Candid & Cozy Family Photography Session in a Wake Forest Renovated Farm House
When Angie filled out her session questionnaire, I knew right away this session would be something special.
She told me that what she wanted most was to see her husband relaxed and happy in their photos, especially after a hard year. She didn’t want perfection. She wanted peace.
When people think of Wake Forest family photography, they often picture polished sessions in manicured parks or styled studios. But sometimes the most meaningful stories unfold in the places families actually live.
This session with the Hayslette family was one of my favorite sessions this year. A renovated farmhouse tucked down a quiet dirt road in Wake Forest, North Carolina set the stage for a morning full of exploring deep love, emotional connection, and the freedom to explore childhood.
A Family Photography Session That Was Meant to Be
This session came to me as a gift, literally. Angie, the mom, received this session from her friend Sarah, who’s a longtime client of mine. It was originally meant to be a mini session, something I rarely offer but occasionally make exceptions for when it feels right. I made one here, and I’m so glad I did.
Angie is originally from the Netherlands. While living in the United States during college, she met and fell in love with Cody. Together they’re raising two bright, kind kids in a way that’s both intentional and full of adventure. Their renovated farmhouse is surrounded by trees, light, and all the quiet freedom kids could dream of.
When Angie filled out her session questionnaire, I knew right away this session would be something special. Her answers were full of warmth and honesty. She told me that what she wanted most was to see her husband relaxed and happy in their photos, especially after a hard year. She didn’t want perfection. She wanted peace.
The Beauty of Letting Go During Family Photos
I was scheduled to stay for just 30 minutes, but that didn’t feel like nearly enough time to tell their story. Two hours later, we were still exploring and creating images that reflected exactly who they are.
What struck me most was how much freedom they gave their kids to simply be kids. When their son wanted to run in circles instead of play guitar with Dad, they smiled. When he wanted to climb up onto the window sill instead of snuggling quietly, they laughed. There was no stress, no “shoulds,” no trying to make their home or their behavior fit into a picture-perfect mold.
That kind of trust and openness is what makes Wake Forest family photography so special to me. Families here have such a strong connection to nature and to one another. They don’t need grand backdrops or elaborate props. They just need space to be themselves.
Why Your Family Photos Should Feel Like You
Every family has its own rhythm. For some, that might look like cozy in-home snuggles and quiet mornings. For others, it’s barefoot races in the backyard and making music that echos down the hall.
When I photograph families in Wake Forest, Raleigh, or Durham, my goal isn’t to pose you into someone else’s idea of beauty. It’s to reflect your story, the one that’s unfolding right now in all its wild, messy, beautiful glory.
If you’ve ever hesitated to book a family session because your home feels too small, too cluttered, or not “Pinterest-perfect,” I promise it’s enough. In-home sessions capture something that outdoor or studio sessions simply can’t: the real, intimate feeling of belonging.
You can read more about that in my post Storytelling at Home: Why In-Home Family Photos Matter, where I share how everyday spaces can become the backdrop for your most meaningful memories.
Advice for Families Planning a Wake Forest Photography Session
If you’re preparing for your own family photos, my best advice is this: take a deep breath and let go of your expectations.
We’re not trying to recreate a magazine spread or match a Pinterest board. We’re documenting your family as it truly is right now. When you relax into the experience and let the moments unfold naturally, the photos that come out of it will always feel like home.
Whether we’re shooting in your backyard, your living room, or along one of Wake Forest’s wooded trails, the magic happens when you let go. That’s when your story shines.
Capture Your Own Candid Story
This session in Wake Forest reminded me why I do what I do. Every family has a story worth telling, and the beauty is often found in the in-between moments.
If this kind of session speaks to you, I’d love to chat and explore how we can tell your story too.