It amazes me every time I edit a gallery of images and the number of final images I deliver to the client far exceeds my (and likely their) expectations. Sure, I tell folks up front approximately how many images they can expect to receive from a full session or a milestone session, but the final number never comes close to that. The truth is, I believe in editing and delivering anything that makes a ‘strong’ image. That can mean a lot of things, but for all technically sound images, it means that if there’s a small variation from one frame to the next, but that variation is in a child’s face, you can bet they’re going to get both. Who am I to determine which expressions Mom and Dad see most often at home, or mean something important, or are just special because they’ve seen that look hundreds of times since the day they brought that baby into the world.

Of course, image numbers grow when families are larger, too, so when the number of family photos for a family of three makes my eyes grow large, you know it’s a good one. I couldn’t believe it’d already been two years when I saw Christy’s name pop up in my inbox. It feels like just a few months ago that I met them in Zionsville for their first session. So when Wesley got out of the car for this year’s session, my jaw dropped. It’s amazing how much kids grow, sure, but there’s this change from little kid to big kid that seems to happen when they turn four. Christy and Ryan opted for a different setting this year, meeting me at Eagle Creek Park to catch the gorgeous fall colors that happen late-fall. This family of three was up for every adventure, including wading out into the weeds (which were shedding all over us) and being circled (and trampled… sorry, Ryan!) by an overly excited golden retriever who’s owner was off in the distance.

We took advantage of the weather and the colors and explored every bit of the park we could fit into our session window. Which means, of course, that their final gallery is huge… we’re talking as big as a gallery for a family of 5. Oops. But not really, because who wouldn’t want photos of every changing face and expression of this sweet boy. Just see for yourself!

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