This fall Door County family session is a great example of letting kids lead with movement, play, and zero pressure to perform. Just space to move and explore. We walked, we ran, played, and snuggled, which kept little hands busy and nerves low. When sessions feel more like play than a photoshoot, everyone relaxes, and the moments that come from that feel real.

I’ll always say yes to a session on a farm. The animals, the open space, the way everything feels a little slower and more lived in. Whether it’s curious goats, barn cats passing through, or animals quietly watching from the fence line, they become part of the story without forcing anything. Farms have a way of grounding a session and adding a layer of real life that you just can’t recreate anywhere else.

When kids are given space to move and explore, family sessions feel calmer, and more natural for everyone involved. Instead of asking children to sit still or smile on command, I focus on keeping them moving, curiosity, and connection. This approach keeps kids engaged, lowers pressure for parents, and results in photos that feel honest and full of life. If this style resonates with you, you can learn more about my family photography sessions here .