Top 10 Moments Captured with a Photograph in 2021, Mishawaka Family Photographer | Part 1
I had so much fun putting together the Top 10 Moments Captured on Video (Part 1 and Part 2) that I knew I had to do the same for my favorite photography moments of 2021. What a year it was! Truly, I owe it all to you—the best clients ever.
The last two years have been challenging for so many families, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if photos would even be a priority. But you kept me as busy as always (thank you, thank you, thank you!), and we created some incredible memories together.
One of the things I love most about being a Mishawaka family photographer is that “family photography” covers so many seasons of life. From Fresh 48 hospital sessions to newborns, toddlers, family portraits, lifestyle films, and even senior portraits mixed into family sessions—you don’t need to hire multiple photographers. You’ll always get consistent, beautiful galleries as your family grows.
Here are my Top 10 Moments Captured in Photos for 2021 – Part 1 (#10 through #6):
10. – Fresh 48 Hospital Session
This one will always stick with me. In 2021, hospitals were still under strict visitor restrictions. This mama had only two visitor badges—and she chose to give one to her husband, and the other… to me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more honored as a photographer.
I love everything about this image: the hospital hat, socks, and bracelet; mom’s IV; and especially the little wrinkly back paired with the smile on mom’s face as she admires her brand new blessing.
Fresh 48 sessions are some of my absolute favorites, and I can’t wait until they become more common again as restrictions lift. [See more from this baby’s hospital session here.]
9. – Cincinnati Family Film Session
This image comes from a film + photo session in Cincinnati, OH. The mom wanted her weekday evening routine captured—and it was the perfect time capsule of what their days looked like in summer 2021.
This little guy was picking out his bedtime story, perfectly lit by soft side light in his beautifully decorated nursery. I love the posture—so thoughtful, like you can feel him deciding which story to choose.
8. – Moving Portrait Session
There were so many beautiful frames from this session, but this one stops me every time. I love the way mom looks at her daughter, and the way dad looks at them both with such quiet admiration.
Moving Portrait Sessions are the best of both worlds—photos and video in one. They’re a perfect fit for families who want the timelessness of portraits (hello, Christmas cards!) paired with the authenticity of video.
7. – Mishawaka Family Meadow Session
This photo brought such a huge smile to my face during editing. The family that plays together stays together—and this image captures that perfectly. So many layers, little connections, background and foreground moments… no one doing the same thing, yet everyone connected in the same frame.
It was a gorgeous fall day in Mishawaka at a meadow I hadn’t shot in before, and these guys were amazing. Honestly, if this were my family, I’d blow this one up BIG and hang it somewhere special.
6. – Lifestyle Couple Session
This one is so special. His hand on her chin, their genuine smiles, the way they’re partially hidden from view as if a piece of their love isn’t for us to see—it’s everything.
I also adore that they’re in casual, everyday clothes, shattering the myth that you have to get dressed up for photos to be beautiful. This embrace feels real, unposed, and full of joy.
Their film was absolute magic, set on one of the most beautiful properties I’ve ever photographed. [View their film and gallery here.]
And that’s a wrap on Part 1!
Next time, I’ll be sharing Part 2, with my Top 5 Photography Moments of 2021. I can’t wait to show you the rest.
Let’s make your family’s top moments unforgettable too.
Whether it’s a Fresh 48 hospital session, a cozy evening at home, or a playful family adventure in Mishawaka, I’d love to help you bottle up these fleeting days. Your story deserves to be remembered with honesty and heart.