Embracing Spontaneity • The Colony Family Photographer

One of the most exciting parts of being a creative is the opportunity to discover new locations and branch out from the norm. There’s something magical about stepping into an unfamiliar setting—whether it's a hidden forest trail, a sun-drenched meadow, or a colorful urban alley. Each spot offers its own unique charm and personality, sparking creativity and spontaneity in both me and the families I photograph. Of course, with new locations comes a touch of uncertainty. The light might behave differently than expected, or the landscape may challenge the vision we have in mind. But that’s part of the adventure! Some of the most authentic, joyful moments come from the unpredictability. It pushes us to embrace the moment, laugh at the unexpected, and capture the natural, unscripted beauty of your family. If you're open to trying something new, I promise we’ll turn that sense of wonder into photos filled with life and personality. It may be a bit of an unknown, but it’s always a fun journey worth taking!

Essence of childhood • Plano Family Photographer

As a family photographer, one of the most beautiful parts of my job is capturing the pure, unfiltered essence of childhood. Parenting is filled with moments that aren’t always picture-perfect—messy hair, playful chaos, and those unexpected bursts of laughter. But it's in those real, unscripted moments that true memories are made. Letting your children be their unique selves in front of the camera not only results in authentic images but also celebrates their individuality. Embrace their quirks, their curiosity, and even their silliness. These are the moments that reflect the magic of who they are right now—perfectly imperfect and full of life. When we let go of expectations and simply allow the day to unfold, we capture the most genuine memories that will last a lifetime.

Sense of Belonging • North Dallas Family Photographer

My children, now four and six, love to do this thing every now and then with my phone. Often we’ll be in the car, my husband driving, and I in the passenger seat, and inevitably they’ll peek over my shoulder and see my “photo widget” that often features past photos.

If they see themselves or their sibling they go crazy. Mom! Is that the time we went on the ferris wheel? Is that the time we went to the lake? Is that the tooth I lost?! Or any number of other memories I chose to record on my phone that pop up.

To me, it’s endearing that they want to look at themselves and relive those memories…to ask questions and watch themselves in photos and videos. When we celebrate a milestone, or go to a new restaurant, or visit a long awaited vacation destination— we often take pictures. To remember.

We are a remembering species.

Photos are a beautiful way to remember the the road we’ve traveled, and savor the present with gratitude.

Photos are more than decor. In our home they mean much more.

They are a tangible way for children to see that they BELONG. That they are important enough to frame and to show others.

I came across a quote the other day by an anonymous photographer, they said— “In the home, photos are more than decor; they are visual love letters that communicate a child’s importance and their family’s history.”

When you walk around your house and look at your family’s pictures, what stands out to you most? Is it the location? The outfits? Or is it the people in them? Maybe, this year, try to see your photographs differently— as messages to your future selves. A love letter of gratitude.

We can talk up and down about aesthetic, but the truth is, aesthetic is for adults. Most children don’t care about their outfit— they care about being included and what that means for them deep down.

When you go to take photographs this year as a family, may I invite you to see the occasion in a new light— that one day your children will walk the halls of your home barefoot and look at their family and know that they belong, that they are surrounded by love, and that they have a team supporting them as they grow.

Let your pictures be love letters, nothing less.

Photos below are images from this past spring’s wildflower minis! If you are holding out for spring pictures— may I suggest a wildflower mini?! These minis will go live shortly after the start of the year in 2025!!

Personality Minis // Richardson, TX // Family Lifestyle Photographer

When I came across the idea of personality minis I was immediately intrigued. But the more I thought about it, the more hesitant I became… See, I grew up in the era of family portraits where families once a year took pictures at a dark studio with bright lights and sat in stiff backed chairs and donned tons of hairspray. Think JcPenny’s, but in the 90’s. Those types of portraits to me have always felt forced. Clinical. Cold. In my experience, the photographer (mostly always male) felt detached and unaware of who we actually were as a family. This detached form of portraiture is exactly what I run from when I shoot for families. And exactly what I was afraid of replicating when I began planning for this type of shoot.

The more I thought about it, the more I was drawn back to ONE element: Storytelling. How can I, as the photographer, best tell the story of the person/personality before me? How can I honor them as a person and get them comfortable enough to show true emotion in front of the camera? For the whole process of a photoshoot to go well and be a success (from my point of view) I must begin with being true to the season of life the person before me is in. Let them be themselves. Let them breathe.

