This session came as a breath of fresh air after several gray, fall days here in Indiana. On my way to the Padens home, the sun was beginning to shine through blue skies with dappled clouds and I just knew in my gut this session would be a good one.

The Paden family invited me to their home for this outdoor, farm family session – they moved to the farm earlier this year and have slowly been in the process of making this place feel more and more like home. Once I arrived, their oldest son gave me a tour of the property, excitedly telling me all about the swing set and the chickens and the apple trees and we eased into the session pretty quickly from there.

If you’ve been around my site or have read my blogs at all, you’ll know that I love a laid-back approach to family sessions – often letting the kids lead the way. You want to run? Let’s do it. You need to hold mom’s hand for a bit? Absolutely. Kids come alive for family sessions when you simply let them be kids and express each need as they come. And this is especially true when documenting a family in or around their own home.

If you’ve ever thought about having me come to your home to document your family, here is your sign. You’ll cherish those photos for years to come – and I hope you’ll even hang some up on your walls – because they’ll feel really authentic and true to your family.