What do you do when you are about to photograph a family with pre-teens? Tell them to bring a ball and dress to have fun! This is the second time I’ve photographed this family of four – and I had the honour to photograph their wedding 18 years ago at the start of my career. I have to tell you, it’s always an amazing feeling to be a part of creating memories for people right from their ‘I-do’s’ to raising their children.
Hatley Castle was bursting with colour on this gorgeous sunny day. I LOVED mom’s red top and the color everyone had in their wardrobe. This is a great example of ‘what to wear for a family portrait session?’ We had fun playing in the leaves, climbing a tree, kicking the ball around, chasing some bubbles and taking a stop here and there to pose for a picture or two.
There are so many options and styles in photography and a lot of people ask me what makes my approach unique. Unlike traditional portrait photography, which can feel a bit staged, I believe in photographing the love you have for each other. Rather than stiff and formal posing, I’ll give you easy to follow directions so you can relax and be yourselves. There’s no need to plaster on a fake smile or worry about striking the perfect pose. It’s about capturing the essence of your family—the laughter, the chaos, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a laid-back approach to family photos, consider giving lifestyle photography a try. It’s a chance to capture those everyday moments that make your family special – just real, honest memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
I respectfully acknowledge that I live, work, and create on the traditional unceded territory of the Lekwungen Peoples, expressing gratitude for their enduring stewardship of this land.