When I booked this session and began planning I asked the mom— “hey, what are the girls into right now?” The answer: Taylor Swift. She could not have given me a better answer, and I ran with it. I loved this session for so many reasons— we put on Taylor Swift, we talked about music and school, and I let the girls dance and laugh and be themselves. They shined, and I couldn’t have had a more lovely time with this shoot!!

Sun-kissed Senior Portrait Session// McKinney, TX// North Dallas Family Photographer

The heat was in full force during this Senior Portrait Session in McKinney!! By the end of it we were all drenched, even with the outfit changes and a mini portable fan!! We Texans are becoming more and more versed when it comes to thriving in the heat— and let me tell you this Senior is thriving!! I’ve never had a more amiable, more down to earth, and kind portrait session with a graduating senior. We braved the August heat because she is graduating in December and was ready to get her portraits DONE!! I was up for the adventure and she rocked it!! Congratulations Aidan!! Can’t wait to see how your journey unfolds.

December Engagements// DFW Lifestyle Photographer// Lake Grapevine, TX

December in Texas is unpredictable. Will it be sunny? Will it be cold and windy? It’s so hard to predict….that’s why the best thing you can bring to your December photo sessions is patience. Patience has never been a strong suit of mine, but when you have patience for the sun to come out, patience in the cold, and creative patience to try and find what works in any given environment— some magic can happen!

Photographers— get yourself a couple who is fun, honest, loving, PATIENT, and willing to dance on command. Madison & Max were these things and so so much more. They were a dream to shoot for, even in the moments when we waited on the sun, and waited for wind to die down. There was something so comforting about their relationship that spilled over in the time we had together. I am so excited for their future, the adventures they have ahead— and also stoked to share their engagement session with you. There are a few points we stopped at that feel very different from one another, so I’ll share in segments. Part one— the lakeside.

Halloween 2022// Family Portraits// DFW Family Photographer

“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, all together ooky” you know the rest…

Halloween 2022 shoot in the books!! These dear friends of mine have allowed me the privilege of shooting their family Halloween costumes again— we’re in year FIVE folks!! This was major fun for me!! Who wore it best?! My vote’s on Uncle Fester! In hall honesty though, that’s a hard vote to cast because just check out their facial expressions— they’re all in it to win it!!

In years previous my friends here have dressed up as characters from Greece, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Star Wars, and classic Halloween Characters. Every year is an adventure— and how uniting is it as a family to have a common goal where everyone can have fun and let loose?! That’s the beauty here friends: there’s nothing like family— especially when they’re down for an adventure.

Legacy Family Sessions// DFW Family Photographer

My wedding was the last time I had quality images taken of my extended family (family outside my husband and kids and my parents/siblings). Living several states away from your extended family will cause these gaps in togetherness, as it has for me. But be not mistaken, great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, they’re all a part of the tapestry of our family (as crazy as they all may be)— and therefore worthy of capturing. If you have the opportunity to take extended family pictures, don’t let it slip by.

As a photographer, I have chosen to name my extended family sessions “Legacy Family” sessions. This is intentional, not to sound fancy or sale-sy, but to honor the extended family and call it what it is: A living legacy.

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to shoot several Legacy Family sessions— they are some of the most treasured images I’ve taken, because odds are once the image is captured, the family changes some time after that. Babies are born, weddings bring beautiful additions, and departures leave us wishing for more time.

Our family, as complex as it may be, is one of the greatest treasures we have—and because this is so, there will come a moment where we will want to look back on how we documented it.

Thanksgiving is such a great time to book a Legacy Family session since family often travels to be together. I often only have one slot available for this as I have my own family to see, but if you can get everyone in the same spot at the same time and do a little outfit coordinating, then the investment is greater than the hassle of getting everyone to show up on time! :) Trust me.

Five pictures to take this fall// dfw family photographer

September 22 means it’s officially FALL. Perhaps you’ve already felt the season on your doorstep. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back, fall recipes have hit my algorithm, and my daughter is already asking about Halloween. It’s a special time of year— our favorite sports return with vigor, family traditions circle back around, and the crispness of the air changes our summer clothes to cozy warmer threads.

I think Victoria Erikson said it best when she described fall: “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour." There’s something magical about this season and there are so many things to celebrate, capture, and remember. If you’re a fall fangirl like I am, then you may be finding ways to capture and remember this present season.

