A Morning on the River - Erin’s Story

I was lucky enough to document Erin’s pregnancy and the early days of motherhood. When she reached out again as her little boy was nearing his first birthday, she wanted a session that reflected the season they were in—nothing too forced, nothing too posed. We talked about doing photos in their home or finding a meaningful spot around town, but when she mentioned how they’d been spending most weekends on the river, I knew that was it. Her son had become a true little river baby, happiest with his toes in the water, splashing and exploring for hours.

As soon as Erin described their favorite spot, I could already picture it—the way the light filters through the trees, the quiet calm of the river, the easy rhythm of their weekends together.

On the day of the session, we walked the trail to the water, the morning still soft and golden. They led me to their usual place by the riverbank, and everything unfolded so naturally. Their boy waded in the shallows like he’d done a hundred times before, mom and dad close by, quietly watching.

These are the kinds of sessions I love—when families choose to be photographed in the spaces that already hold pieces of their story. No extra stress, no matching outfits or perfect poses. Just the beauty of everyday life, exactly as it is.

What would it look like to photograph your family in the places you already love most?