Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture the joy, love, and unique personalities of each family member—and when a furry friend is part of the equation, the experience becomes even more special! I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Smith family during their summer session at Whitetail Woods in Farmington, Minnesota, alongside their adorable Bernedoodle, Sophie. Together, they created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Whitetail Woods is one of the most picturesque locations in the area, featuring scenic trails, lush greenery, and tranquil ponds that showcase the beauty of nature in summer. As we arrived at the park, the sun was shining, and the vibrant wildflowers were in full bloom, providing the ideal backdrop for the Smith family’s photos. The warm weather and inviting atmosphere made it the perfect day for capturing moments together. Well…..except the bugs.

We had initially set their family session towards the end of June. That week, if y’all remember, it rained. ALL WEEK. So we pushed it back a week. The day we were to meet, it threatened to rain. Copy and paste, we moved it. Meredith contacted me late one night before the day of their session to see if I was available to do it on that Sunday because it looked like it was going to rain again…and I didn’t take any chances with the weather and we met up 2 days before we were set to. I’m glad we did. It was a gorgeous night, again, except for the bugs.

I loved hanging out with the Smith family. They were full of energy and sassiness and I was totally there for it.