Here are FIVE photo ideas for you to partake in this fall:

(This image was taken at my local plant nursery— this photo is featured on Unsplash— click the image to download a copy for your iPhone wallpaper)!

1. A picture of a pumpkin patch/or a seasonal favorite. Every year (per my request) my family makes a visit to our local greenhouse. Every year they bring in hundreds of pumpkins. Call me naïve, but growing up I only ever thought pumpkins were orange. You know, the giant kind we messily carve into jackolanterns. However, I’ve since learned that pumpkins can be green, and white, and yellow, and have bumps and stripes and all kinds of patterns! My favorite variety is the “Fairytale Pumpkin.” They truly are a sight to behold and we go to see them when our local nursery has their “fall festival” day. This is something our family has done for years and I get a quick snapshot of my kids every year (often in denim) against the rows and rows of pumpkins. I treasure these photos every fall.

2. A family tradition. There are some things that we often do as traditions that are left undocumented, but are deeply woven into who we are as a family. Every year around the holidays I reread a blog by Sarah J. Hauser to remind myself about the art of remembrance. In her blog, which you can read here, she gives us a peek into her family tradition of making a Swedish Tea Ring.

   "Every year before Christmas, several women in my family gather to bake. We make batches of family-favorite cookies and more importantly, my mom’s Swedish Tea Ring. After she passed away, I felt a compulsion to keep baking it. Rolling out dough and sprinkling sugar help me savor the goodness of God during a holiday that tastes a little bitter after her death.⁠..”

   Truth be told, I probably couldn’t replicate her tea ring as beautifully as she has photographed, but the important thing of note is that it is something WORTH remembering. Is there a family tradition, like a recipe you make year after year, passed from generation to generation that is worth documenting to remember?

3. A picture of your child unposed. Children grow and change so rapidly that often my kids wear a shirt once and then seemingly the following month can no longer fit in it. I am 1000% convinced that capturing our kids in their adolescence is not only a privilege, but also something we’ll never regret. If you have littles and want to take a new snapshot of them this fall— find a way to make it fun. One of my favorite pictures of my daughter is her first time eating a donut. Grab some donuts, or a fall treat, and snap away! Sticky fingers and all.

4. Something that brings you joy. Stay with me here… there is science to seeing images of what you are looking forward to or what you love (this is the reason why people make vision boards and print images of their loved ones). I’ll spare you the neuroscience, but there have been studies done that have found that our brains “value-tag” or assign meaning to images. And because we know we can change our brains over time (neuroplasticity)— looking at the things we love and value, will only influence our thinking patterns for the better. Every year I take at least one picture of leaves in my area that have changed into orange, yellow, and red. I love noticing the changing of the leaves— and while I may never print that image out, the photo widget on my phone is set to show me pictures I’ve taken on my home screen, and when those leaves appear on my screen, it brings me a genuine moment of joy and from that gratitude.

5. A family portrait (and one of just you and your spouse). Okay. Mom talk for a second. In my experience, moms are often the ones who are talking all the pictures— which means, they are behind the camera and not in front of it. I have a slew of pictures of my husband and kids and them together, however, the ones with me in them are often selfies. Mom. Here is your permission to get in front of the camera. Even if you feel awkward, don’t know what to do with your hands, or hate it altogether. A year from now when you go to remember 2022, you’ll see that you were apart of it all. And if your kids get to see you in the pictures, I promise they won’t be as hard on you as you are on yourself. Your smile alone means more to them than anything else. And while you’re at it, get alone for a moment with your spouse. Just the two of you— and take a picture and frame it. You’ve lived a lot of life together— celebrate that. Plant your stake in the ground— take the pictures— or let me take them for you. Up to you— but don’t miss the moment.

If you’re looking to hit the easy button on family photos this year— give me a shout. I have a few mini sessions left. And once you book, I’m with you every step of the way. Bring me your chaos— I’ll take care of the rest.

What to do when "fall" is late to the party// Dfw family photographer

If you’re in Texas like me, you may be aware that “fall” looks very different than what our northern states experience. Especially when I shoot fall sessions, the colors often lean more green or brown, than the traditional orange and yellow spectrum. The “turning” of the leaves doesn’t happen in a giant magical way here in the south like we all may want. In reality, Pumpkin Spice Lattes hit our hands way before any cool weather decides to stick around.

