I love when I get the opportunity to photograph a family at home. There is something so magical about being in the space where they live, the ambiance of their every day complimenting the not-so-every-day experience of having family photos taken. There is a level of relaxation and comfort that is hard to duplicate in a location that is not as familiar and it gives me the chance not only to get more candid images, but also to record the details of their home and life that hopefully will serve as memory-holders in years to come. We met on an overcast Friday evening at their home in our Kitchener neighbourhood. When I arrived they were just finishing their prep, so I wandered around their yard, loving the scattered toys and yard tools, their raised veggie garden and clothesline. The little details that reflect the way they live and love together as a family.
Once everyone was ready we hung out in the backyard, playing and smiling and just having a blast before moving to the front yard. We took a short walk down the block, to a little spot I had picked out on an earlier neighbourhood stroll to do some more family portraits. Little did we realize that the baby was grabbing leaves off the bushes in behind until he started to gag. Another benefit of being at home: quick changes after spit-up incidences.
The oldest two then grabbed their scooters, whizzing up and down the sidewalk trying to beat one another up the street, not matter how much I insisted that it was NOT a race. Their baby brother looked on, smiling and snuggling with Mom and Dad. What could be better? I will tell you: sparklers. Once we had all enjoyed the mesmerizing and thrilling joy of holding a tiny firework in our hands, we ended the night hanging around on the backyard playset with big sister was showing off her moves on the rope, to the delight of her baby brother. I walked home, soaked from a certain little boy taking me up on an offer to spray me with a hose, smiling ear-to-ear thinking of what a fabulous time we had had together.All-in-all, one of my favourite at-home sessions to date.
I am sharing (more than) a few of my favourites, because it was just so darn good. Thank you T Family for welcoming me into your world and for just going with the flow. :)
M xo
