I watched as Noah made his way down the hillside, towards his family. He was met with squeals of delight from older sister, Lacy, and smiles from his mom and dad. His smile said it all: he was with his family, and he loved them dearly. It was a quick, eager walk through the tall grass where Lacy asked me a couple of times if the bugs would get her. While I stomped the grass down to clear her path, I assured her that they wouldn’t. It was time to update this sweet family’s images, and I for one couldn’t wait.

I met Lara through our photography community after both taking online photography courses with the same photographer instructors, Amy and Jordan. If you don’t know who Amy and Jordan are in the photography industry, or are interested in pursuing photography as your career, do yourself a favor *right now* and look ’em up. Honestly. They both initiated and changed my photography career for life!

Lara is one of the sweetest humans with one of the most impossibly cute families on this earth, I am convinced. She and Derek, and their two kiddos’ four-year-old Lacy and two-year-old Noah were just delightful. Aside from the “planned” and “posed” moments of their family session, I strove to create a balance with the in-between moments as well. These always end up being some of my favorite images because when the family is interacting amongst themselves, their most natural reactions and expressions emerge – so I love these moments for a host of reasons, but this is a big part of that!

While these photos were definitely taken in Arizona (just wait until you see what I mean), it looks almost nothing like AZ! I love that you can travel through this state and even in gems across the metroplex get lots of hidden areas that look totally different than just the desert! Lara and Derek, I hope you love your family images and cherish them for years to come! Your family is delightful and I look forward to watching your kiddos’ grow!