So that leaves us hanging— what do we do when “fall” is late to the party? How do we balance a love for fall (and fall pictures), when our scenery is just kind of one note?

1. Play to your strengths. Know where you are going for your session and know what colors look best on you. This is part of the planning process. If your setting is going to be in a dark and moody forest, then maybe avoid dressing your family in darker moody colors. Use the tools your photographer has suggested and given you! (Each of my clients gets a Welcome Guide and Style Guide— to help with planning).

2. Set your expectations. If Pinterest and I were in a relationship, the status would definitely be “it’s complicated.” As a creative, I LOVE Pinterest. Pinterest is a powerful search engine. We can be inspired, gather ideas, and share our content on Pinterest with ease. I love using Pinterest— it can be a delight. However, sometimes it can skew our expectations, especially if we misinterpret what we see. As a photographer, there have been a few times where I’ve had a client send me an “idea” for a shot and in truth— it’s not something I can recreate. Lighting, colors, weather, setting, place, time, location, are all parts of an image. To expect a photographer to reproduce exactly what you see in another photographer’s work is setting them up for failure. So set your expectations accordingly. Know where you are agreeing to shoot and familiarize yourself with your photographer’s work. What do you like about their photos? The emotions they capture? The poses they use? The way they leverage candid moments? Each photographer is different, and their style is something all their own. Setting your expectations prior to your session will help you and your photographer in the long run.

3. Trust your photographer to capture what is important. At the end of the day, if you are getting your portraits taken on a beautiful snowcapped mountain in the goldenest of hours— chances are your images are going to be stunning. However, in the middle of November, in a Texas field— it may be more of a challenge to be in love with your scenery. But you know what you are in love with? Your family. The reason you booked a session in the first place. Sure, the surrounding may be a little monotone, but the expressions of love and affection and joy on the faces of your children when you hug them will be the same. I can’t stop/won’t stop talking about what’s important when you book your pictures— and what’s important is the people in the photo. The people you’ll wrap your arms around, the children you will snuggle, the partner or spouse you will embrace. THOSE are the details that matter wayyy more than a tree with semi-yellow leaves. Your photographer will leverage what they can to get the most pleasing and memorable shot for you— trust them in the process.

If you’re interested in booking a session with me, visit my booking page below, or shoot me a contact form! Let’s connect! I’d love to hear about you and your imagery needs!

Fall Vibes & A Few of My Favorite Things// DFW Lifestyle Photographer

There was a coolness in the air today and summer is slowly loosening her grip from the outside world. I love the freedom that summer brought— in all her hot, humid, chlorine-soaked glory. But I love fall even more. Call me basic, but there are just some things about fall that bring joy and energy to my bones. I really can’t wait for cold weather to fully return and decide to stick around.

I hear you, tapping on that screen, “Um, Lauren, you’re a photographer… why are you blogging about non-photography things?” CAUSE I’m a human too, and I love sharing parts of my life here in this little corner of the internet. That being said, I also want to add value to you as a reader.

(Images from my Fall 2022 branding shoot with Orleans Home Fragrances)

So hot and ready, here we go. Here are five of my favorite things that September has joyously reminded me of and that are bringing me life right now.

1. This soup from The Modern Proper. It’s easy, delicious, and feels cozy even when there’s still a little heat outside. Feel free to leave the kale out. My family makes that request every time I make it. It’s good with a crusty bread or baguette on the side and keeps for days. Well not a lot of days cause heavy cream, but I’d say a good solid two.

2. Dwell and Slumber blankets. My children have become little pirates and decided to commandeer both of the ones I have purchased for myself. They are buttery, soft, slightly cooling, and have a nice weight to them. We will be purchasing a third once they restock. (Not sponsored post- I just love them).

3. The Lazy Genius Podcast. Kendra is obvs. a genius about things that matter— and how to get us tired folk from point A to point B in a non-chaotic way. But there’s also a “big sister” vibe to her that I just really love listening to. She’s pushy but without an edge and she’s encouraging but without a fake aftertaste. I really do enjoy listening to her— her latest episode helped me sort through all my “crazy fall lady” energy in a way that was helpful and productive. Listen here.

