Lifestyle family photography is fun (for both the family and photographer), but when the said photographer has been friends with the families mom for 34 years, it’s soul gushing wonderful. My hubby and I took a getaway to Florida and got to spend some time with this amazing family. This photography session started in the morning, with pjs on, and a tour of all the favorite toys in the playroom. And ended in PJs in the same playroom the next day.
Mike and I hit the white sandy beach and came back to some very sweet moments of Kara and Luca gardening. My camera was at the ready. Kara has a green thumb and has done an amazing job in her yard and garden, so we decided to focus the photos of them there: at home, in the yard, & on the street. Even a favorite neighbor friend joined for a bit for the bike riding portion. Without it being planned, Luca wore a t-shirt from New Orleans and Colorado, both places Kara and John have lived prior. Johnny never did get out of his pjs, but it makes me love the images even more. Because that is family life. At least at my house.
Throughout the 24 hours recorded, we pulled out toys that had special meaning like the wagon the John restored for the boys and the bike and scooter. Johnny is obsessed with PJ Masks and Luca couldn’t stop playing with the magnetic blocks. Hungry Hungry Hippos even came out. Their dog Cujo is getting up there in age, so we wanted to make sure he was a part of the action as well. Ice cream? Yup: that happened too. And a game of frisbee tag. We caught everyday moments like Kara talking to a neighbor with her youngest on her hip. A crying fit because someone else stole the scooter. And John working while the boys watched cartoons. Even some snippets of fighting.
It was all magical.
And if you want to see how their family has changed in 2.5 short years, check out their last family session!
Playroom action and gardening…
Riding bikes and scooters with a friend…
Dad spends a good part of his playtime pulling the wagon along and the boys love it…and I adore this moment of John comforting Johnny.
The boys are best friends, and also a touch competitive. Check out their expressions! 
I think it is so important to get mom and dad by themselves for a few images too. You can see how much they love each other and their family.
Lifestyle family photography: a few portraits
I love, love, love how sweet this image is of Luca snuggling his mamma. 
Cujo did not like being left out of the group hug, so he ran in. John followed. The next few moments were so much fun with so much love.
lifestyle family photography: “portrait” time
Ice cream! Maybe a bit of a bribe for hugs, kisses, and tickles well done. Kara and John were not as interested in a traditional family portrait and instead wanted to capture the essence of their family life: fun, loving, chaotic, busy, and bright. 
Fast forward to the next morning in the boys’ bedroom. I may or may not have let them jump on the bed and throw toys back and forth. And John got caught up on some work for the weekend. Then back to the playroom, Johnny again in pajamas. Perfection. At least for lifestyle family photography.
