Backyard Family Photos | The Stedwells | Bartlesville OK Photos

This year was the year I FINALLY committed to photographing families! When I started my business in 2011, I was so far off from thinking about little kids and starting a family that I felt like I couldn’t relate well to that season. It’s only been in the last 2 years  or so that my perspective has shifted – children are a GIFT!!! No matter the stage of life! I love that the Lord has given me and Jonathan the opportunity to be surrounded by so many young families in Bartlesville, too. We have the privilege of getting to watching so many of our friends parent, and it’s something we discuss often. We’ve been privy to a variety of styles and disciplines, and have even jumped right in to helping and assisting with the little ones in our church community and neighborhood when and where we can!

I know so many moms who want nothing more than a couple sweet family photos each year to capture their children grow, but who might be overwhelmed at the thought of it all. Getting their kids dressed up, together, and cooperative for a photo session can be so stressful, but that is why I am here to help! I send out a portrait style guide when each family books that is chalk-full of guidance, ideas, and advice for how to prepare. Everything from coordinating outfits (pick out mom’s first!), to tips for getting your kiddos to get excited (take treats, toys, or plan for an ice cream trip afterwards!), and more…I love getting to send this resource to new friends to help make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Martha and Sean were so kind to invite me to their home out east of Bartlesville for their first ever family photos! Calvin just turned one, and was unsure about everything from the start. I was so glad we were able to sneak a couple smiles out of him – especially when he was on his dad’s shoulders! He is such a cutie!!!

An attitude I’ve adopted recently with family photos (especially when the kids are 3 or younger) has been to let them run the show during photos. I would never normally advocate for this outside of this setting, because parents gotta parent, but sometimes it is best to let the kiddos take a little break! When they need a few minutes, we’ll let them wander off a bit, munch on those ‘nilla wafers (like Calvin did this night!), and snap a few portraits of mom & dad in the in-between! Giving them free-range to just be themselves, play, and take some time to relax can make a huge difference!

Enjoy, friends!