4. Orleans Home Fragrance Candles… Ok ok. Maybe I slipped some photography content in here. I have shot for this family owned and operated company for several years now and often have one of their candles burning in my home. (They’re not paying me to say this— their product is just really grand). Especially their new fragrance Paradise Manor…this is my new favorite candle and most likely will be in many gifts I give this Christmas. Candles on our counter right now include: Spice Market, Creme Brûlée, and Blue Spruce. Spice Market has made our home feel a little more “fall” even if it’s still over 80 degrees outside.

5. Rachael Kincaid’s blog. A blog rec within a blog? Yes. Because we rise by lifting others and Rachael Kincaid’s words have been running water to my weary soul these past few months. Rachel maintains her blog from her home in Alaska and is just a gem of a human. She is a wordsmith, a fighter, an advocate for the “whole and simple gospel” and lives what I call an “eyes wide open” life. Recently she gave up Instagram— so find her musings here.

So there you have it. Five things that are bringing me life right now and have a strong fall leaning. Cheers to changing leaves, changing weather, and changing wardrobes. Gotta get those sweaters out— like now. What seasonal/non-seasonal things or people are bringing you life right now? Shoot me a comment below!

And if you want to go FULL FALL VIBES with me this season— I’d love to capture portraits of your family! Click the link below to snag one of my remaining seasonal MINI SESSIONS! These only come around a few times a year so snag a spot before they’re gone!!

Five Tips to Rock Your Fall Mini Session// DFW Family Photographer

So you’ve booked your mini session!! Well done!! You’re one step closer to getting gorgeous updated pictures of the people you love most in the world. Lucky for you, I don’t ghost you once you hit that “book” button. In fact, I’m here every step of the way. I love to help my clients with every step of the process to give them the best session experience possible! Read on for a quick review and my tips!

“I cannot recommend Lauren Rund Photography highly enough! Lauren looked after all the details—from location to participants, lighting, and timing—to ensure that our family session was perfect. I absolutely loathe having my picture taken, but we actually had so much fun with Lauren, and our pictures are the evidence. I treasure each of the photos, and I know that I will remember that day fondly each time I look at our pictures. Thank you, Lauren!” - Maridee D.

Here are 5 tips to rock your mini session!

Tip 1: Planning your outfits ahead may save some time and a headache or two the day of. Keep things simple. When my family takes portraits, it has always helped me to physically lay out our outfits the night before-with shoes! To help with outfit inspiration, once you book, I’ll send you an entirely NEW WELCOME GUIDE and QUICK STYLE GUIDE!! These two bonus guides are packed full of tips and colors and even what to AVOID when planning out your outfits this fall!! These guides are worth your time! Trust me!! I also have a few secret Pinterest boards I’ll send you as well!

Tip 2: Give yourself margin. If you are getting little ones ready, carve out some extra time. If everyone feels rushed, it will most likely make for a cramped and stuffy photo session! Arrive early so we can get our bearings, find parking if parking is packed, and smooth out any last minute wrinkles that have cropped up!

Tip 3: Make sure everyone is fed and rested before the session! No one wants to take pictures when they're hangry! If possible, bring some reinforcement snacks that are clean and easy. Mini marshmallows or fruit snacks work wonders if you have little ones! Please for the love, no chocolate or candy that will melt in the mouth and get to the hands!

Tip 4: Movement is key when shooting portraits. So expect to move around. We may walk, we may sit, we may jump around with the kids. Either way, we want to make everyone feel comfortable and sometimes that means moving around to get a good shot and a smile!

Tip 5: Enjoy the moment. My ultimate goal is to capture your life, your people, your season right where you are. Come ready to have a conversation, tell me about your life, and enjoy the moment. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or if there is something I can do to make your session more enjoyable!

I hope these tips help you this fall when you ready your family for fall pictures!! Still need to book a session?! Let’s go friend!! I have a few slots left but I can guarantee they won’t last long!! Don’t procrastinate on planning pictures of your family— or Uncle “I know how to work a smartphone” will end up taking a crooked one at Thanksgiving this year. ;)

Why Book a Fall Mini Session// DFW Family Photographer

As a family and lifestyle photographer I shoot many different sessions year round. However, Fall Mini Season feels like Christmas to me!! I get to see my repeat clients and meet new families with beautiful stories every year!! It is truly an honor to shoot for so many families during fall and winter— this isn’t just a job for me, it’s a storytelling privilege.

Mini sessions are some of the best deals I offer to my families and they only come around a few times a year. But the age old question is— why book a mini session? I have three solid reasons why you should invest this year in a mini session and why you won’t regret it!

