Casual Family Gathering Photography

We got the immense pleasure to spend an early Thanksgiving with Nick’s side of the family last weekend & I got to break out the camera in a casual, lovely afternoon by the lake. I love taking no pressure, casual, family photography. My style is very much based on lifestyles & I love to capture moments as they truly happen, not as I pose them. i like to be a fly on the wall, not invading a space, which I feel can ruin a moment.

We had a potluck & everyone brought some delicious dishes. I brought mac & cheese plus green bean casserole & drinks. I can’t believe I didn’t get my hands on any mashed potatoes because they are LIFE but I was so full I couldn’t stuff another bite into my big ol mouth.

We played football, saw family we don’t see often, ran around outside, Grandpa even took all the kids down to the water all by himself! We tried for a group photo of all of the grandkids & saw the hilarity that ensued there. Toddlers & babies are just unpredictable & so much fun.

Nick’s sister’s family just adopted a new puppy from DeKalb County Animal Services & she was amazing. Kids running, screaming, chickens, people, off leash, she was just part of the fun! Also, she loves to run but hasn’t figured out how to watch out quite yet & this happened:

It was nothing but fun & we pulled names for this years secret Santa for the kids. Since there is so many of us, each kid picks a name for another so everyone gets gifts but no one goes broke doing it! Whenever you get a chance to spend time with family, do it with joy & laughter & food!