Some sessions feel a little extra special, and this was definitely one of them.
I first met this mama years ago when we were neighbours living in the same apartment building in St. Catharines. I've photographed her pets in the past, but we hadn't seen each other since before COVID — probably five years or so.
And now she has a SON?!
It's always wild seeing how much life can change in a few years, and getting to reconnect while photographing this new chapter of her life made this family session such a fun one for me.
We met up at the Centennial Lilac Garden in Niagara Falls for their family photos, and it ended up being the perfect spot for a relaxed evening together.
Family Photos at Centennial Lilac Garden in Niagara Falls
If you've never been to Centennial Lilac Garden, it's tucked along the Niagara Parkway, just north of the Floral Clock — and when the lilacs are blooming, it's such a beautiful spot for photos.
There are colourful blooms, tons of greenery and lots of little areas to explore, which gave us plenty of variety without having to wander too far.
That's especially helpful for family sessions with little ones.
Rather than expecting kids to stand in one spot and smile at the camera for an hour, we can move around, explore and let them be themselves.
And for this session, that's pretty much exactly what happened.
A Very Unposed Family Photoshoot
One of my favourite things about this session was how naturally these three fell into being photographed together.
There really wasn't much "posing" happening — and honestly, there didn't need to be.
They just started moving, playing and chasing their little guy around the garden, and I followed along with my camera.
It felt less like okay, everyone stand here and smile and more like I was just tagging along while they hung out as a family.
And that's exactly what I want a family session to feel like.
The Photos In Between Are Usually My Favourites
Of course, we'll still get the classic photo where everyone is looking at the camera — the one you'll probably print for the grandparents.
But I don't want that to be your entire gallery, I want the other stuff too. The laughs. The cuddles. Little hands holding yours. Chasing your kid when they decide they have somewhere much more important to be. 😂
The way you naturally interact when you're focused on each other instead of focused on me and my camera. Those little in-between moments are often my favourites because they're the ones that actually feel like you.
And with young kids, I think letting them move and play instead of constantly trying to get them back into a pose makes the whole experience easier on everyone.
They get to be themselves.
You get to relax.
And I get to photograph all the good stuff happening in between.
Because somehow they go from this little to an entirely different person approximately five minutes later.
Getting to Photograph People Through Different Chapters of Their Lives
One of the coolest parts of being a photographer for as long as I have is getting to photograph people through completely different stages of their lives. Sometimes that means photographing someone's pets while we're neighbours in an apartment building in St. Catharines...
...and then reconnecting years later to find out they've become a mom and getting to photograph their little family.
Life is weird and really freaking cool like that.
And it's exactly why I think family photos are worth doing. Your family doesn't need to be at some perfect stage. Your kids don't need to be perfectly behaved. You don't need to wait until everyone has the perfect outfit or you feel completely comfortable in front of a camera.
This version of your family is worth documenting now.
Looking for a Niagara Falls Family Photographer?
If you're looking for relaxed, candid family photography in Niagara Falls, Ontario, I'd love to help you plan a session that feels fun and actually like you.
You don't need to know how to pose.
Your kids definitely don't need to stand still.
And you don't need to show up knowing exactly what to do.
That's my job.
Whether that's running around among the lilacs at Centennial Lilac Garden, hanging out somewhere else in Niagara Falls, or choosing a location elsewhere in the Niagara Region that means something to your family, we'll find a spot that feels right for you.
