Amy reached out to me after seeing one of the Family Films I did earlier this year. She instantly understood the magic of capturing family moments on video. While we were chatting, she shared how she regularly gets family photos a couple of times a year, but when she saw the Family Film sessions, she knew she had to have one. The beauty of video lies in its ability to capture more than just the still moments—it's the voices, the way they look at you, how they interact with one another, the giggles and laughter. These are things that are so much harder to capture with just a photograph (though I will try my hardest, of course! I’m a huge fan of photography, too).

A curly-haired toddler is photographed from behind, standing in a green field filled with yellow dandelions during an outdoor family film session.

Cory and Amy invited me down to their beautiful cabin in Plymouth, IN. The property was sprawling and gorgeous, and I was delighted to find their home surrounded by a sea of dandelions. It felt like the perfect setting for their family film.

We started the session off with breakfast in the kitchen, then played inside for a little while before heading outside to enjoy the beautiful day. Their family of five includes three kids under five years old, so you can imagine the hustle and bustle of it all. At this stage, each parent usually has a kid on their hip, trading back and forth the responsibility of hauling the heavy wagon. It's that precious, exhausting phase where you’re constantly running around and juggling the care of little ones. I remember it well! My kids are now more independent, and I’m no longer toting them around the way I used to. This season in life is fleeting, and I hope that this Family Film serves as a time capsule to preserve these precious moments for Cory, Amy, and their growing family.

Since these sessions are new to many people, I want to share some helpful tips for making the most out of your Family Film experience:

The Trick: Don't over-prepare. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but here’s why: The real magic of these sessions comes from the natural interaction between you and your loved ones. When you settle into a familiar activity—whether it’s making breakfast, reading a book, or even feeding the fish, like this family did—that’s when you truly see how your family connects with one another.

I suggest having two backup ideas, but don’t even make those your Plan A. The real plan is to just be yourselves and allow me to capture your family in its most natural state.

Toddler Eating at Kitchen Counter

A curly-haired toddler sits at the kitchen counter, leaning forward while eating, captured in warm indoor light during a candid family film moment.

Black and White Portrait of Toddler

A black-and-white close-up portrait of a toddler with curly hair looking directly at the camera inside the family’s home.

Children Helping in the Kitchen

Two young children stand at the kitchen counter while a parent prepares food nearby, showing everyday family interaction during a documentary-style film session.