There’s something especially sweet about photographing families in this in-between season of life—when curiosity leads the way, giggles come easily, and parents are right in the middle of it all. The Calabria Family’s outdoor session in Fort Worth was the perfect reflection of that season, with their playful 2-year-old boy and confident, imaginative 5-year-old girl setting the tone from the very start.
We kept things simple and relaxed, letting the kids move, explore, and be exactly who they are. Outdoor family sessions like this are ideal for little ones with big energy—there’s space to run, twirl, and cuddle up in between. Big sister proudly took the lead, while little brother followed close behind, full of curiosity and smiles. Some of our favorite moments came from those unscripted pauses: tiny hands reaching for mom, shared laughter with dad, and the kind of hugs that only happen when no one is being asked to “say cheese.”
The Calabria Family chose a playful color palette that photographed beautifully in natural light and allowed their personalities to shine without distraction. That’s always our goal at Lightly—guiding families just enough so you feel confident and comfortable, while leaving plenty of room for real connection to unfold naturally.
This session is a great reminder that family photos don’t need to be stiff or stressful. When you trust the process and let go of perfection, you’re left with images that feel joyful, honest, and full of life—exactly the kind of memories worth holding onto.
Session photographed by CJ for Lightly Photography.
