As my year winds down, I only have two things left to share with you all. The first of which is this lifestyle Christmas session that has me singing all the Christmas tunes while I work, and lusting after having my own lifestyle Christmas session at home some day. Michal and David and the boys have been long-time clients, now, and I’m forever grateful they keep coming back year after year. Not just because it fills my heart when families book again and again, or because I’ve been able to see them grow their family and see the boys grow, but because they are SO MUCH FUN to photograph.

I’ve always had a love for families who show up to sessions ready to run and play and just be every bit as real as they are in everyday life. Sure, maybe they have on fancier clothes (or dinosaur themed coordinating outfits 😉), but all of the moments that are happening around me are unscripted… like eating Pop-Tarts and waving ‘hi’ at the kitchen counter while the rest of the family is in wardrobe. For me, these families and sessions always feel free of expectation, even though I know everyone comes to a session hoping to capture something – that certain shot, a particular facial expression, a habit a little one will soon grow out of. It can be hard to forget about the camera in the session, but these five are pros at it.

We shot on their land last Christmas, while their new home was being built, but this was my first time stepping inside and their first session at home. And it was glorious. Michal and David did a phenomenal job designing this space to fit them as a family – it’s gorgeous, it’s functional (hello classroom/playroom-off-the-kitchen-envy), and it’s every bit as photogenic as they are. Michal had everything planned and organized for our time together, including 3 wardrobe changes (encouraged by me… I am NOT missing out on dinosaur Santa jammies), tree decorating, several book breaks, snuggling by the fire, wrestling on the bed, donut decorating (COUNT ME IN!), and chickens. Yep, chickens. Also encouraged by me. Okay, maybe I almost even begged as I tried to plant visions in their heads of family photos with the chickens. Was it worth it? 100%. Even if it meant chasing chickens around in the brush for 30 minutes because they were scared of hawk that kept circling. But we got the shot and it’s PURE GOLD. Michal went so far as to say that it was the best photo of their family and nothing could ever top it, and then shortly afterwards I retired from the business because I realized I couldn’t top it either. But you’ll just have to scroll all the way through to see it. Enjoy!

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… drumroll, please… TA-DA! I give you the photo that forced me into retirement because nothing can ever top it. Happy holidays, everyone!

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