Bouwkamp Family Session | Laurenda Marie Photography | Grand Rapids, MI

This past April I donated a family mini session to a silent auction for Safe Haven, an organization that provides aid for victims of domestic abuse. I was so happy to participate in such a great cause that brings awareness to such an unspeakable offense. To read more about Safe Haven, visit their website here. 

Heather was the winner of the mini session, and brought her pack of boys and new puppy Pearl to see me! To ease her mind upon arrival, I explained I take a more candid approach to photos - capturing personalities and emotions rather than poses and forced smiles! I think Mama's can get apprehensive before a session when younger children are involved. With two young boys of my own, I know how feisty and rambunctious they can be. My goal is to freeze moments that are real and authentic to each family dynamic - and this approach happens to work especially well with kids! I love letting them play and run around during sessions - essentially just letting them be themselves!

So here you have it. Heather, Jack, Finley, Declan, and puppy Pearl in all of their beautiful realness.