I’ve decided that this little one is my spirit animal (spirit human?). I shared a photo over on Facebook in which she was making a face exactly as I often do. And now we have another one. See? Spirit-girl.

So if you were with me here yesterday, you would have seen this and will know that this is part 2 of this hybrid session. What’s a hybrid? Well, I made it up, but for me it’s part family photography, part lifestyle photography, and a whooolllleee lotta goodness all in one session. Mary comes from years of photography experience having a close friend who is also a photographer when they were living in Texas. I’ve offered lifestyle sessions for as long as I’ve been here, but this year I’ve shot a couple of these hybrid sessions, as I’m calling them, and really believe this is the best of all worlds for families with little ones. In this case, Mary and Courtney have their hands full with four kiddos ranging from 2-6 (with twin girls right in the middle)! They were a little nervous about how things would go, but I have to share that I had a blast during their session. The kids warmed up to me very quickly, as they showed off their new clothes and boots and filled me in on their football playoffs. They squealed in hysterical giggles as they gave me bunny ears and put netting on my head while each one had their turn in outdoor photos. They shouted to Mary that she should be friends with me as I partook in their shenanigans and shook my booty at them to get them giggling even more. It was my kind of morning. <3 By the time we made it inside, they were fighting over who’s room I would get to see first.

Mary had a full vision for her lifestyle session before we had ever even booked. My lifestyle sessions are 100% activity-based and unposed, and I leave it up to the client to determine what they want to include and what spaces they use in their home. With these guys, you could tell that whether it’s a photo session or not, this is their norm. Especially when we got to the dance party portion. 😉 Words won’t do this session justice (hence the 2-part post!), but the images will get you there, so here it is!

Mary and Courtney and kids – thank you for inviting me into your home. Thank you for being playful and real and allowing me to peak into your daily lives. Everything about your session fills my heart. Happy fall!

casey and her camera offers Indianapolis Lifestyle Photography sessions for Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding areas. She specializes in family, couple, elopement, wedding and lifestyle photography for Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding areas.