My first portrait session this past weekend just goes to show that even though it's winter, it shouldn't stop you from getting outside with your family and getting some photos done. That's exactly what I did with Darla and her family, and the results were awesome. The occasion was actually a special one, in that it was her mom's 60th birthday. I couldn't think of a better reason to get the whole family together for some portraits.

As soon as I arrived I met Darla and her mom Darlene, along with the rest of the family. Before we got to settled inside, I suggested that we go to their backyard to take some outdoor photos. It was a bit cold for the kids but they managed to survive and it was totally worth it. It helped that it wasn't too cold out, it was a pretty mild afternoon.

Once we finished outside it was time to head inside the house. I spent the last 30 minutes or so just following around the family and capturing moments. There were some posed photos of course, otherwise I was simply staying in the background. I came away with some real keepers! It obviously helped that Darla and her entire family were so easy to work with.