The LeFevre Family | Family Photos at Bickelhaupt Arboretum in Clinton, Iowa

There's something pretty fun about photographing the family of someone you've known for 30 YEARS.

Elise and I have been friends since we were kids, but after living in different places for most of our adult lives, she's finally local to me again! I was excited to get her, Mac, and their two little ones together for some updated family photos at Bickelhaupt Arboretum.

Of course, when you're photographing a family with a two-year-old and an 11-month-old, you never quite know how things are going to go. 😂

Ollie actually arrived sound asleep. And I mean REALLY asleep. The kind of sleep that comes with a little drool and absolutely no interest in participating in family photos.

Not exactly the enthusiastic start we were hoping for!

But that's the thing about photographing little kids. Sometimes you just have to give them a little time and let them do their thing. Once Ollie was awake and had a chance to play, we started getting those sweet, genuine smiles. And Charlize was right there being adorable, too!

One of my favorite things about family sessions at this age is that you don't have to force everything to be perfectly posed. Some of the best photos happen when everyone's just interacting, playing, or snuggling together.

And honestly, those are usually the moments that feel the most like real life anyway.

Thanks for hanging out with me, LeFevre family! And Ollie, thanks for eventually waking up. 😂🤍