Let your photographer (me!) create chances for the real thing to happen naturally. A good session might involve asking your kids questions, letting siblings interact, having them run toward Dad, Mom whispering something ridiculous, or just walking together as a group.

Sometimes I'll ask a kid to look at their parent instead of me. Sometimes I'm photographing the chaos that erupts the second everyone was supposed to "hold still." And sure, sometimes I will ask everyone to look toward the camera — there's room for both.

Kids relax so much more in front of the camera when they actually like what they're wearing. You can still steer the ship — just give them a little ownership along the way.

Maybe you pick the palette and let them choose between two or three pieces. Maybe they pick between two dresses. Maybe they just get to choose their shoes or a favorite accessory. Even that small bit of input can turn "I don't want to" into "okay, fine, I guess this is kind of fun."

And once we're actually shooting? Don't stress about getting them to "loosen up." Talk to them. Make them laugh. Tickle them. Ask ridiculous questions. Let them be goofy with their siblings.

Every September, my inbox starts filling up with the same question:

"Where should we take our fall family photos?"

And honestly? It's one of my favorite questions to answer.

Living in North Texas means we don't always get the dramatic New England autumn people imagine. But what we do have are golden prairies, winding rivers, rocky overlooks, charming historic streets, colorful parks, and warm evening light that photographs beautifully well into November.

Six years ago they met at church on the night he was baptized. What began as an easy friendship slowly became something deeper until they couldn't imagine life apart.

Since then they've welcomed their sweet little boy, traded suburban life in Saginaw for wide open skies, moved onto the family ranch, and built a home where life moves just a little slower.