After capturing classic posed portraits, I watch for the moment when children need to move, to run, to simply be kids. That's when we transition to the backyard, where some of the most magical images come to life. This shift from traditional to lifestyle photography creates a complete editorial narrative—polished portraits plus authentic candid moments.
This Oakville session near Upper Middle Line perfectly illustrates this approach. From the moment I arrived, this little guy's adventurous spirit was evident. We started with the "looking and smiling" photographs families treasure, establishing those classic images. Then we let him run free.
The backyard became his playground: chasing balls, playing with his puppy, climbing onto his pint-sized chair, exploring with complete freedom. These unrehearsed moments—full of movement, curiosity, and pure joy—created some of my favorite images from the session. They warm the heart because they're real.
Great family photography tells the full story. Traditional portraits capture how children look; lifestyle candids capture how they move through the world. Together, they create the kind of comprehensive documentation that works beautifully in publications and becomes treasured family history.
Location: Glen Abbey, Oakville.
Keywords: baby (40), candid (35), fun (30), parents (24), portrait (81). 1/180; f/3.3; ISO 400; 86.0 mm.