m always willing to share tips and ideas i’ve learned along the way, to help you have a successful photoshoot with your loved one/s).