For this pregnancy I made sure I had post partum items for me that I thought would really aid to my healing and nourish my body the most. Rather than collecting additional new baby items, I tried to get as many used items from Facebook Marketplace as possible. I know with a first you probably won’t do the second hand thing and that’s totally okay! Just don’t forget to put items on your registry for yourself.

I recently had a client reach out asking how to prepare for her Fall mini session. She has a three and four year old and wants to know what to expect. I’m so glad she asked because I’m sure there are many people out there who have never had a mini session and don’t know what they are in for. I had to think back to my first mini session with our first daughter back in 2018. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew we weren’t going to have a lot of time. Here is what I wish I had known.

I’m not sure how I held on to these photos all winter and spring without sharing but as I’m working on my fall calendar to release dates I thought it was about time! This is not only one of my favorite families in the Treasure Valley it’s also my favorite location. This mama rocked the outfits so well and their color palette was perfect for these lovely fall portraits.

When families reach out to me to photograph their families for the third time I am so honored. Really, I am! It feels so special to watch a family grow. I’ve been taking Olivia’s photos for a few years now and to watch her growth has been such a pleasure. This sweet family of three usually brings along the paternal grandmother but this session they also brought along the maternal grandmother which was so incredibly special!

Spring in Boise, Idaho is a fantastic time for a photoshoot. After the cold dark winter there is nothing better than coming out of hibernation to the warm but still cool days with sun shining on your skin. You warm up a little and can peel back some layers. The grasses are turning green and the trees leaves are budding. The light is so bright and renewing. Everything is coming alive and you get to witness the beauty happening week by week.

Dry Creek Historical Society is one of my favorite locations in the late spring and summer. The trees are beautiful and the flowers are in bloom. It has a ton of diverse areas to use as locations from right by the old farm house and garden to the barn to ever green trees and so much more!

During spring I get a lot of questions from clients on what to wear for their family photoshoots. Trees are blooming, grasses are bright green and sometimes overgrown. There may also be lovely light purple wild flowers in June! Everything is coming alive and we don’t want our outfits competing with mother nature.

I love when my clients have new locations for me! Certainly the Boise River is not a new location but this particular spot was. It was within walking distance to their home and it was so lovely! I loved how quiet, peaceful, and remote this section of the Green Belt.

My favorite family sessions are when the family brings elements of what makes them unique to their session. For this family in the past they have brought a cooler of beverages and a football to throw around. This session started with a shot of bourbon to knock the edge off! This isn’t uncommon as many people feel shy in front of the camera or maybe they share a love of bourbon!

One of my favorite photo locations is the Dry Creek Historical Society! The reason being is that the Treasure Valley has a lot of beautiful locations for family photos but most aren’t private and you will run into other photographers pining for the best spots. You don’t have to do that here at the Farmstead Gardens because photographers are required to have a yearly pass to photograph here. I’ve made the investment to support the historical society by purchasing the pass. This allows my clients a very special location.