Family Photo Superlatives 2022
Welcome to the 2022 family photo superlatives! This is by far one of my favorite blogs to write all year. It’s fun to reminisce on many of the family photo shoots and share with you some of my favorite images and galleries.
Some that made me laugh, cry happy tears, and sigh with all the love and beautiful connections I got to see in your photos. Yet, they ALL were wonderful and I could have talked about every single one! In addition, it is my way of saying THANK YOU so much for your support this year!
Whether you booked a session, sent a referral, shared a blog, or gave some love on social media it did not go unseen. Moreover, this year came with a lot of growth and I am really excited to share great things coming for 2023!
If you aren’t on my email list, make sure you hop on it to be the first to know about openings, model calls, minis (which they sold out in 24 hours! Holy smokes, thank you!), fun things to do with your kids, and family photography advice.
So, is your family featured in the blog? Here we go!
The first family photo superlative award goes to: the best weather for family photos in the middle of winter.
You would think this is a gorgeous pacific northwest summer evening wouldn’t you? However, this beautiful image was captured in January! This is not the first time I have photographed families in the winter at the beach and got incredibly beautiful weather. The funny thing is, I have had better luck with weather in the winter than I did in the summer. Go figure.
Is January the new June for family photos at the beach? Hmmm, maybe. 😉 Make sure you check out more of this families gallery! Plus, learn how to get stunning family beach photos at Cannon Beach!
The best photo of a new mom and her newborn award
When I saw started working on this image, I felt so many emotions. She represents a new mother so beautifully. The way her hand gently cradles his back, the gentle kiss she is giving him, and how she is just in the moment with him, as if I am not even there. Gah! That is the stuff that makes me melt.
This photo took me back to those moments in between the chaos of newborn life, those moments that are quiet and sacred. Her motherhood journey had just begun and I got to be there for a moment of it. That makes my eyes water and I am so thankful for my job!
You can see more of their newborn session and discover more about in home newborn photography with your first baby.
Twins: double diaper duty award
When I met this sweet family for their newborn session, I knew it was going to extra special. Being a new parent can be completely overwhelming with one baby but two!? Yet, these new parents handled everything so naturally and seamlessly. It was like they were meant to parents of these beautiful newborn babies. They just jumped in and go for it with out hesitation. I am always in awe that I get to be a small part of families lives. It is an incredible experience.
I have a sweet spot for twins because I have special twins in my own life. A handful of friends and one of my besties has twin identical girls.
Before I had my own kids, I went to visit Mira and Mackenna many times! Let me tell you, I was wowed at the work that came with two tiny twins and how incredible it was to watch them grow. They are tweens now, life goes way too fast when you are having fun right?
You can see more of their sweet photos on the blog and learn about what to expect from a twin newborn session.
Family photo superlatives award for best behaved dogs
The family photo superlatives must always include an award for fur babies! So, these sweet pups here were definitely my favs. Maybe it’s because I have a puppy-ish dog still but I am blown away how well behaved they are. I mean, look at them. They are genuinely happy to be a part of the family photo day!
Families ask me all the time if they should bring their dogs to their family photos, my answer is always yes. Unless, you have a two year old golden retriever and they are naughty and jump on people like mine and it would stress you out to have them there. Ha!
For more puppy sweetness, make sure you check out more here: Columbia River Gorge: Family Photo Location Inspiration and Rooster Rock State Park: Family Photo Location Inspiration.
Most beautiful location for family photos award
My most popular location for family photos and the absolute most beautiful area I recommend is the Columbia River Gorge. Bonus, if you book your family photo shoot in the Spring, you will be surrounded by the most vibrant yellow flowers with an incredible view of the Gorge.
This family had an awesome family photo shoot in these stunning wildflowers last Spring. They played in the lush green grass and flowers, found ladybugs, laughed, ran, and snuggled in the warmth of the sun.
To say it was magical is an understatement. I grew up here and sometimes I am guilty of taking these areas for granted. However, after a long dark winter, when spring finally arrives, I am reminded how breathtaking it is here.
Can you imagine having these photos in a heirloom album on your coffee table or a large canvas over your mantle? It would feel like spring all year long in your home. I would love that.
