I drive up to Cincinnati about once every other week to see my cousin, Amel, and her two precious babies Zayn and Laithe. Right before this particular trip in August, Amel called me and asked how I’d feel about a mini excursion to take some photos of her boys. Of course I was totally in! I grabbed my camera and ran out the door for some sunflower family photos. Two hours later, I made it to my cousin’s house and spent some time with her sweet angels. We played games and ate some berries. We then ran out the door (completely unprepared) for some quick family photos before a dinner with my parents.
Amel found the location. It was the field adjacent to Cottell Park. When we got to the sunflower field, Amel joked that “we clearly weren’t the only people with this idea!” The sunflower field was filled with people, more people than we could have ever imagined. Amel and I tried to find a good spot away from people, but our almost-two-year-old companion, Zayn, was only interested in picking up sticks and rocks (more on that, later). We were finally able to find a spot for our absolutely perfect sunflower family photos. As I began to take photos of Amel and Laithe (the younger of the baies), Zayn took off. He found every beautiful sunflower and every cool looking rock and brought them all to us. “Look mommy! Sticks!” There really is no way that he could have been more cute.
Laithe on the other hand? Well as you can see, he lived up to his reputation of being a little derpy. We tried desperately to capture the best images we could in a crowded field and 100 degree weather. But Laithe did not care. He was only interested in sticking out his tongue and showing us his funny faces. We resigned ourselves to the fact that babies are always going to be babies and moved to take some photos of Amel and Zayn. Except we were alone, in public, with a baby and no helpers. So I carried Laithe and did my best to take beautiful photos at the same time. It sure was a ride! Laithe really wanted to taste my camera strap.
We then decided to let Zayn do what almost-two-year-olds do best: run! As Zayn made his way through the sunflower fields, picking up cool flowers, I waded through the bees and people to try to capture him in his most free state. At times, I was successful. At others, he saw me and immediately began to stare down the lens of my camera. I truly can’t decide which images I prefer. They really are so swoon-worthy.
As it came time for us to leave, Amel and I then decided to try our hand at a quick family photo. The kiddos, however, were not having it! Laithe wanted to stick his tongue out at every passer by and Zayn just wanted to find more sticks. We were finally able to get a sweet precious photo of Amel, Zayn, and Laithe before dinner. How were we successful? We let Zayn take his rocks with him! When it comes to children, you often need to pick your battles!
For me, going above and beyond is not just reserved for family. Interested in a photographer who will hold your baby and diaper bag while chasing a toddler through a sunflower field? I’m your gal! To inquire about a family photo session of your own, fill out the form on the website!
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