This was sort of a surprise portrait session. We had been talking about scheduling a 2012 family portrait session this fall.  The plan was to schedule a “perfect family day”,  that is a fun family outing together that would capture the love and delight that is their particular brand of famliness. Serendipitously, we found ourselves enjoying a gorgeous fall day together at The Inn at Bingham School. A bunch of the Saxapahaw locals and friends had gathered for a game of Petanque (French yard game similar to Bocci). Dappled sunlight, warm but with an autumn chill to the air. Laughter, snacks, and friends to frolic with. There are a number of pecan trees on the Inn property and the pecans have just started to ripen. After the games, Miss C was sitting on her dad’s lap, learning how to crack open pecans when she looks over at me. She whispers to her dad for a reminder, “What’s her name?” Then she looks over at me. “Sarah, will you take a picture?” Of course! What do you want a photo of? “Me and my daddy!”

This was a perfect opportunity to take some no-stress family photographs. With 5yr old buy-in, no less.  I love that these were spontaneous and unplanned because it shows the real them, complete with Miss C in her Tinkerbell t-shirt.

Meanwhile, her brother is worn out and can barely keep his eyese open after a full morning of adventures in “the woods” around the Inn and playing with other village kids. He snuggles safely in moms arms while she chats with friends.

Soon Miss C tries on her dad’s hat and wants Mom to see. I ask if I can take a picture of her in the hat. She’s shy for a moment. But then, with a blend of sweet and slightly saucy she gets from her mother, see looks right at me with those gorgouse eyes of hers.