Under the Willows Family Session
It's no secret that the willows has become my favorite spot to photograph families and couples (see my other blog post about the space here) in North Alabama. Don't get me wrong, I still love Hays Nature Preserve, Blevins Gap Overlook. Harvest Square Nature Preserve, and downtown Huntsville...but there's just something so fun and unique about the willows. It's seriously like stepping into another world for a moment, one created just to make the most beautiful of memories. This time, I had a family of seven join me to create that magic.
Controlled Chaos
Photographing a family of seven might sound like a logistical challenge, but honestly? It felt more like documenting joy in motion. The kids were full of energy in the best way: laughing, chasing each other, and making the willows feel like their own little enchanted playground. There was this moment when one found rocks to throw in the pond, instantly recruiting his siblings to play along too.
The beauty of the willows is that it gives families space to breathe and be themselves. There’s no need to force smiles when you’re busy making memories. I just get to stand back (okay, sometimes sprint after toddlers) and capture the genuine connection as it unfolds.
Mom and Dad were so patient and present, clearly used to the beautiful rhythm of a big family. They laughed right along with their crew, and that joy was all over every frame.
A Tangle of Arms & Love
One of my favorite things about photographing big families is getting to witness all the little relationships that exist within the whole. This session was no exception. Watching each sibling interact with one another was like seeing a web of connection, each strand different, but all tied to the same heart.
The older kids had this quiet protectiveness about them, especially toward their younger siblings. There was a moment when the littlest one got a little overwhelmed, and without being asked, one of the older sisters knelt beside him and calmed him down. No drama, just a quiet kind of care that made my heart ache in the best way.
Then there were the playful duos; the kind of sibling pairs who are always competitive or turning everything into a game. I loved capturing those in-between moments: a side hug here or a race through the grass.
Together, they were like this beautiful little ecosystem, each personality shining, but somehow even brighter when they were all together.
The Real Magic
Most of the magic in a session like this doesn’t come from perfectly posed photos, it comes from watching a family be a family. The way they move, laugh, tease, comfort, and just exist together. That’s the good stuff. But to capture that authentically, especially with a larger family and little ones in the mix, it takes a little trust-building first.
That’s why I always start with connection. Not just between them, but between me and them. For this session, we kicked things off with a round of “look at”. A game where I toss out silly prompts like, “Look at the person who’d totally drive a monster truck,” or “Look at the person who would definitely join a rock band.” Instantly, there were giggles, side-eyes, and pointing fingers. While they played, I sat on the ground nearby, camera in hand, quietly observing. I could tell pretty quickly who was all-in on the game and who was watching me with curiosity, maybe not quite sure yet. This means throughout the session, those are the individuals I'm going to prioritize more frequent breaks and space for.
That’s my cue to inch a little closer, still low, still casual, and start asking gentle, low-stakes questions. “What’s your favorite show right now?” It’s not about getting answers I’ll remember forever; it’s about helping them feel seen, not staged. Allowing them to share a little about them without it being too revealing of their personality.
I’ve learned that getting everyone moving early on helps shake off nerves too. Sometimes we run, spin, or jump—photos I may or may not keep, but those first few minutes set the tone. We’re not here to be perfect. We’re here to have fun, to connect, and to let this session feel more like play than pressure.
To view more from this session, scroll to the bottom.
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