There’s something especially meaningful about family photo sessions with adult children. Life moves fast, and once the kids are grown and building lives with their partners, it’s rare to have everyone in the same place at the same time—let alone gathered for a portrait. That’s why I was so thrilled when Linda and Ray Moore reached out to schedule a session with their daughter, Julie, and her husband, Bill.
They had placed the winning bid on a session I donated to a silent auction benefiting Angel Park here in Perry Hall. Once we connected, I knew right away this would be a memorable experience for all of us.
Unlike the quick “meet you in the park” sessions many people are used to, I offer a full-service portrait experience. That begins with a personal planning consultation—something Linda and Julie immediately embraced. We met to discuss their vision, the best timing for light, and their preferred location. They chose their beautifully landscaped Perry Hall yard—a place full of memories and meaning—as the backdrop.
Together, we also collaborated on wardrobe. We landed on a fresh summer palette of teal and peach for the tops, paired with neutral slacks. These tones blended effortlessly with their garden’s foliage and outdoor décor, helping the family stand out while remaining beautifully coordinated with the setting.
What made this session especially enjoyable was how everyone showed up for the experience. Linda and Julie brought such warmth and thoughtfulness to the planning—and the guys were just as engaged. Bill and Ray didn’t just go along with the process; they were present, cooperative, and even enthusiastic throughout the session, the reveal, and the final image selections. When each family member is invested, there’s a sense of ease and connection that naturally comes through in the photographs.
The day of the session arrived with a little weather uncertainty, but the skies held off—and we were rewarded with soft, diffused light at sunset. The sun filtered gently through the clouds, casting a flattering glow. Their front porch and well-loved landscaping made the perfect setting for family portraits that not only captured their expressions, but also their home and history together.
We captured a mix of timeless family groupings and a few playful moments that, while maybe not destined for the wall, were full of laughter and heart—and those are often the ones that become favorites.
As part of my signature process, I visited the Moore family again a couple of weeks later to present their images in a custom slideshow set to music. We then narrowed the selections down together, focusing on the ones they truly couldn’t live without. The entire reveal and selection process took less than an hour—and they were relieved not to have to make those decisions on their own in an online gallery.
Once their favorites were selected, I gave each image a clean edit with an artistic touch before delivering their final gallery of high-resolution digital files. Two weeks later, I returned with a professionally printed set of 8x10s—a tangible reminder of their time together and the legacy they captured.
It’s always a little bittersweet wrapping up a portrait experience with a family I’ve grown to know so well. I truly feel like I’ve made new friends—and the Moore family was no exception. They were a joy to photograph and even more wonderful to spend time with.
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