This year, I had the pleasure of photographing the Brewer family at their beautiful home in Tendoy. The setting was perfect, but the highlight of the session was the goal to incorporate their beloved horses. For those who know me, this isn’t my first time working with animals in a family shoot, and horses can sometimes be even trickier than small children! However, I believe that including elements that reflect a family’s unique interests, such as pets, is key to creating meaningful, personalized photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Working with horses can be unpredictable, and this session was no exception. Between three horses and two toddlers, we had a dynamic mix, but that’s all part of the magic. The chaos is worth it for the moments we capture! Plus, when you bring something like horses into your session, it becomes more than just a photoshoot—it’s a reflection of who you are as a family. If your pets are part of your life, why not make them part of your memories, too?

We started the session by walking around the property with the horses, taking as many photos as possible while everyone was still excited and engaged. There’s something special about photographing a family in their own environment—especially with animals that mean so much to them. Shooting at the Brewer’s home made the entire session even more intimate and personal, with the horses adding an authentic and natural touch.

Of course, with toddlers, it’s crucial to keep things moving! Their attention spans are short, and it doesn’t take long before they’re over it. After 10+ years of photographing families, I’ve learned how to keep the energy up, even when dad’s ready to call it a day! We incorporated playful moments into the session, letting the kids interact naturally with the horses, and that really brought out their personalities.

One of the most memorable parts of the session was the breathtaking sunset that served as the backdrop for many of the shots. The Brewer family’s property is expansive and absolutely stunning. With the sun setting over the mountains and the wide open space around us, the entire setting felt like a painting. We even had some cows wandering in the background, adding to the rustic charm of the photos!

In the end, it was a truly special session, blending the beauty of nature, the joy of family, and the chaos that comes with little ones and large animals. These kinds of sessions are what I live for—capturing moments that reflect the real, messy, and wonderful parts of life. If you’re considering a family session, I highly encourage you to think about what makes your family unique. Whether it’s your pets, your favorite location, or a special activity, these details make the photos all the more meaningful.