The Nelson Family

First, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Kelly and Russ! They’re celebrating seven years of marriage today! Life feels crazy now with two kids keeping them busy, but just wait until you see the portraits of just the two of them. You’d think this was an engagement session, not a family session with kids running around!

Speaking of kids, Greenwell State Park was crawling with them Friday night! Leigh and I arrived early to scout out a handful of locations. We work there all the time, but light is constantly changing and you never know what you might encounter when shooting in public. Moments before the Nelsons arrived, a massive party bus pulled right into the heart of the park. Before we knew it, dozens of rowdy teenagers were running all over the place, taking pictures before prom! I’ve never seen the park so busy! Fortunately we still had some gorgeous spots all to ourselves, and you’d never know how crazy it was all around us!

The Nelson kids kept us grinning the whole time. I love getting to know children and figuring out what they need to have a great session! Wes is a total ham and needed freedom to let his sillies out, while Juliana is more reserved and needed me to MAKE her smile rather than just telling her smile. I’m the same way, girl! Nothing beats the authenticity of a laugh! These kids are seriously impressive and it was a joy to photograph them!

 This session has been in the works since the holidays, and I’m so glad it all came together the way we envisioned! Kelly styled the whole family PERFECTLY. We had to reschedule twice due to rain, but I’d say that glow was worth the wait! Thanks so much for spending an evening with me, Nelson family!