Early Morning Connection | Family Storytelling Photography

I don’t think waking up before the sun rises on a Saturday was what any of them had in mind. Or the freezing temperatures that come with an early November morning. But when Lindsey, Dan, and their five boys showed up, you couldn’t tell. Wrapped in blankets between sets, every smile came easily when the camera came out.

Now, I’m good at what I do, but I give credit for the endless smiles to the love and connection this family shares. The tickle fights, the quick jokes, and the playful teasing happening just out of frame made every frame come easily.

What stood out most that morning wasn’t the sunrise or the light, though both were beautiful. It was the way they showed up for each other. Even when I asked which one of them was the one who could make everyone laugh, they all started smiling, because we all knew that it could have been any one of them. That’s the best part about family storytelling photography, when you see how connection isn’t something that has to be created, it’s already there.

There was a moment when they walked together through a field of tall grass, laughing and holding hands. Not one of them was performing or posing; they were just being who they are together. Those are always my favorite moments. When people forget I’m even there and the real story starts to unfold.

Driving home, I felt tired (because sunrise sessions will do that), but mostly grateful. Grateful for the light, the laughter, and for another chance to photograph people I’ve known and loved for years. And you know there was conversation about who has the highest score on the pinball machine in their basement.

Because the beauty of connection, whether it’s between siblings, couples, or friends, is that it never stops growing. It just changes shape over time, and every stage is worth remembering.

Dan, Lindsey, and all your boys, thank you for allowing me to spend a morning with you. For being willing to wake up, dress up, and get out the door on a Saturday morning. Spending time with you is always a good time. Thanks for the years of fun, laughter, and pinball moving help. I’m so grateful to get to call you friends.