The Last Sunset of Winter

Family Photography can mean Strolling Downtown Indianapolis with your Little Girl

I followed the sun as it poured between buildings and under the scaffolding across the street. Once Jamilyn arrived with her little girl I watched them step into that sunset. Lula held her mom’s hand tight as the trickle of “after work” traffic passed and started to fade.

University Park felt like our own miniature version of Central Park. This light slipping between buildings and reflecting back from the stacks of tall windows was the light of the last sunset of winter for Indianapolis.

We spent what time was left of the sun strolling through the park’s bare paths that will soon be covered in shade from the new blooms. They played games while I watched and laughed along at all of Lula’s imagination being in what had to have felt like a giant new world for her.

Her favorite game was trying to evade her mother. The chase had her giggling and kept her warm. We didn’t stay in the same spot for more than thirty seconds the entire evening. Which leads me to a little known secret to getting the best family photos every time:

Let your little ones be little. Let your wild ones be wild. Let your kid be a kid.

All you have to do is keep your cool and be present with them. That’s the best thing you can do to make photos that are authentic and meaningful.

It may feel chaotic, hopeless, and messy — but I promise it’s actual gold unfolding in front of my camera. If you don’t believe me just see all the magic that came from following a four year old around one evening as the sun set over Indianapolis.

The resulting photos are sure to be cherished memories that will last a lifetime, reminding them both of that playful evening spent together in the city park.

Lula with my 35mm camera above, her lovely shot of her mother below. Be sure to notice her sweet shadow that just barely managed to grace the frame.

This mother and daughter photo session was captured using a mix of both digital and film photography. Family photography can come in many forms and be beautifully captured in a documentary style. Book your session + bottle up these years you wish could last forever.