A Fall Family Session at Schaar’s Bluff with the Blackwell Family
As a photographer, there are few things more rewarding than working with a new family and capturing the beauty of their unique dynamics. The Blackwell family was one of those wonderful sessions that I will remember for a long time. They were such a joy to work with, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to capture these moments for them.
Noah and Lindsay are the proud parents of four amazing kids: Noah, Grayson, Ryken, and their youngest, the sweet little caboose, Benjamin. I met the Blackwell family at Schaar’s Bluff in Hastings, which was the perfect meeting spot. Since they live in the Cottage Grove area, it was a convenient location that provided beautiful scenery and a peaceful setting for their session. Schaar’s Bluff is one of those magical places where fall colors really come to life, and we were lucky to have the perfect backdrop for their family photos.
From the start, I could tell that Lindsay had an eye for style. She picked out outfits for the family that complemented each other perfectly. But I have to give a special shout-out to Lindsay for her impeccable style. She looked absolutely stunning, and her outfit really tied everything together. It’s not often you see a family session where everyone looks picture-perfect without feeling too “done up,” but Lindsay managed to strike that perfect balance of looking effortlessly chic while keeping things casual and comfortable. The kids’ outfits were equally cute, and I loved how they all coordinated in a way that made the family look like a million bucks without it feeling forced.
The weather was absolutely perfect for our session—not too hot, not too cold, and there was just the right amount of light filtering through the trees. The sky was clear and blue, and the air had that crisp, fresh quality that makes fall so special. The sun began to set, casting that warm golden light over everything, which made the whole scene feel like something out of a dream.
Now, let’s talk about the kids. Oh my goodness, what a fun bunch they were! The two older boys, Noah and Grayson, were so easygoing and full of smiles. They were up for anything and made posing for photos a breeze. But it was little Ryken who really kept me on my toes. I’ve worked with many kids over the years, but there’s something about Ryken’s fiery personality that just cracks me up. She had me laughing throughout the entire session with her spunky attitude and mischievous grins. I couldn’t help but admire her strong-willed nature—it made her a ton of fun to photograph! And of course, Benjamin, the littlest one, was just a bundle of joy. His big eyes and sweet smile melted my heart, and I was so happy to capture his adorable expressions.
The whole session was filled with laughter, love, and lots of little moments that made it truly special. I could tell that Noah and Lindsay have done a wonderful job creating a home full of warmth, joy, and a little bit of chaos—just the right mix for a happy family. The connection between the siblings was so sweet to see, and it was clear that, despite the occasional “spitfire” energy, they really love each other.
I had an amazing time working with the Blackwell family, and I’m so grateful they chose me to document this season in their lives. I would absolutely love to work with them again in the future—it was one of those sessions where you can feel the joy and connection through the photos. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot for a fall session, Schaar’s Bluff is definitely a place to consider. With its breathtaking views and gorgeous fall colors, it’s the perfect location for creating lasting memories.
Thank you, Blackwell family, for being so wonderful to work with! I hope these photos serve as a reminder of the love, laughter, and beautiful moments you share together.
