Nothing says “family session” quite like a train horn blaring multiple times mid-photo — and instead of throwing us off, it just made us laugh harder! That pretty much sums up every session I’ve had with this crew: full of joy, goofiness, and the kind of love that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
I’ve photographed Melissa & her children since Jaxon was just two years old. Now he’s sixteen, six-foot-one, and somehow still has that same mischievous grin. Amelia came along when he was five, and she’s now eleven, a talented softball player with her step-dad, Ryan, coaching from the sidelines. Melissa and Ryan were married on New Year’s Eve back in 2018 — and I’ve had the honor of photographing their quartet ever since.
It’s always pure hilarity when the four of them are together in front of my camera — but this time was extra special because it had been four years since I photographed the whole extended family. Nana and Papa (who just celebrated 50 years of marriage — fifty!!) joined in, along with Melissa’s brother Tim, his wife Melly, and their sassy girl, Paloma.
The September morning couldn’t have been more perfect. Soft sunshine, the first hints of fall in the air, and laughter that carried clear across the park. Every combination of this family brought out more teasing, more giggles, and more joy.
When we wrapped up, the family headed straight to the nearby farmer’s market — a perfect Saturday in downtown Des Moines — before spending the rest of the day at the ball fields.
Sessions like this remind me why I love photographing families year after year: watching them grow, celebrate, and still find reasons to laugh no matter what noises (or train horns!) show up along the way.
Melissa, Ryan & Crew: Thank you so much for having me out again! It is always such a joy to work with you. The laughter and good-natured ribbing puts anyone in your presence at ease and I thoroughly enjoy the authenticity. Wishing you the best softball season possible and we’ll see you and Jaxon in the summer for (gasp!) his senior photos!!
Take care,
Carrie
PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE.
📸 Des Moines area family photographer
