Wildwood Metropark is one of my regular locations. Many local photographers enjoy its variety and natural beauty when photographing local families. There is a covered area that offers shelter, while still being able to see nature all around. I decided to place the Mutgi family in the perfect spot to show off the fall colors behind them. You can almost count the raindrops in the images. A brave Toledo family and a creative local photographer were able to make this yucky day a success. These rainy portraits could not have turned out any better!
I enjoy watching how Damon and Emily interact with their daughters. They seem to have a wonderful balance of love and tenderness while being on top of teachable moments and discipline. How cute are the photos of Damon with Harper? She clearly adores her father. Adjusting to a new sibling can be a little bit hard for kids. Damon and Emily have done a great job of walking with Harper through it and making sure she knows she is still just as important to them.
Being a blended family can involve occasional complications. Nathan and Sydney clearly love their kids and each other and they overcome any obstacles put in their way. They work hard toward their goals together. They make family time a priority by attending holiday events with parents and siblings and by exploring Toledo together. We are so happy to have them around!
When Jaime contacted me to book her family photo session, she immediately let me know that he son, Teddy, has autism. She explained that he does not typically like to make eye contact and she wondered if we could focus on some candid moments as opposed to a more traditional portrait style. I was so pleased with Jaime’s openness about their needs for their session. I am always happy to accommodate my clients needs. It is so helpful to have a plan and to have expectations set in a way that creates the most successful outcome.
Watching siblings play and interact at family photo sessions is always interesting. Some siblings tease, some wrestle, some even argue. I never expect kids to be perfectly behaved. Often, the adults struggle to listen to directions themselves. Not everyone feels comfortable and confident in front of a camera. That is ok. I make every effort to create a lighthearted and comfortable experience for all my clients. Sometimes, that means tossing the plan and trying something different.
Fall leaves were really showing and the whole area was full of golden colors. Unfortunately the day we scheduled happened to be one of the colder days of October. The girls were not excited to take their coats off. Luckily, Jay stepped in to be the hero of the day. He played fun games with the girls to keep them distracted from the cold. He was positive and upbeat and the girls fed off of his energy. Cassandra and Jay make family one of their highest priorities and it shows in their relationships with their daughters.
Fall was just at its peak at the Toledo Botanical Garden when we met for these portraits in November. The boys were quick to smile and help their sister have a good time too. I love seeing siblings interact with each other. Toward the end of the session we let lose and played in the leaves. Elaina did not seem super impressed, but the boys loved it.
