Some sessions are special because of the location, while others are special because of the people. This session with the Schmidgall family was both! I met Zach and Kennedy years ago when we were all in college. It’s been such a gift to watch their family grow into the beautiful family of five they are today. Being invited back into my clients’ (and friends!) lives as the years go by is something I’ll never take for granted.
And spending a summer evening with them at their home was such a sweet reminder of why I love this job!
Getting this session on the calendar took a little patience. Between illnesses, busy schedules, and unpredictable Midwest weather, we found ourselves rescheduling more than once. On the drive to their home, I even drove through a light sprinkle and wondered why the weather wasn’t on our side. Thankfully, the clouds cleared just in time and the temperatures were comfortable. We ended up with one of those summer evenings that felt like it had been worth waiting for all along.
One of the things I love most about photographing families at home is that there’s no pressure to create a picture-perfect backdrop. Home is already meaningful because it’s where your family’s story is unfolding every single day. It’s where your children play, where they feel most comfortable, and where so many of your favorite memories are being made. Those familiar surroundings help everyone relax, and that comfort always shines through in the final images.
The Schmidgall kids were full of smiles, laughter, and personality throughout the evening! Watching the five of them simply enjoy time together was my favorite part of the session.
Years from now, I hope these photographs remind them not only of what life looked like during this season, but of how it felt to spend an ordinary summer evening together at home. Those are often the memories that become the most meaningful. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to preserve them for such a wonderful family.
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Central Illinois Family Photographer | Central Illinois Photographer | Illinois Family Photographer
