Milwaukee Family Photographer: Sara, Halsey, Wilco and Andrew!
We met Sara and Halsey long before a search for a Milwaukee family photographer was even a glimmer in their eye. We had the utter joy of shooting their wedding and meeting their entire family up to that point. It was a lovely afternoon and evening at Lake Park Bistro years ago and they have been firmly lodged in our hearts ever since. We were thrilled when they announced Wilco’s arrival and overjoyed to hear about Andrew joining the party.
Generally, about once a year we get to update our family portfolio for them and it’s always a blast. As is often the case with kids (and seemingly even moreso with boys), the idea of a portrait “sitting” is a bit on the unrealistic side. It’s usually more of a portrait “chase and pray” or, more diplomatically, a portrait “experience”.
We thought some props would be a fun way to start. It gave the boys something to focus and interrupt the endless game of tag that is their lives.
Soon enough, it was time to turn them loose. We realized long ago that kids will only give you what they can give you. As parents ourselves, we know how challenging it can be to embrace that freedom and flexibility when you are trying to accomplish something (we struggle without when our own kids are in front of the camera). But, it is always the best way toward a successful shoot. We always want them to have fun and not feel like they are going to the dentist. It also doesn’t hurt for them to burn some energy.
Giving a family the space to just be also allows for these types of images to happen, the kind that remind you of moments you see in your daily life with each other.
These moments as brothers, without a care in the world compared to what life will bring, are so precious and fleeting.
Once they’re ready, we can gather everyone together again for another crack at an image where everyone is looking at the camera together. Of course, that window closes quickly sometimes (see below).
We always make sure to take some photos of just Sara and Halsey during this annual tradition. Who could resist?