1. Pictures are heirlooms. When we go to remember something, where do we go? More often than not, we scroll through our phones to bring up pictures to show friends and family. Images help us remember and help us tell a story. So why not make sure those images are of great quality? Quality images will stand out past the everyday smartphone picture that gets stuck under hundreds of others. My advice: print your quality images— display them. Statically, the avenge iPhone user has between 630–2,100 images on their phone. That’s a lot. Now how many of those actually get converted to print? I’d say a tiny fraction. Pictures will last much longer than any other tangible item you own— and with technology— we can ensure they stay around to be passed to our children and their children. Heirlooms in the making.

2. Kid’s don’t keep. I won’t spend too much time on this because if you’re a mom your heart aches knowing this is true. Every few months I scroll through my camera roll on my phone and can noticeably tell a difference in my children. They grow faster than our hearts can handle, and if you want to savor the image of them— what their face looks like, how many freckles they have—or the way their toddler hands look—you’ll want to invest in some great photos to help you remember. We can’t keep them little for forever, but we can savor the present with an image.

3. Minis are short and sweet and the discount is legit. Standing at half the price of my full portrait sessions, mini sessions are going to give you the most bang for your buck. You get beautifully edited high quality images at half the cost. And even though our time together is short, you get the same beautiful location, attention to detail, and all my client goodies that a full session would. Plus, minis are the perfect time span for little ones— fifteen minutes is long enough to get a good deal of images without taxing your child’s attention span for an extended period of time! Win win for everyone!

A friend of mine in the photography industry has this saying…he says, “If you don’t record and tell your story, who will?” Quality images will stand the test of time, and become heirlooms and memories you can savor for forever. So what are you waiting for? Book a mini session today before they’re all gone! You won’t regret it friend.

Session Spotlight// Murrell Park// Grapevine Lake // Family Photographer

Murrell Park on Grapevine Lake in Flower Mound is a perfect harmony of land and lake! This location does not feel like Texas at all--as the red rocky shore and lake often cast a backdrop like you're seaside! This location spot is situated within Murrell Park at the tail end of a camping loop. It’s beautiful and breathtaking. It’s just a short drive through the winding park road and over biking trails to arrive at your location by the water. With a little bit of walking and a short drive through a scenic park, you'll end up at a wide open lake front area, PERFECT for a family adventure, photos included!

Fall Mini Sessions are now open for bookings!

If you are interested in booking a Fall Mini Session head to my booking site! I can’t wait to see you there!

Family Session// Castle Hills, Lewisville, TX// DFW Family Photographer

As a photographer, my eyes are constantly peeled for new locations to shoot in. Parks, ponds, trees, bushes, how the sun rises and sets— they’re all a part of the narrative. Recently I found a hidden park gem very close to Castle Hills in Lewisville, TX. The perfect spot for fall mini sessions! A winding loop around a small pond, beautiful flowering purple Texas sage, with the sun setting behind several trees made for a perfect mini spot! Scroll to see more of this Castle Hills Mini Session and if you’re interested in booking a fall mini— head to my VIP page to sign up for my VIP email list!! VIPs get first dibs on session slots and will be getting an email later this week to sign up!!

Family Session// Adriatica Village, McKinney, TX// DFW Lifestyle Photographer

My fall mini sessions are opening up at the end of this week and I’m thrilled to offer a new location to my sweet families!! Adriatica Village is located in McKinney and is the coolest blend of historical style and nature one could ask for. While Adriatica is not new to me, I’ve wanted to shoot here for a long time. It was fun to walk around the cobblestone streets and take in the surroundings. Adriatica was modeled after a Croatian fishing village and its so easy to enjoy the scenery down by the water. It felt a little bit like Disney’s Luca— minus the sea monsters that is. If you’re looking to book a fall mini this year, head to the VIP page to sign up for my VIP email list. My VIPs get first dibs on session slots and openings!!

Maternity Session// Historic Downtown McKinney, TX // Lifestyle Photographer

When Hannah reached out to me asking me to capture her in the last few weeks of her pregnancy I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. One, because Hannah is a dear friend and lovely human being. Two, because her sweet family lives in Mckinney and I haven’t had the chance to shoot there in a while. We found several places in historic Downtown McKinney that were so fun to shoot at. There is something so charming about Downtown McKinney— if you ever get a chance, go visit Mckinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square! Farmers markets are my favorite— but more on that later.

