The Keldermans officially became a family of three in January of 2020, just before the world shut down. As you can imagine, it’s been quite the year for them, raising their first child, Rian, during a global pandemic! After enduring a long year of uncertainty, this sweet family knew they wanted some official “one year” pictures to celebrate. As a fellow Hillsborough native, I was very excited when they chose the Sourland Mountains for their winter family session.
There were certainly some positives that came out of the pandemic. We have actually been neighbors for a couple years but have never gotten to know each other. Because we were all working from home and getting outside for walks around the neighborhood, we finally got to know one another. I am so happy to get to live across the street from them and not only call them neighbors, but also friends!
We originally wanted to do their family session around Rian’s birthday, but we all know how the start of the year can get away from you. February was basically one long snowstorm here in the Northeast, so that was a wash. Once the snow cleared, we still had the beautiful, muted colors of winter. The Sourland Mountains provided exactly that! Despite how some feel, I love the simplicity and calmness that a winter landscape offers.
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Being the most authentic versions of themselves, the Keldermans chose to wear comfy clothes to their session. It was a proper tribute to who they are as a family! They are so excited to have a photo that captures the whole family together. It’s the first once since adopting cutie-pie pup, Ginger, in December.
The Keldermans are an active family, and Rian loves nature just as much as her mom and dad. I love shooting at the Sourland Mountains because it offers up a number of different scenes in a small area (and minimal hiking!) Not that I don’t love a good hike, we just don’t want to tucker out the little one!
Mom says she loves how this photo captures her little girl’s happy, energetic, and slightly mischievous personality. How could this beautiful girl be mischievous?! I suppose I’ll take mom’s word for it.
I love that this session is just as much a celebration of Rian’s first year as it is her mom and dad’s survival of year one. I’ll toast to that! I’m sure all first-time parents can relate.
I was so glad Christine suggested The Sourland Mountains as the place for their winter family session because of why she chose it. It isn’t just a pretty place; it is a nod to who they are as a family and the adventures Rian had during her first year. Also, their wardrobe fit the location and season perfectly. All the cuddles of winter; Patagonia fleeces, Christine’s adorable Sperry boots, Rian and mom’s matching hats from Etsy! I’d call it a WIN!
1, 2, 3… jump!
Individual shots with Mom and Dad are always a must-have during a family session. Rian’s sweet smile says it all!
A classic Rian face. One of my personal favs!
Anyone who works with me knows I LOVE having the furry family members join in the fun. Thankfully, Christine already knew she wanted to bring their newly rescued pup, Ginger, along. I can’t help but think it will be so fun for Rian to look back at these photos, years down the road, and see her first pet right there with her.
A unique benefit of getting to work with your neighbor is our homes are the exact same layout. I’m always up for helping clients with suggestions on specific sizes and layouts for their prints, but this was a piece of cake since they would be going on walls I’m already very familiar with. These beauties will soon be hung on the walls so they can be loved everyday!
Looking to celebrate a milestone birthday for your babe with a furry friend? Take a page out of the Keldermans’ book and reserve your family session with me by getting in touch here!
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