There’s a special kind of magic in watching a family grow over time, and this session with the Eyre family felt like the perfect culmination of that journey. We’ve been photographing Andrew and Stephanie since their engagement in 2017, including maternity photos, newborn, and some of their children’s early milestones. We don’t post every session (for example their newborn sessions), but we have now photographed Andrew & Stephanie ELEVEN times since 2017! Including, of course, their beautiful wedding– still one of our favourite to this day!
We always want our sessions to be more than just a transaction and more than just the images we create or product we deliver. We want these sessions to be catching up with friends and building into one another as we grow, laugh, learn and journey through some of life’s challenges. And with people like Andrew & Stephanie, that comes SO easily. These two are as real as they come. As we approached this final session, it carried a bittersweet weight, knowing it would be our last one to freeze a moment in time with Hudson, Olivia, and their parents before the rhythms of life carry them, and ourselves, forward.
The backdrop for the day couldn’t have been more perfect. Their new house sits in a welcoming neighbourhood, with a school and a park tucked behind it, a world of exploration awaiting for two adventurous little spirits. As we started the session in the backyard, Hudson and Olivia were immediately in their element, running around to show us their new yard, their play structure and all the cool tricks they’ve learned they can do!
Both of these kids are so full of life and joy, that it was very easy to get caught up in their excitement and just watch them play. When it was time to transition to the more formal photo time, there was a little hesitation but this was pretty quickly overcome with the offer of a post-session treat. We are never above bribes, especially when it comes to ice cream!
As we made our way toward the park, we stopped in the alley behind their house at some creeping vine for family photos and some individuals of the kids as well. Their zest for life drew us in. Hudson pretended to be a dinosaur, demonstrated how high he could jump and just how fast he could run. Meanwhile Olivia, with her new haircut- which made her look like a pre-teen all of a sudden!- was a little more reserved, but was one smiley, adorable princess. Every session we have with the Eyre family further confirms that this family loves to have fun, loves to laugh and just loves being together.
I’m going to be honest though; it wasn’t all easy. There were some tough moments with attitudes or trying to get cooperation. But this is something else I love about the realness of Andrew & Stephanie; they didn’t let that phase them. It didn’t derail the shoot. They simply parented their children with love and support while also being stern but caring. We got to watch them being parents – in the fun and also the not-so-fun. And we love that raw, real, authentic side of our relationship with them. And who are we kidding, anyone with kids can relate! We have definitely been there!
Life isn’t always easy, and this family has navigated their own storms but have done it with immense grace, authenticity, vulnerability and love. Just more of the many reasons we love Andrew & Stephanie.
As we began to wrap up the session, we allowed some quick moments for Courtney to capture Andrew & Stephanie- just the two of them, while the kids helped Cam take photos of them too. It is in these precious moments, that we get to encourage the couple to never lose sight of their marriage in the midst of all the chaos of life, work, kids, health, and everything. It is so important to take those moments as a couple, to pause, synchronize your breathing, to reflect, and to just BE.
And then of course, we had the kids run up and give their parents a big hug!
Saying goodbye at the end of this session was tough. We do not take lightly the connections we have built over the years. We’re photographers, yes, but more than that, we’ve become part of the Eyre’s story. This isn’t a goodbye, but it will look different moving forward. Andrew & Stephanie asked for a selfie with us at the end of the session which is something we will absolutely cherish. We loved this idea, so if we have a photo session with you in the next two months, we would love to take a selfie with you. If we forget, please remind us! That will be our own little scrapbook of memories.
Eyre family, you’ve entrusted us with your lives in a way that goes beyond images. You’ve welcomed us into your hearts and your family, and we’ll carry that with us always. You and your children are a constant reminder of why we do what we do and why we love it so much. You give us the chance to capture the authenticity of a family in motion. Thank you for allowing us to document the moments that make your family uniquely yours. We’ll treasure these memories, and we’ll miss our annual adventures with you more than words can say.
We love you!
xoxo
Cam & Courtney
{ Eyre Family – Summer 2025 }
This is beautiful ! This brought on emotions for me. I love that you have connected with Stephanie and Andrew and their children. I have know Steph since she was a kid and to see this and read your story about praying for each client warms my heart. Praise God that you were in a huge part of thier life. Are you booking any more photography for brand new families like mine?