I have photographed the Oksala family for years. When Lisa asked if I could meet them for an extended family session-with Grandparents-I was delighted we got a date to work! They were so much fun and incredibly kind. I even received a lunch invitation after.

I try my very best to capture personalities in a family and this can be tricky with a larger group. But I have learned if you give a child the chance to show their true colors, they will shine. And shine they did! We got the “family portrait” within the first ten minutes and then I tried several things to let the children be comfortable. Two ways I do this is by getting them alone from the group. When you slow down, talk about their favorite animals or colors, they respond so well. Another way is to have the parents hold hand and walk towards me, and let the children run by you. This lets them laugh and run and also if you do this at the very end the children will remember this happy feeling the next time you photograph them. Believe me, they remember! 🙂

Enjoy this fun-filled summer family session.