Bennett's Creek Park Family Session | Suffolk Family Photographer | The Brynilsden Family

Bennett's Creek Park Family Session | Suffolk Family Photographer | The Brynilsden Family

I cannot believe that it's been nearly a year since the first day I met this family and their newest little one. When Dianne asked about having four family sessions in one year, I was so excited for the chance to build a relationship with this family beyond spending a few hours with them one time. It has been a joy and privilege to see them so many times, and it's incredible to watch Ethan and Oliver grow so much in a year.

Dianne always puts a creative spin on their sessions, and for this last time together she brought milk and donuts to celebrate Oliver's first birthday. After time spent playing and walking (a hard job for a one-year-old!) the boys were excited to dig into the treats - and they made for the most adorable pictures yet!

Noland Trail Family Portraits | Newport News Family Photographer | Scott, Dianne, Ethan, & Oliver

Noland Trail Family Portraits | Newport News Family Photographer | Scott, Dianne, Ethan, & Oliver

One of the biggest joys in my year so far has been meeting this family because I've gotten to spend so much time with them. I wasn't sure how it would look to have four sessions with the same family in one year, but so far it's been amazing. Not only have the boys (especially Oliver!) changed so much over the last few months, but Scott and Dianne bring creativity and fun elements to each and every session.

This time, they brought a train, kites, and tons of other toys so they could have fun family playtime to keep the boys happy and occupied. I LOVED this not only because it accomplished their purpose, but it also added such a natural element that you just can't get in posed family portraits. Of course, we walked The Noland Trail in Newport News for some time and got great pictures to hang on the walls in their home, but towards the end I captured how the family actually is when I'm not there - and that's what I love.

Windsor Castle Park Family Portraits | Hampton Roads Family Photographer | The Smith Family

Windsor Castle Park Family Portraits | Hampton Roads Family Photographer | The Smith Family

I'll cut right to the chase - the Smiths are some of the goofiest, craziest people I have ever met. Between three kids that all have such different personalities and two parents who love each other and love to have fun with their kids, we had a blast at Windsor Castle Park on a late summer evening before they took a trip to downtown Smithfield for an ice cream treat.

Ben and Lacey told me that they haven't had family pictures taken in years - in fact, besides the some portraits at their last family reunion, they couldn't remember the last time their family had taken pictures. They told me a few times that they didn't just want smiling, classic family poses - and I can see why! The best pictures of the night, and those that were most true to them as a family, involved playing around, wrestling, and just having a good time...