Out of the van come a white-shirted family of five: two strapping sons, a daughter, and a wife & husband. I smile to myself at this surprise. As we walk to the meadow of the St. Olaf Natural Lands, I ask Derrick about the all-white color palette. I knew this session was a birthday gift to his wife, Anne, and I was curious to know how the family reacted. I reflect how hilarious these five are– they go big or go home. (Insider information: these are family friends and I’m quite free to joke around these folks.)

During our approach to the meadow, Derrick launches into the topic of the intensity of the sun and perhaps shooting in a different location, and Anne is ready at the helm to assure him, “Let the photographer decide!” in her winsome way. Although Derrick is correct, I am trained to shoot well even in direct sunlight and give him a hard time about it. I discover how naturally Hannah, Peter, and Andrew laugh and my attempts to get them smiling fade away. How wonderful to just be ourselves together, photographing them in their prime!

Derrick & Anne,

It was such a pleasure to serve you and capture the love in your family.

Sincerely,

Jennifer