They say time flies. I’m not sure who “they” are but they’re right.

When I first started photographing the Houg family back in 2014 these boys weren’t teenagers. They were our 11 and almost 9 year old nephews who weren’t little boys any longer but not yet teens.

I mean, they’re still our nephews but, you know what I mean...

Now look at them. They’re practically grown men! Carson is a Junior at Des Moines Christian School, and Collin is a Freshman at DMCS, with both of them running Cross Country this year. They are phenomenal runners, and I’m not just staying that as their Aunt. These guys are crazy fast and can run 2 miles in the amount of time it took me to run 1 mile in PE class back when I was actually in pretty good shape.

Holly (my husband’s sister) and Steve were gracious to let me do practice sessions with them back when I was just getting started in my photography business, and it’s been fun to photograph them every year practically since 2014 and watch their family change through the years in pictures.

Many times they’ve just wanted a simple updated family photo for Christmas cards as well as updated photos of the boys in their backyard, but this time they (and when I say “they” I really mean Holly) wanted to venture beyond their backyard and have their shoot done at my favorite spot in Urbandale.

I photograph a lot here along Walnut Creek and love the tall native prairie grasses and wild flowers. As the sun begins to set there is a beautiful glow through the trees creating a pretty softness that wraps you in warm golden light.

Holly chose a beautiful red dress which pops beautifully against the green of the trees and grasses, with Steve and the boys complimenting nicely with neutral grays and shades of blue.

Most teenage boys aren’t thrilled with getting their pictures taken so I always make it my goal to work quickly and keep posing minimal and more natural. There are great ways to mix it up though and get great variety:

This is great practice for Carson’s Senior pictures next year!

When was the last time you had pictures with just your spouse? For many couples they say it was their wedding day, and (unless you just got married a year or two ago) that’s too long to wait! Family photo sessions are a great time to capture just the two of you as well.

Siblings don’t always get along, but these guys really do like each other and enjoy spending time together, whether it’s running/training, shooting hoops or playing on the XBox.

Need to update your head shot? Why not do it in conjunction with your family pictures! Head shots don’t always need to be done in a studio with a solid backdrop, and for Happiness in the Kitchen with Holly Houg, this natural colorful shot will be a great addition to her social media and LinkedIn profiles.

Putting your updated family photo on your annual Christmas card is great, but where do you want to display your photos in your home for you to enjoy every day? This is a question I ask all of my clients, and while some people know exactly where they want to hang a portrait or two, others truly have no idea where to start or what is even available beyond the cheap Groupon canvas, let alone where to hang it or at what size.

That’s where I come in.

By taking a photo of a wall in your home, I can use that photo in my wall gallery design software to prepare a digital mock up with your own photos from your session, scaled to fit.

You may think that a 24x16 sounds huge and would be the perfect piece above your couch, until you see this....

Pretty small, right?

Now, if you have that framed and matted it leaves a bigger footprint on your wall and is better suited for the space, but with this sofa sectional even this is really too small for this space as a stand-alone piece. This shows a 3” frame along with a 3” mat.

For a large space over a sofa or sectional, consider a larger stand-alone piece to really make an impact.

I generally recommend a large single stand-alone piece over a fireplace as well because you will be viewing it from across the room, and will look fantastic from any vantage point in your home. You may want to opt for an image with more of the environment in the photo. That way you have a beautiful landscape image but your family happens to be in it!

Larger wall spaces like this are great for a wall cluster too. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite portraits all in one space for a cohesive look. Consider something frame-free for a more contemporary and modern look, or for more traditional tastes you can’t beat a beautifully framed portrait.

Do you have teenagers and dread family pictures because the kids hate getting their pictures taken? Don’t let this time in your family’s life slip away. Your kids aren’t little anymore and before you know it they’ll be off to college. Capture this time. Hang a beautiful portrait on your wall that you can enjoy every day. It will help your house to not feel so quiet and empty.

You’ll be glad you did. I promise.