Fall Family Session at Nisqually ~ Tacoma Family Photographer

I always love it when I get the opportunity to drive down to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for a photo shoot.  It happens about once a year, and this beautiful location (complete with forest, boardwalk, wide open fields, huge old farm buildings, and water) never disappoints.  When Nathan and Deb asked me to photograph them and their adorable daughter, Sierra in a location with trees, some fall color, and maybe an old barn- Nisqually fit the bill!

We had a lovely time walking around, chatting, taking photos, and trying to keep Sierra from eating dandelions.  I really do love my job, and I am reminded of that every time I get the opportunity to photograph families just doing what they do best- loving each other, sharing inside jokes, playing, laughing.  It's a huge honor to be "let in" on that private world that families usually keep reserved just for each other- to be able to jump right into it with them for an hour or two and capture those moments on camera.

You'll notice in the photos below that one overriding element in our session was sunshine!  If I'm remembering correctly, this shoot was surrounded by rainy, gray days- but the sun came out for us during this shoot, and it made everything glow.  In fact, this is the sunniest I've ever seen it at Nisqually, so take a good look- it's not like this very often!

This was a silly one, but it was too fun to leave out.  Sierra really liked my sunglasses.  :)

Old and Young: Those barns, built in 1932, are 83 years old.  Sierra, on the other end of the spectrum, was not quite one year in this photo.

Love that sweet little look on her face as Mommy and Daddy look on...

I'm a big fan of the Mommy and Daddy alone shot.  

This is one of my favorites.  I love capturing those sweet little moments!

Navigating the difference between smelling the dandelion, and eating it.  :)

Dandelions are magical.  Babies are magical.  It's a winning combination!  

The very last shot of our session.  That sunshine just doesn't quit!

Well, I sure hope you enjoyed perusing these highlights from our shoot as much as I enjoyed choosing them!  As always, I am honored to take photos for families that will be treasured for years to come- not because of my skills or abilities, but because of the love that is evident in every single shot.

~ Kathryn