“Blueberries! I see blueberries!”, Everett began to shout and point from the lofty view on his Daddy’s shoulders.
“Where?!”, the rest of us asked puzzled. Between the four of us, we hadn’t yet spotted the wild berries, but as we continued to walk closer to the area he was leading us toward, he became more insistent that they were there.
We finally walked up and saw the bush that he was steering us to. Everett had a good eye, although what he spotted from afar were blackberries not blueberries.
Still, it required a pit-stop so that he could sample nature’s sweet treat! Naturally, everyone else joined in to savor the tangy-sour fruits, too! It was such a tender moment to witness them pick the berries and then share with one another.
The Pennington Family Photography Adventure took place at the Valle Crucis Park. It’s a gorgeous outdoor area not too far from Boone that offers walking and running trails, a playground, covered pavilions to have picnics, fishing on the Watauga River, and they also host live music every weekend during the summertime as free entertainment for families! When these four are looking to have an adventure close to home it’s one of their favorite places to make memories as a family, so they frequent this outdoor area pretty regularly, which is why they wanted to have their family photos done at this magical place!
The Pennington’s were one of the families I selected that WON a Choose Your Adventure Family Photo Session in the flash giveaway I did a while back.
Didn’t know I was doing that? Well, it was exclusive to subscribers of the Weekly Wander!
Click the link to join the list for updates, news about future giveaways, and other exclusive offers! It's also where I share behind-the-scenes tidbits and secrets about me that you won't see/read anywhere else online.
We had to reschedule on two different occasions due to the unpredictable Boone weather.
It’s always tricky when you’re doing outdoor family portraits because the weather can change in an instant here in the mountains, so flexibility is key.
Our back-up plan was to do an “At-Home Adventure” if it rained this time, but the sun finally cooperated on our third attempt!
As we continued to make our way around the perimeter of the Valle Crucis Park, the sun played a game of hide-and-seek. I was hoping that it would keep shining because I was looking forward to shooting during “golden hour.”
Halfway through our session we set-up a blanket tucked in a shady, wooded area where light filtered through the trees when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. It was a secluded spot where the family of four cuddled up and played airplane with the kiddos.
The little daredevils even did back-flips with the assistance of their parents, it was a lot of fun watching this playful & silly family interact with one another.
When we were done hanging out amongst the trees, we made our way to the stretch of Watauga River that hugs the park to continue the adventure.
Landon showed Everett how to skip rocks along the creek.
Everett hurled them as far as he could.
Cassie and Maya slipped away for a potty break, so the boys daringly rock-hopped across the river while carefully avoiding missteps on the slick rocks.
Maya and Everett were both brave, adventurous little souls.
We started and ended our adventure at the Valle Crucis Park playground.
The parents pushed the siblings in the swings to kick off the fun.
Everett kept yelling, “Higher, higher, Daddy!”
He was so tickled to be gliding through the air alongside his sister.
Two-and-a-half year old, Everett, also had no qualms about climbing up the ladder alone to go down the slide all by himself.
I was nervous watching him do this on his own, but his parents were laid-back and allowed him to be as playful and independent as he wanted to be.
Of course, they were also supportive and helpful when he needed them, but they also gave him his space and room to roam while they watched from a distance.
The swings, slides, and other playground equipment were a great way of getting them warmed up for the photosession and then wearing them out at the end!
As daylight began to fade, we wrapped up the family photography session with some quick portraits of the happily married couple.
I love how at the end of a shoot people usually look so relieved.
My question is usually along the lines of, “Was it as bad as you thought it would be?!”
They tend to chuckle and tell me that they had fun, surprisingly enough.
When you are enjoying yourself and having a good time, you don’t worry about me playing paparazzi—I'm a stealthy ninja like that!
My goal as a family photographer is to ensure that having your family portraits made is a fun experience for everyone, even Dad who hates "posing" for family photos!
That's why I focus on helping you create new memories with an adventure that is made just for you!
Ready to book your exclusive Choose Your Adventure Session?
Simply send me an email at wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com or message me through my website contact form and I'll get you on the schedule ASAP! Availability is limited, only
Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com
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» No More Boring Family Photos! | Choose Your Adventure Family Photography
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