When Elizabeth reached out to me about her family session, she was planning a special getaway with her family. She, her husband Jake, their sweet little girl Jude, and their elderly pup were coming all the way from Massachusetts to spend a week in the Montreal area. Rather than opting for stiff, posed portraits, Elizabeth wanted something different: a relaxed and candid family photography session that would capture their daily life during this vacation.
They rented a beautiful century-old house in Beloeil, just outside of Montreal, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the love and joy in their family dynamic. Jude, their daughter, was a little shy at first but as a mom myself, I knew how to gently break the ice. We played, chatted, and I even let her peek into my camera. Before long, she was all smiles.
We started the session outdoors, where the autumn leaves were just too tempting for Jude to resist. She ran, laughed, and jumped into her dad’s arms, giggling while her mom gave her kisses. Those spontaneous, genuine moments? That’s exactly what lifestyle family photography is all about.
As we moved closer to the water, the wind picked up—but instead of worrying about it, we embraced it! The wind added a beautiful, natural energy to the photos that made them feel alive and full of movement. (I’ll admit it, I’m a total sucker for windy-day portraits!)
And of course, we didn’t forget the family dog—old, gentle, and still so deeply loved. You have to know that pets are always welcome in my sessions; they’re part of the family too.
When we started getting chilly, we moved inside to the cozy attic suite. That’s when Jude really came alive. Snacks in hand, she ran back and forth between her parents, giggling with excitement. We played with blankets, swung her around, and let her bounce on the bed as high as she could. These are the moments kids remember—and the ones that make the best photos.
Before wrapping up, we headed downstairs, and Jude decided it was time for a little tidy-up session—her own adorable touch to the day.
What Makes My Family Sessions Different?
My approach to family photography in Montreal is all about capturing your family as you truly are. I don’t pose your kids into stiff smiles—they lead the way. We play, explore, and follow their energy. Whether it’s running in a park, baking cookies in your kitchen, or jumping on a bed in your vacation rental, we create moments that feel real.
If you’re visiting the Montreal area and want to book a vacation family photo session, or you’re local and want to document your family’s everyday magic, I’d love to hear from you. I always recommend planning a simple activity—anything your kids love to do. This way, photos become just another part of the fun.
This way, next time I show up, your kids will just think I’m the fun camera lady who plays with them.
Want to plan your family session with me? Just send me a message!
