Big laughter. Real life. One unforgettable water-gun showdown during this playful family photography session.
Earlier this summer, I spent the afternoon with the Bouldin family for a session that started calm, got a little wild, and ended with everyone soaked and laughing.
As a family photographer in Little Rock, I never expect perfection. I’m in it for the giggles, snack breaks, and toddlers with their own agendas, and that’s exactly what I got.
From toy cars on the floor to a full-blown backyard water fight, this shoot was everything I love about photographing real families: joy, movement, and connection.
What Made This Playful Family Session So Fun
“I was instantly drawn to Allison’s photos—they’re so full of warmth and life. After chatting with her on the phone, I was completely sold! She was so kind, passionate, and thoughtful about her approach (especially with kids), and I knew right away that we’d click. Her energy and philosophy just felt right.”
Something I’ve learned over the past decade of photographing families: the best sessions start with trust. From the moment we met, I knew this one would be a favorite. The Bouldins came ready to play, laugh, and let their boys lead the way!! That’s where the magic ALWAYS happens.
Playful Family Photography in Little Rock
Benji and Theo were the stars of the day. Benji, their toddler, couldn’t wait to show off his personality for his milestone photos. Theo, the big brother, had other ideas at first; mostly involving anything but sitting still for a camera.
“I was so excited for Allison to meet our family and to see how she’d capture Benji’s big personality for his milestone photos! I couldn’t wait to see the magic she’d create. I was a little nervous about how our toddler would do—he’s the sweetest, but you never know what you’ll get when there’s a camera involved and a stranger asking him to pose! Haha.”
That’s one of the reasons I love shooting outdoors in Central Arkansas. There’s space to move, light to chase, and plenty of room for kids to be KIDS!!!
Capturing Real Life Moments in Natural Light
Give a kid some sunshine and freedom, and you’ll always get something real. The golden light, their laughter, and a little chaos created pure storytelling MAGIC!!!
The Laughter, The Little Things, and The Water Guns
“Oh my goodness, yes! Theo had absolutely no interest in participating at first—Allison was so patient and tried everything. The breakthrough moment came when I asked if he wanted to have a water gun fight… and he was instantly in!
Allison jumped right on board, and before we knew it, we were all soaked and laughing through our ‘family photo shoot.’
Definitely not what we expected, but it made for the best memories!”
That’s the thing about photographing families, you have to follow the fun. Sometimes that means getting drenched in the process, but it was worth every drop.
Why Real Emotions Always Win Over Perfect Poses
Perfect smiles are nice, but belly laughs are better. The photos where everyone’s a little messy, a little loud, and completely themselves? I truly believe those are the ones you’ll treasure most.
Family Sessions Full of Personality and Play
“There were so many favorite moments! The water gun fight was definitely unforgettable, but I also loved watching Benji’s personality shine through.
He hadn’t had photos taken since his newborn shoot, so we had no idea what to expect, but that boy loved the camera!
He was all smiles, full of energy, and completely in his element.
And watching him go to town on his berry smash cake was just the sweetest, most wholesome thing…pure joy!”
Every family brings their own kind of energy, and my job is to meet them right there—in the laughter, in the motion, and sometimes in the cake crumbs!!
How to Prepare for Your Family Session
“If you have little ones, try not to have too many expectations, just let things unfold! Focus on keeping your kids comfortable and happy, and they’ll open up in their own time.
Allison has such a gift for capturing beautiful moments no matter what’s happening, so don’t stress about getting the ‘perfect’ shot.
Embrace the unexpected, follow your kids’ lead, and enjoy it.”
That’s exactly it. Snacks help, patience helps more, and laughter fixes everything.
Honest Moments
“Honestly, I cried when I saw them. I couldn’t believe how perfectly Allison captured everything—the chaos, the laughter, the little moments that make us us.
Every photo felt so genuine and true to our family at this point in our lives.
No one else will ever have photos like these, because they’re uniquely ours.”
Those words hit me in the feels every time. That’s why I do what I do, to give families a way to see how sacred their everyday really is.
When Motherhood Meets Real Life
Sometimes the best photos aren’t posed. They’re the ones that catch you mid-laugh, mid-hug, or mid-splash. That’s real life, and it’s always perfect.
What They Hope Their Kids Remember from This Playful Family Photography Experience
“I want to remember this season as joyful, chaotic, and full of love. The kind of beautiful chaos that comes with raising toddler boys. It’s messy, hilarious, and perfectly imperfect.
We’re just winging it most days, but it’s all so pure and full of heart.”
“Honestly, how complete and ‘right’ it feels. These kids were just meant to be ours. They’re so pure and authentically themselves; full of joy, silliness, and wonder.
Parenthood has taught me to slow down, let go of the plans, and just enjoy it. Kids have this amazing way of reminding us what really matters and how to find joy in the simplest things.”
The Heart Behind Every Photo
That right there is the good stuff, the love that overflows and fills the cracks of everyday life. It’s not about perfect pictures; it’s about preserving what it feels like to love your people in this exact season.
Thinking About Your Own Playful Family Photography Session?
You don’t need matching outfits or a detailed plan.
You just need your people, a sense of humor, and maybe a towel, because you never know when a water gun battle might break out!
