There are families I photograph once, and then there are families like the Aubreys — the ones who become part of your life, your story, and your memory bank in the sweetest ways. I’ve known this family since before their twins were born, and I even lived with them for a short season years ago. I had a front row seat to their daily life, their love for God, and their intentionality as parents. So every time I get to photograph them again, it feels a little bit like coming home.

Their fall session this year took place in a tucked-away East Texas field — the kind of spot only locals know about. Open grassy space, tall trees that filter the evening sun, and that unmistakable warm glow you get from an East Texas sunset. It’s the kind of light photographers dream about, and it showed up for us in the most beautiful way.

A Family I’ve Been Blessed to Know for Years

From the moment they stepped into the field, the session felt like pure joy. Their kids have grown so much, but their personalities are still as fun and sweet as ever. I’ve photographed their family so many times over the years that the kids barely need direction anymore — they just run, play, tease, hug, and laugh their way through the whole session.

I think that’s one of the reasons I love photographing families I’ve known for so long. The comfort is already there. The trust is already there. And the photos reflect that ease so effortlessly.

Why East Texas Is My Dream Backdrop

Even though this location is on private property, it has everything I love about shooting in East Texas: wide open spaces, tall trees, and that golden-hour glow dripping through the leaves. There’s something slower and softer about photographing families here — the atmosphere just invites connection.

Every few minutes, the light shifted through the trees in a way that felt almost magical. It layered warmth across the field and wrapped around the kids as they ran and played. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love coming back to Lindale, Van, and the surrounding East Texas areas for sessions. The landscape really does half the work for you.

The Sweet + Silly Moments That Made This Session

Family sessions with four kids always come with a little bit of unpredictability — but in the very best way. Their youngest kept us all laughing by darting away anytime we tried to gather everyone for a group shot. Honestly? His silliness added so much joy to the evening. These are the moments families remember later — the personality, the playfulness, the realness.

At one point, I ended up shooting with him perched on my hip, which put my camera-holding-wrist strength to the test, haha! And then, in the middle of the field, their oldest son called out, “Kobie, can you take a picture of us?!” He wanted a photo with his baby brother — completely unprompted. My heart melted. Those are the moments you can’t plan but always hope to catch.

Sessions like this remind me why I do what I do — to freeze these fleeting seasons, these relationships, these bits of childhood that pass way too quickly.

What Makes Fall the Perfect Season for Family Photos

There’s something magical about fall in East Texas. The warm temperatures, the rich evening light, and the earlier sunsets all come together to create a photographer’s dream. The Aubreys were surrounded by soft golden tones, and everything felt peaceful and unhurried.

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling your own family photos in East Texas, fall is truly one of the best times to do it. The light alone is worth it — but the atmosphere, the colors, and the comfortable weather make it extra special.

Interested in Your Own East Texas Session?

If this golden, joy-filled evening speaks to your heart, I’d love to create something similar for your family. Capturing families is a highlight of my job! Whether you’re in Lindale, Van, or anywhere in the East Texas area, I make the drive often and always love photographing families in these wide-open spaces.

Let’s create memories you’ll treasure for years. Contact me here to get started!