{Simplicity} Lakeville, MN Photographer

The more I learn about photography, the more I fall in love with documenting everyday images. I love documenting moments that cannot always be supported by props, extravagant backdrops or locations because all of that takes away from telling a story. My days are filled with routines involving my two little guys and a big part of our day is our "getting ready" routine. I am sure most moms know that the time it takes to get the kids ready can test even the most patient of mothers; in spite of that, bathtime is still one of my favorite routines with my little guys. It might take some convincing to get my little ones (especially my older one) in the tub but once they are in there they love to splash and play. My favorite part is the snuggles I get afterwards, when they are all fresh, clean and snuggly! This morning after their baths, we had a little extra time so I decided to play a game of peek a boo with my littles in order to capture some artistic shots, telling our morning routine story in a different way. The set up was so quick and simple. I just used a queen sized flat sheet, a white bedspread, some pillows and in about ten minutes I got some new favorite shots of my boys. I am always thinking of new ways to document my kids' childhood and to capture my kids real expressions; scenarios that push my creativity while keeping my kids engaged (and safe!). I am in love with these because instead of interacting with a prop they really are interacting with me as I am pulling the bedsheet up and saying "peek-a-boo!" 

Do you have a favorite family routine or tradition? Maybe you are taking your first child to the zoo or an amusement park for the first time. Maybe you just bought your first home together. Maybe you bake, read, put together puzzles or do an activity outside together. Whatever those routines are that make your family unique--let me help you capture those moments while your kids are still small so you can remember them forever. To book your lifestyle session email me at alyssa.francis@outlook.com.

{K Family} St. Paul Family Photographer

Many of my clients hire me not because I am great at "posed" photos, but because of the "in between" moments. The moments that capture their family as it is. Posed photos are great and all but those in between shots, those are the ones that I take and I instantly think "that was my shot, it was perfect." 

The K family had their session photographed at the Union Depot in St. Paul, and it included a lot of those "in between" moments! The venue is absolutely beautiful! It was a gorgeous backdrop to capture some moments for this beautiful family. The building itself had so much character I found myself photographing from the floor quite a bit because the ceiling was so spectacular. 

The order of my sessions are usually dictated by the kiddos and what they want to do. If the energy level is high, I have them run, jump and play. If the energy level is low, that is when I will tend to get up close and get those more quiet moments between the child and parents or the child by him or her self. We play games and at times it feels like chaos, but the hope is that the experience above all else is a good one for the kids as well as their parents. 

There was so much love in this family that is was easy to capture the relationship between the parents and the children and I am so in love with so many images from this session, I couldn't help but post a blog about it! 

{Lola and Me} Marshall, MN Photographer

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~Marcy DeMaree

A bond between a grandparent and their grandchild is so precious, I was grateful to have the opportunity to photograph this beautiful grandma (AKA Lola) and her grandson. It was an honor to capture some memories for this family whose grandma lives out of the country and only comes to visit a couple times a year. Photos truly are the legacy we leave behind for generations to come, they freeze time and can bring us back to a moment the instant we look at it. While I like the posed shots, the in between moments are still my favorites--the moments I capture my clients playing, interacting with each other are the ones I hope my client treasure forever and plaster all over their walls, because that is their family as it was right at that moment, and it is most certainly perfect. This family was so precious, I loved working with them and Grandma (Lola) was a hoot! She was beautiful and she could run in heels better than I EVER could :) I hope this grandma, mom and grandson love these images as much as I do :) Thank you M family for sharing these moments with me! 

This last image makes my heart sing...I love everything about it :) 

{E+G=Love!} Minneapolis Engagement Photographer