Assembling a Family: The Magic of Engagement Photos with a Child

In the world of photography, few sessions are as intimate and heartwarming as engagement shoots. These moments capture the love between two people who have chosen to spend their lives together. But when a child is involved, the session transforms into something even more profound—a celebration of not just a couple's union but the formation of a family.

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of photographing Charlie and Morgan's engagement session, accompanied by their adorable little girl, Onna. From the moment the shoot began, it was clear that this wasn't just about capturing the love between two people but about documenting the love that binds a family together.

The Unique Dynamics of a Family Engagement Session

Engagement photos are typically about the romance and connection between two people. But when you add a child into the mix, the dynamics shift. The session becomes a blend of tender moments between the couple and playful interactions with their child. It’s a delicate balance that requires not just capturing posed moments but also those spontaneous, unplanned interactions that reflect the true essence of family life.

For Charlie and Morgan, Onna was not just a participant in the session—she was an integral part of it. Her presence brought a sense of joy and authenticity to the shoot that was impossible to manufacture. From the moment she saw the first few photos on the back of the camera, Onna's shyness melted away, and she stepped into a role that was both endearing and delightful.

Onna: The Star of the Show

Every photographer knows that children bring an element of unpredictability to any session. But with that unpredictability comes a raw, unfiltered sense of joy that can make the photos truly special. Onna, with her initial shyness, quickly blossomed into the star of the show. Her transformation from a quiet observer to an enthusiastic participant was one of the highlights of the day.

What made Onna's involvement so special was her natural curiosity and excitement about the process. As soon as she saw the photos on the back of the camera, her eyes lit up, and she began to take an active role in the session. She became the director, guiding her parents on where to sit, when to kiss, and how to pose. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, all of us were caught up in her playful spirit.

The Power of Playfulness

One of the most memorable aspects of this engagement session was the way Onna's playful nature brought out the best in everyone. She had us all laughing as she confidently took charge, her little voice full of authority as she told her parents how to pose. "Okay, you sit here! And you sit here! Then you’ll kiss!" Her instructions were given with such sincerity that it was impossible not to smile.

This playful energy is something that can’t be forced or staged. It’s the kind of magic that happens when a child feels safe, loved, and involved in the process. Onna's joy was infectious, and it brought out a lightness in Charlie and Morgan that was beautiful to witness. The result was a series of photos that were not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant—a true reflection of their family dynamic.

The Importance of Inclusivity in Family Photos

Including a child in engagement photos isn't just about capturing cute moments; it’s about recognizing the importance of their role in the family. Onna’s involvement in the session was a testament to how much Charlie and Morgan value her as part of their journey. It was clear from the beginning that this wasn’t just about the two of them—it was about all three of them, as a unit.

When families are assembled, as in the case of Charlie, Morgan, and Onna, the engagement session becomes more than just a prelude to the wedding. It’s an acknowledgment of the life they’ve built together and a celebration of the love that binds them. The photos serve as a visual representation of their commitment not just to each other but to their child as well.

The Challenges and Rewards of Photographing Children

Photographing children, especially in the context of an engagement session, comes with its own set of challenges. Kids can be unpredictable, with moods that change in an instant. But these challenges are also what make the photos so special. When a child is comfortable and engaged, they bring an authenticity to the photos that is unmatched.

Onna’s initial shyness was a challenge, but it was one that quickly turned into a reward. Watching her come out of her shell and embrace the session was a reminder of why I love photographing families. There’s something incredibly rewarding about capturing a child’s pure joy and seeing how that joy enhances the connection between the parents.

Tips for Including a Child in Engagement Photos

If you're planning an engagement session that includes a child, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the shoot goes smoothly and results in beautiful, meaningful photos:

Make the Child Feel Involved: Just as Onna did, children love feeling like they’re part of something special. Let them help with small tasks or give them a role during the shoot. This involvement can help them feel more comfortable and invested in the session.
Be Flexible: Children don’t always follow a plan, and that’s okay. Be prepared to go with the flow and capture the moments as they happen. Sometimes, the best photos are the ones that weren’t planned at all.
Encourage Playfulness: Don’t be afraid to let the child lead the way at times. Their natural playfulness can bring out the best in everyone and result in photos that are full of life and emotion.
Take Breaks When Needed: Kids can get tired or lose interest, so it’s important to take breaks as needed. Let them run around, play, or just have a moment to relax. These breaks can also lead to some great candid shots.
Show Them the Photos: Just as Onna lit up when she saw the photos on the back of the camera, showing the child some of the images during the session can help keep them engaged and excited.

Capturing the Essence of a Blended Family

Blended families, like the one Charlie, Morgan, and Onna have created, are a beautiful reminder that family isn’t just about blood relations. It’s about love, commitment, and the bonds that hold people together. Engagement sessions that include children from previous relationships are a powerful way to honor the family that has been built and to celebrate the journey that brought them together.

For Charlie and Morgan, their love for Onna was evident in every interaction. They weren’t just posing for photos; they were celebrating their family. The way they looked at each other, the way they included Onna in every moment, and the way they laughed and played together all spoke volumes about the life they’ve built and the future they’re looking forward to.

The Role of a Photographer in Family Engagement Sessions

In sessions like this, the role of the photographer goes beyond simply capturing images. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and free to be themselves. It’s about recognizing the unique dynamics of the family and finding ways to showcase those dynamics in the photos.

During the session with Charlie, Morgan, and Onna, my goal was to let their love and connection shine through. Whether it was a quiet moment between Charlie and Morgan or a playful exchange between them and Onna, I wanted to ensure that every photo told the story of their family in an authentic and heartfelt way.

Reflecting on the Session

Looking back on the session, I’m struck by how much joy and love was present throughout the day. Onna’s transformation from a shy observer to a confident participant was a highlight, and her involvement added a depth to the photos that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Charlie and Morgan’s love for each other was palpable, but it was their love for Onna that truly made the session special. The way they supported her, encouraged her, and included her in every moment was a beautiful reminder of what family is all about. These photos aren’t just about their engagement; they’re about the life they’ve built together and the future they’re creating as a family.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Assembled Families

Families are built in many different ways. Some are created from the ground up, while others are assembled from different pieces, each one bringing its own unique beauty to the whole. For Charlie, Morgan, and Onna, their engagement session was a celebration of the family they’ve become—a family that has been lovingly assembled and bound together by the strongest of all forces: love.

The photos from this session will serve as a lasting reminder of this special time in their lives, capturing not just the love between Charlie and Morgan but the love that binds their entire family together. It’s a reminder that family is not just about the individuals but about the connections, the moments, and the memories that they share.

As they look forward to their wedding day and the future beyond, these photos will stand as a testament to the journey they’ve taken together and the family they’ve created. And for Onna, they will be a reminder of the role she played in this special time—shining brightly, bringing joy, and helping to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Assembling a Family: Engagement Photo Session with a Child