"This will be our first family photo..."

Whether the rest of that sentence ends in “ever” or “since the kids were babies” or some other measurement of a very long time, it’s a pretty common thing I hear when booking family sessions.

The Cagala Family was no exception, so I was really excited for this family to have some photos at their lake home in Michigan.

This sweet family, including Miss Myrtle, were an easy crew to work with. As fate would have it, I had walked with my little guy past their lake cottage several times thinking how pretty it would be for photos, followed by a dirt path not to much further down the road. I was scouting for their session without even knowing!

As we were planning for the Cagala Family Session, Renee asked “Is there anything else we need to know or do?”

This is an excellent question!

Here is my advice for anyone nervous for picture day:

1) Do not panic when picking outfits. If you’re really struggling, reach out for assistance! Let’s work together to find a look for everyone that’s cohesive and comfortable. Pick a simple color scheme with a few accents. Not everyone needs to have a pattern. Not everyone needs a matching outfit. Remember the focus should be on the people and not their clothes.

2) Kids will be kids. Let the photographer do their best to help the kids relax and get the shots you’ll love. Often times we will have more luck in an hour than you’ve had all day ;) and if we need you to intervene you’ll most likely already know!

3) Be in the moment. This is meant to be fun! I think being able to capture you in your element in the stage of life you are in is such a fantastic gift that photography gives. Of course we all want the perfectly posed, everyone looking at the camera and smiling picture. But I also want you to look back and laugh as you remember your overeager son taking a spill as he ran ahead to get to the spot first, dusty jeans and all. I want you to grin at the grimace on your daughters face when I ask her to give a big ol’ hug to her brother. And I want you to get butterflies when you see just how lovingly your husband is gazing at his beautiful wife.

Photography really is about capturing a moment so that you can relive those feelings again and again.

So, thank you to the Cagala Family for being willing to embrace the moment, laugh with each other, and freeze time on a gorgeous lake evening.

See the rest of their gallery here!