I’ve photographed this family through several seasons now, from classic family portraits to milestone sessions and Christmas pajamas with all the sibling energy that comes with that. This time, we decided to do something a little different and lean into a setting that felt a bit more intentional.

Unpopular opinion but January has always been one of my favorite months. I love the reset after the holidays, the quieter pace, and yes—I’m also someone who genuinely loves Mondays. I got a new camera at the end of December, and since January is typically slower for photographers, I finally had the time to practice with it instead of rushing it straight into sessions. Once I had that space, one thing became very clear—I needed to find someone fun to practice on.

Choosing a location for family photos can feel like one more decision parents are expected to get “right.” It doesn’t need to be.