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Pleasure House Point Family Photographer | Scott Family Session

Pleasure House Point Family Photographer | Scott Family Session

The first time I met Shelby and her family was when I held mini sessions to help fund our adoption almost two years ago. I remember that she came out of her car with a huge smile and a declaration that "we don't do cheesy!" With the perfect outfits and children that behaved beautifully, theirs was one of my favorite mini sessions that I photographed that day.

Two years later I couldn't have asked for a better family or a better full session. This time around we spent over an hour at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach. It was hot and humid, my car had just stopped turning on, and traffic getting there had been crazy - yet each family member pulled out big smiles and had so much love for each other. Bobby and Shelby have created a beautiful legacy over the last 16 years, a fact which became so evident as the four of them spent time together...

Best of 2015: Families | Business

Best of 2015: Families | Business

As I’ve continued to progress in wedding photography, I have asked myself the question of whether or not to continue taking on families. This year was the deciding year for me, as I see so many photographers who only do one thing or the other. However, after a year of getting to know such wonderful people during family sessions, I have firmly decided to continue as both a wedding and family photographer in 2016. And for that, I am excited!

This year brought a huge variety of families – from a couple that has been married over 30 years with kids who have graduated college and a grandkid on the way to a family whose youngest just turned one year old. Truth be told, I love both of these groups and all those in-between. I’m so fortunate that the kindest people have come across my path, and I look forward to meeting many more in the new year.

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.