AUTUMN FAMILY SESSION AT TAITUA ARBORETUM
This familes had a morning session at Taitua Arboretum and we got one of those perfect autumn days for it. Clear sky, warm light coming through the trees, and leaves everywhere.
We started in the shade under the canopy where the light was soft and even. The older girl was ready to go from the moment they arrived, running ahead on the paths and grinning the whole time. Her little sister had other plans. She wanted dad and only dad. That’s completely normal with two year olds. You don’t fight it. You work with it. Some of the loveliest shots from the session came from those cuddles, dad holding her close while the world carried on around them.
We moved through a few different spots within the same area to mix up the backgrounds without making anyone walk too far. That meant we could keep the energy up and get variety without the session feeling like a trek.
Dad was brilliant. He’s one of those dads who just gets into it once he realises nobody is going to make him stand still and smile. Him running down the path with his daughter chasing him is one of my favourite shots from the whole morning.
The couple’s shots were a nice change of pace. A quiet minute between the two of them while the girls explored nearby. Those moments don’t happen often in a family session so you grab them when they come.
The best part was the end. We found a patch covered in fallen leaves and the girls went for it. Scooping up handfuls and throwing them as high as they could. The little one who had been glued to mum all morning was suddenly in the middle of it, arms in the air, laughing. That’s the shot you can’t plan for. You just have to be ready when it happens.
This is what I love about autumn sessions. The location does half the work for you and kids will always find something to play with.
— Tony
