The Posed Photos Matter. So Do the Moments in Between.


Every family wants the classic portraits.


The full family together. Grandparents with grandchildren. Parents with their kids. The images where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.


And for good reason.


Those photographs often become the ones displayed on walls, shared with relatives, and pulled out years later when someone says, "Remember when?" This family session at Wanatee Park included plenty of those moments.


With Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, two sons, and their dog Milo, we made sure to capture all of the important groupings before settling into a more relaxed pace for the rest of the evening.


One of the things I remind families before their session is that we don't have to choose between posed and candid photographs. The goal is both. The posed portraits help document who was there. The candid moments help tell the story of what it felt like to be together.


As we explored a beautiful area filled with summer flowers and open fields, some of my favorite images came from the moments that weren't planned at all. Conversations continued between poses. The family joked with each other. Everyone relaxed a little more as the evening went on.


Those are often the photographs families don't expect to love as much as they do.

And then there was Milo. As a dog owner myself, I know pets are rarely considered "just a dog." They're part of the family, and they deserve a place in the photos too.


Milo joined us for family portraits, but we also made sure he had a few moments in the spotlight. Some of those images ended up being favorites from the evening.


One of the things I appreciate most about family photography is that every family looks a little different. Some include grandparents. Some include young children. Some include beloved pets who have been part of the family story for years.


All of those relationships matter.


Looking through this gallery, I'm reminded that the best family sessions don't happen when everything is perfectly posed from start to finish. They happen when there's room for both the traditional portraits and the genuine moments in between.


To this wonderful family, thank you for spending the evening with me at Wanatee Park. It was such a joy photographing your family and making sure Milo had his chance to shine too.


If you're looking for a Cedar Rapids family photographer and want a session that includes both beautiful portraits and authentic connection, I'd love to help you plan an experience that feels true to your family.

A happy family of six poses outdoors in a green meadow with tall trees in the background on a sunny day.
Couple in matching coral outfits smiling at each other in a sunny green meadow with wildflowers and trees.
Family of four smiling outdoors in a sunny green field, wearing casual white and gray outfits.
Three smiling teens pose outdoors in a sunny green field, two boys in white polos and a girl in a pink skirt.
A smiling father playfully hugs his two teenage sons outdoors in a sunny green field.
Man sitting in green grass petting a happy golden retriever dog surrounded by wildflowers.
Two women hugging and smiling outdoors in a sunny green meadow, wearing pink and white outfits.
Smiling teenage boy in white button-up shirt standing in green meadow with trees.
Family of four in white outfits smiling together in a sunny green field with wildflowers and trees.
A smiling blond boy in a white polo shirt sits cross-legged in a lush green meadow with wildflowers.
Couple posing outdoors in green field, woman kissing mans cheek, wearing coordinating pink outfits.
Fluffy golden retriever dog sitting on green grass with tongue out, looking at camera.
Smiling boy in white polo holding leash with golden dog in lush green field.
Couple smiling and embracing in a sunny green meadow with wildflowers, woman in pink skirt and man in white polo.
Smiling woman with brown hair in white top and pink skirt posing in sunny meadow.
A smiling middle-aged couple embraces in a lush green meadow, wearing matching coral outfits on a sunny day.
Smiling couple in matching coral tops posing with golden retriever dog in lush green meadow with yellow wildflowers.
Smiling blonde woman in pink lace top posing outdoors in sunny green meadow.
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the family experience