As a family photographer it’s not uncommon for a session to take on a life of it’s own and go in a totally unanticipated, but awesome direction—and that’s exactly what happened with this family session. We had planned an outdoor shoot at a local park, but thanks to Wisconsin’s unpredictable summer storms, our location had to change at the last minute. John and Lia suggested we shift to their home, and it turned out to be the best surprise. Their secluded backyard oasis, complete with a pond covered in lily pads, was absolutely stunning and felt like it was made for portraits.

It had been nearly six years since their last professional family photos, so this session felt especially meaningful. The timing was also perfect—John and Lia just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, and their connection was so easy to capture.

Hannah, now 10, was full of excitement as she told me all about her upcoming fishing trip to Canada. Her adventurous spirit lit up her portraits, and it was such a joy to capture that spark. Nathanial, who spends his days fixing cars and working on hydronic lifts in machine shops, brought a calm and steady energy to the session. You could see how proud Lia and John are of both kids.

One of the most incredible things about this family is that they’re all taekwondo black belts. Hannah earned hers this past March, which is an accomplishment worth celebrating in itself. That dedication, discipline, and teamwork really shines through in the way they interact together.

What began as a weather challenge turned into a session filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of images that tell a family’s story authentically. Their backyard sanctuary wasn’t just a backup—it was the perfect reflection of who they are together.

John, Lia, Hannah and Nathanial,

Thank you so much for being flexible while we dealt with our crazy Wisconsin weather and for having me over on such short notice to capture your session. I had a wonderful time with you all!

Best,
Jen

Would you like beautiful family photos like these? Contact me! Let’s book your session.