When I receive inquiries for photo sessions, people often ask me to recommend a place to go that has a beautiful backdrop for their family pictures. And I think this request makes a lot of sense — it’s amazing to have your family’s photos taken when spring blossoms are in full bloom or fall foliage is at it’s peak. But I have to say, over the last seven years of photographing families, the sessions at home are almost always my favorites.
This family is not a new client of mine and it’s not the first time I’ve been at their house (the first time was at the newborn session of their second daughter) But it was the first time we spent so much time outside at their home — playing on the swingset, jumping on the trampoline, watering the flowers, chatting with the chickens ( yes you read that right — chickens!!), and just plain hanging out in the yard. In my opinion, home is the where all the good stuff happens. Children are so comfortable in their element that their true personalities really come through. This family chose to have an outdoor session with this me last year at the Arnold Arboretum, and is definitely a favorite of mine, but this one is a very close rival, because it is just so genuine and simple and real.
This post is bursting at the seams with images. It is hard to narrow them down when I want to show the full story….!
I can hardly believe this adorable toddler is the same newborn baby that I photographed just two years ago! Such a big girl now!
There is nothing better than little girls in dresses jumping on a trampoline.
I’m so impressed and inspired by Mom, who has an amazing green thumb and grew all the flowers around her property. She took some of the fruits of her labor and created flower crowns for her girls to wear at the photo session. Full disclosure, the girls didn’t leave the crowns on for very long, but they sure were beautiful while they lasted! 🙂
Through a series of very lucky events, this family inherited an amazingly cool tiny home that now sits on their property. Talk about an awesome playhouse!! As my 8 year old daughter looks over my shoulder while I write this blog post, she tells me the teal door and round window are the best parts — I think I agree!! 
I can just envision hours upon hours of make believe happening in this little house!
In our first session together almost three years ago, we were able to include their sweet dog Hoot, who sadly passed away. I was so happy to see this family have new found joy in their lives with with their sweet puppy George!
Sisters on the rock wall, just hanging out, talking about things that little girls talk about. Sharing popsicles, singing, giggling. So simple, real and beautiful. Life is good.
Suddenly, it was time to water the flowers….
Last but certainly not least, the family introduced me to their new their newest family members…CHICKENS!! Yes, chickens. They recently adopted these little guys and hope to have eggs very soon! Seems like a pretty neat science project for the girls, right in their very own backyard. 
Thank you so very much for inviting me into your life for an afternoon. I loved documenting all of the details big and small and can’t wait to do it again next year!!
Cara Soulia Family Photographer Massachusetts
Cara will come to your home and photograph your family in a real and beautiful way. Get in touch if you’d like to capture the very fleeting, silly, unexpected and important moments of your life with young children. See more family sessions on the blog!