When we lived in Littleton, taking “good photos” of my own kids was an ordeal that usually led to anxiety, stress, and tears shed from everyone involved (mostly my own, haha.) I had to convince Jason or my mom to help and then pack up the girls to drive somewhere pretty. I always tried to bribe them into cooperating, but usually we still ended up with someone throwing a tantrum before we even arrived (this is known as “photographer’s kid syndrome.”) Don’t get me wrong, we got some beautiful photos of the girls that I am so thankful for, but it wasn’t easy. Now that we live on a farm, I have to say that most of the process is easier. The biggest change is that they are no longer toddlers and are old enough to cooperate (hallelujah!!) but it also helps that our backyard is a photo wonderland. ;-)

I took advantage of an early December evening to take some photos of my own kids last year. My busy fall season was over, and even though we take family photos every fall I decided to throw in an extra session of my girls for fun. Sometimes I just need to get out and be creative without the pressure of pleasing anyone other than myself.

I also wanted get out of my comfort zone and use a lens other than my 135mm 1.2 (if there was such a thing as a lens soulmate, this would be mine — it basically never leaves my camera.) I know so many people who LOVE the Sigma ART 35mm 1.4, but after owning it for almost 3 years I still hadn’t used it more than once or twice. This session helped me finally fall in love with it too! It is fast, sharp, and the perspective and natural starburst sun flares with this lens are ahhhhmazing! It helped me bring my vision for this session to life perfectly!

We headed out to the back yard around sunset and took advantage of the absolutely perfect golden hour light. I was imagining something unposed, sun-drenched, and focused on their relationship as sisters, and that is exactly what we created! I let them pick out their own dresses and boots, and instead of taming their crazy hair I let it stay wild and blow in the wind. They danced, ran, and played, and they were absolute troopers as I chased them with my camera. It got chilly toward the end (and there may have been a little whining) but these have quickly become some of my all-time favorite photos!

Maybe I’m just a sucker for farm photos, but Kiowa sessions have stolen my heart over the past few years. Every time I take photos out here I love it a little bit more. I hope you enjoy them too!