Ashlee, Margaret, and Thea’s joyful, storytelling family portraits outside in St. Paul
Ashlee, Margaret, and their little daughter Thea love the fall. It is the season of Thea’s birthday, and as a family it is their favorite time of year to spend outside, savoring the warm air and beautiful colors. For several years now, Ashlee and Margaret have been in a rhythm of planning an outdoor family photoshoot with me in early autumn. It has been such a special way to document the milestones in Thea’s life and to celebrate who they are as a family amidst the ever-changing seasons of life.
Planning a candid, storytelling lifestyle photoshoot
During our initial planning call, Ashlee and Margaret reflected on what their life has looked like over the past year, what everyday routines and rituals fill their days, and what they want to remember most about this chapter in their family’s life. They shared about the incredible awe they have felt watching Thea transform from a little one into a full on kiddo. During their family photoshoot a year ago, Thea was not quite taking her first steps– still needing to hold onto her moms’ hands for balance. Now, a year later, she is full of energy and movement. Ashlee and Margaret love watching her zoom around, play soccer, and run alongside their dog Cosmo in the backyard. Ashlee and Margaret also love hearing Thea’s voice. Witnessing her develop language and begin to communicate her ideas, curiosities, and preferences has been such a beacon of joy for them, and they wanted this year’s portraits to capture the bright, expressive person Thea is blossoming into.
Overall, they envisioned their portraits feeling candid, energetic, and storytelling - capturing the authentic joy, wonder, and playfulness their days hold in this season of life with a toddler.
Ashlee, Margaret, and Thea’s family portraits outside in the fall
Ashlee and Thea opted for a lifestyle approach to their family photoshoot, wanting to structure our time around several everyday activities they love to do as a family.
Ashlee, Margaret, and Thea live near a beautiful, nature-filled park in St. Paul, and they love to go on long walks together as a family. On the day of their photoshoot, we met at their house and I took pictures as they strolled their favorite walking loop, pausing to play at a soccer field Thea loves. I also took several portrait-style photographs of Ashlee, Margaret, and Thea along the way. To wrap up the photoshoot, we returned to their house where I captured Thea cuddling her moms, exploring the garden, and playing with their pup Cosmo in the backyard. These portraits have such calm, happy, afternoon energy.
You can practically hear Thea’s bright, full-bellied giggles in this portrait, delighted to be snuggled by her moms.
Amidst all the fullness that comes from being a couple with kids, it can become more rare to have photographs of just you and your spouse. It felt extra special to capture Ashlee and Margaret sharing a quiet, loving moment alone together.
When Ashlee is holding Thea, Thea has a super sweet habit of gently playing with the hairs on the back of Ashlee’s neck. Ashlee told me “it’s one of the sweetest habits she has right now,” and I love how this portrait preserves that tender memory for all time.
