Only in the last 10 years has it become increasingly more popular to have lifestyle type family portraits done. I remember as a kid going to a studio and having to sit with my hands propped a certain way in front of a big camera on a tripod. Nowadays photographs have become truer to personalities and set in very diverse locations. I thought I would share 4 myths that I have heard over time about these lifestyle family portrait sessions.

I have been waiting patiently to share these images with all of you. These ladies came to me seeking to have photos taken of them to give as a gift to their parents for Christmas. I was so glad they wanted to have pictures taken! I have done work for them individually before and couldn't wait for the chance to capture them together as sisters. We decided to meet at the George Hill Apple Orchard in Lancaster, MA for this session!

I was excited to photograph these four because the last time I did, there were only 3! It has been a while. I was a little daring this time around and decided to work in open sun in this field behind Sholan Farms in Leominster, MA. Thankfully, winter light is lower in the sky so it worked out to my advantage (Any aspiring photographers out there? That secret was for you.) Taking risks, I am finding, really takes things to another level.

All those in-between moments in life are so special. Especially the ones where life is celebrated during a birthday. I had the pleasure of photographing this party in New Hampshire at Pickity Place. It is set in the woods with little coves and ivy everywhere. 

I am finally getting a chance to share these images of the Perez family! Such a happy and laid back time with these three. We met at the Wachusett Reservoir in Clinton, MA for a quick session and I really couldn't get enough of the little guy. 

Calling someplace home is something we all want. Don't you think so? Sometimes it changes, adapts and takes on different faces. Some get married, others buy houses or rent apartments. All those big, happy (stressful, no lie) moments in life are kind of what defines the next page. I was so glad to know that my friend Kirosha wanted to have her family photographs at home in Leominster, Ma.

Now that I live in NY, it is easier for me to make trips to New England to fit in a few sessions during a long weekend. I was excited to find out that this family was able to meet with me a few weeks back at the Wachusett Reservoir in Clinton, MA. This is their third time and I always love seeing families change over time in beautiful ways. This time Grandpa was able to join!

I promised more photos, so here we are! Kirsten put so much thought into her wedding and it truly turned into the most wonderful day. Set in the front yard of her family's home in Fredericksburg VA, the day was filled with emotion, love and some really good times.

For Kirsten and Dillon's wedding in Fredericksburg VA, this could not have been truer. Set in Kirsten's family backyard, she had all the help she could get to make their day perfect. From her uncle prepping all the pulled pork to her brother mowing the lawn the day of, it was definitely a family affair. 

This past fall I had the opportunity to fly out west, meet up with Kayla for the first time, and capture her as a new singer/songwriter. I learned so much through this new experience and being able to see Kayla's dreams become a reality is pretty inspirational.  I thought that just getting to take the photos and making a website would be awesome, but watching another artist trying to make it in the industry is even more fulfilling!

My parents. Two people who met at the age of 16 and have been together ever since. I always admired their story but never really felt like it could be my own since, well, I still thought I was too young to be married at the age of 20 as when they were. If you need an example of two people who stick by each other no matter what, these are they. I know that I have a personality that leans toward loyalty and dedication, but I think I got some of that from my parents.

Moving here to Philadelphia wasn't the easiest thing. Yes, it was an adventure to move away from family and step into the unknown as a couple. The reality of it all just sunk in when we realized that we hardly knew anyone and that we didn't have a close church family to see each week. But God is awesome. He found us a church where we could make many new friends. One friendship that because really dear to me and will always work hard to maintain, is with Emily.

I could not wait to do this session, you guys. After seeing my nephew for the first time in CO this past February, I wanted to go back to be with family again. Not only did I want to capture my brother and sis-in-law again with this little squishy boy that I love to the moon and back, I wanted them to have good pictures that they could keep. We headed into the mountains of Boulder and were able to capture some really beautiful images during golden hour.

It is so fun to be able to photograph families more than once. The Rutt family I had the opportunity to photograph before their littlest was born. Now she is here! Such a beautiful family. We roamed around this wonderful park in Wyomissing, PA with a creek and a few fields.

A few Fridays ago I traveled down to Cape May in New Jersey to photograph an intimate wedding of a friend. Both Christa Deana and Zichari are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet and it wasn't hard to capture so many smiles from them on their day. 

I have known this family for quite some time and I am so grateful to call them friends. Nick and Guadalupe are those people that you want to keep around because they are so warm, giving, and energetic about ministry. To have the opportunity to photograph them as well as hang out at George Hill Orchards in Lancaster, MA, was such a treat! And their girls are so sweet.

You guys, going through these photos and figuring out what I wanted to share, made me realize how important it is to have photos taken of the ones we love and to be able to treasure them. This family right here came to Philadelphia just a little bit before we moved here ourselves and now are moving on, 2 years later, to the paradise island of Honolulu.

Thalita is a Christian singer/artist in Brazil and is such a sweet soul. Though English isn't her first language we made it through and had fun besides! This is actually my first time photographing a music artist, despite the fact that I have artists in my house all the time. Without having heard her music (it was a last minute session, my favs!) it was fun trying to figure out her style and what type of feel she was going for. I love laughter. It's like people can't hide when they laugh.

Now Jay and Suellen have been married for 5 years and their is love stronger than ever. We met at Moore State Park in Paxton, MA and had a lovely time capturing memories.

Liam is one of my favorite little guys. His mom and dad met with me over a year ago to get pictures together while awaiting his arrival. Now we have a little guy that is running around and being a charmer with his little teethy grin. When I photograph littles I like to ensure that they just act the way they are and follow them around. My little friend made me run! Without a doubt these portray his little personality and childlike spirit.