Every year around the holidays, one lucky family snags an extended family session with me on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a date that fills quickly every year, and one that I always receive several inquiries for. It’s that time of year that families are able to get together, in once place, sometimes after years of not being all together. We’ve lucked out with weather for the last few years and these sessions have become something I look forward to every year. I know how important these shots are to families and it warms my heart when I shoot sessions that so many generations can enjoy the photographs from for years to come.

This year’s family was the Rhinesmith family. Of all of these sessions I’ve shot, they’ve always taken place at a family member’s home – something that makes the moments and the memories even more powerful and sentimental. This year, while things were chilly, we lucked out with some gorgeous sun that just lit up the backyard. With a few little ones participating, it was nice to be able to keep them warm inside until they were needed for a few shots, and filled up with snacks, too. 😉

What’s better than an extended family session shot at home? One that includes dogs. SO.MANY.DOGS. Each family unit from this extended family had a dog of their own (sometimes 2 or more!) and the dogs were having just as great of a time as the humans. The dogs all made it into town for the holiday and were loving the time with their dog-cousins. We made sure to include them in some of the shots, as well!

But maybe the best part about the whole evening was the chorus of Baby Shark’s that echoed throughout the neighborhood to help keep the littles entertained. I may have even joined in myself. Thanks for having me, Rhinesmith family!

casey and her camera is an Indianapolis photographer specializing in couple, lifestyle, and family photography for Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding areas.