You will love checking out their family photo slideshow over on their blog and discover more about family photos in yellow wildflowers.
The coolest dad award
“My husband won’t be as excited about photos as I am” I hear this a lot from moms after they book their family session.
As a mom and a family photographer, I get it. I know they would rather be golfing, hiking, watching the game, or just relaxing. However, I have yet to have a dad or partner not do absolutely amazing at their family photos. They are all such good sports about family photo day.
I always hear at the end of their session from dads, “that was easy?!”
I should probably knock on wood right?! Ha, kidding.
But in all honesty, I appreciate so much that ALL the dads I have photographed are the COOLEST! They are there for their family, supportive, and go with the flow. I could have put every single dad I have photographed this year and in years past on here.
I think the photos speak for themselves. 😌 So, this award goes to every single dad I have photographed this year!
Family photo superlatives award for most adventurous family
When this family booked their session, the forecast was chilly but sunny for the date they chose. But, as we know the Pacific Northwest weather can change quickly and it did. The forecast began calling for freezing temperatures and possible snow as we got closer to their session day. I thought they may want to reschedule but I hoped they would be up for a little adventure, luckily they were!
When I say this session was cold, that is an understatement. We were right on the water, the wind was so chilly, and it was snowing. The kids were such troopers, mom and dad just really let go and had fun with their kids! Honestly, it was so fun to be with them on the beach that day.
Just because its winter, doesn’t mean you cant have an awesome family photo shoot. Check out my winter family photo ideas blog.
Family photo superlatives award for the most fun sisters award
These sisters were so fun and took me back to my childhood with my sister. The youngest one kept me on toes with her silly personality and laughter. The oldest was sweet and the way she interacted with her little sister was adorable.
Their smiles and giggles were contagious. I can almost hear them laughing in this photo every time I look at it.
I think they will be besties for life, don’t you?
The sweetest moment with mom and son award
Maybe it’s because I have a son myself but these tender baby boy moments completely melt me.
This family chose to have their session at a local park in the spring and there were bold colored roses through out the garden we were walking through. I saw an opportunity to have baby and mom framed under the gorgeous arch of roses and I knew instantly, it would be one of my favorites.
I still hold my six year old son like this sometimes and I he will completely melt with me. I imagine when this little guy in the photo is grown, he will love this photo as much as mom did.
Can you imagine having a photo like this of your mother holding you when you were a baby? If I had one of my mom, it would be framed on my walls so I could see it everyday.
Family photo superlatives award for sweetest sibling photos
This was the second time I got to photograph this family. I was honored that I was able to be there for these incredibly sweet kisses from older sis. She was gentle, attentive, and got to feed him during part of their newborn session.
I love photographing older siblings as they discover more about the newest family member during newborn sessions. They are inquisitive and although quickly move on to something else after these fleeting moments, it is these photos I know parents will love most.
Sweetest newborn smiles award
Although I have certain images I would like to get in a photo session, I never go into a photo session with the intention that I must have certain photos. I go with an intention to go with the flow, which in turn, leads to a relaxed environment for everyone. Especially for a newborn. I believe, they can feel that. I think they know nothing will be forced and if they want, they can be in their parents arms or chillin’ on the bed the entire session.
Maybe its luck or maybe they are wondering, who is this silly lady with the big camera and it makes them smile. 😊
Most beautiful backdrop for a family photo award
During a warm fall evening, this family started their photo shoot in the Columbia River Gorge. As the sun was gently setting, I knew I wanted to get them walking in front of this vast rock formation.
I had them hold hand walking down the dock, instructed them to not look at me and just walk down until I said to stop. We did it three times and on this third shot, I knew this would be one of my favorite images for the year, and it was!
My number one recommendation for a location for family photos is always the gorge. It’s a special place to the pacific northwest. Furthermore, it is fun for your kids, partners, and pets to enjoy the area.
A sincere thank you
As I wrap up the family superlatives awards, I want to send a sincere thank you to everyone again. A small businesses life depends on referrals and reviews. Sometimes I think, I am just a tired mom, how can I really do this and live my dream of photography? It’s the grace of God and you.
I have sincerely enjoyed working with every single one of you.
Thank you and many blessings for 2023!
Be love and give love.
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