The first half of Hannah’s maternity shoot was spent at her family home and boy did it deliver! Her family has kept this home in their family for generations and it was the perfect spot to roam and shoot outside. There was a great deal of shade (THANK GOODNESS). Shooting in the Texas summer heat is no joke— but babies wait for no one so we had to give it a go before baby arrives!

Hannah’s dress was a legit delight. The yellow matched the warmth of the sun and while I don’t normally ask my subjects to stand in uneven light, you’ll see that it just WORKED…I had Hannah stand under a giant magnolia tree and the light dappled through just perfectly to create pockets of color and warmth. The light worked like paint and light in motion.

Stay tuned for part II where we head into the square to grace street corners, murals, and lovely exposed brick.

Mother's Day Minis 2022// Dallas, TX // DFW Family Photographer

When I envisioned this year’s Mother’s Day Minis I knew I wanted another clean space— white walls and minimal furniture with maybe one pop of color. I’m drawn to this aesthetic because simply put, motherhood is art in motion. A tapestry of beauty I wanted to showcase in a minimal setting. No distractions, no fluff, just mom and her littles. So much emotion and care and love in a single frame.

Mothers sustain us. They heal our wounds and feed our souls. The craft of motherhood is not exclusive to a small portion of us. No no. Motherhood is broad and sweeping and grand. Motherhood changes us. It stretches our hearts and our bodies. In every sense of the word it is a labor of love, a work of art. And it deserves to be documented.

The vision for this year’s Mother’s Day Minis whirl and dance all around emotion. Running hugs, snuggles, and candid moments. If you’d like to book a Mother’s Day Mini this year with me simply click the link below and pick a time slot! See you there mama! You deserve this.

A New Year// Couples Session // Waco TX

Guys. I know its already February… but this session is exactly what my heart needed for 2022…There is something about a new year that feels refreshing to me. Of course, I was always “that kid” who loved getting a new wall calendar or planner at the start of each year… (um, hello Hermione Granger). The excitement in a new year, a new chapter, a page turned, just hits differently.

That’s what this session felt like to me. There was an excitement I had during this session that felt like the feeling one may get at the beginning of a new year. This couple was so kind, so willing to freeze in the moment, to laugh and to be close in front of the camera that felt so new. No stiff posing. No forced smiles. Their connection and relationship was on display more than anything else and it was exactly what I had hoped for in this session— and exactly what I will take with me the rest of 2022.

I loved the balance of color in this session. The creaminess of her dress and the crispness of his shirt. The balance of warmth between them and the warmth that came when the sun peeked through. It was just lovely. 

I was able to meet Chad and Danae through my dear friend and fellow photographer, Jared Tseng. Jared taught and led a one day photography workshop and it was fantastic to be able to meet other creatives, to learn about balance of color and shape and tablescapes and so many other things. If you are a photographer, I would absolutely encourage you to seek out others in your field and plug into a community. Also, invest in some good education— lessons from those who are ahead of you in their journey and who can speak life in to your passions. 

If you are in Waco, TX check out Jared’s work here. If you are a couple and would love to rock a casual but candidly intimate session like this one— shoot me a message on my contact page or head to my booking site here. 

May your 2022 be a year of newness, joy, and peace. - L

Mother's Day Minis// Plano Family Photographer//

“It’s like they are in a cloud.”

These are the exact words my husband said when he saw the Mother’s Day Minis promo shots I took this past weekend. And it gave me all the feels. Why? Because the paradox was not lost on me. The images look almost heavenly— and yet, motherhood isn’t always so. Parenting is hard work. In my experience, its the hardest work I’ve ever done. It’s full of sacrifice, dying to yourself daily. Motherhood is often thankless, tiring, and never-ending. Even on the best days it may drive you nuts. But thats not the whole story… is it? While motherhood is incredibly challenging, it is also equal parts beautiful. There is fun to savor, and joy to be had. You can hold the heavy and the joy in the same pair of hands, at the same time. It’s both and. And because there is beauty to be had, I HAVE TO CAPTURE IT!

So for the first time ever, I’m offering Mother’s Day Mini Sessions! Shooting at the Lumen Room in Plano was a dream and I’m so excited to get back in that beautiful bright space and see more wonderful moms with their kids and families! Check out the session below and go snag a slot before they’re all gone!

Book Your Mini Session Here: Booking Site