I've known Jackie and David before they dated.  It was so much fun reconnecting with them for this photography session.  Jackie is a founding member of a rock band called The Matriarchs - made of up musicians who are mothers.  Jackie contacted me about photographing the band, but when band member changes put that session on hold, Jackie and David told me that they wanted some new family photographs taken.

A client once told me about previously hiring a photographer, who took good photographs, but the session was not a pleasant experience because the photographer was rude in constantly telling their kids what to do and what not to do.  I think this session is exemplary of why I take exactly the opposite approach.  Noah and Ryan showed up their toy cars and were eager to show them to me when they arrived.  Showing interest in them and what they wanted to do unlocked a playful mood that generated a whole hours worth of play-energized poses of their own creating and me not having to tell them a thing.  My current day job is as a home visitor working with young children.  It is a maxim of my job to let children lead in play.  It works in my photography too.  Let the children tell the family story.  Noah and Ryan as seen here are great storytellers.

Brandishing dual racing cars!

This is Mom recognizing that the time for organized family photographs is over