The Umbrella, the Laughs, and the Bond They’ll Never Outgrow | Family Photographer Near Me

Some sessions are emotional because of the light, the weather, or the life season. Others are emotional because of the people—and the history you’ve shared with them over the years. This one had all of the above.

I've been photographing this brother and sister for years. I’ve seen them as kids, preteens, and now teenagers who—shockingly—still like each other. That’s not something you can fake, especially in the middle of downtown Birmingham, on a stormy summer night. We shot under the overpass for a moment and then we moved into the rain, and yet, there they were—laughing, teasing, and making each other crack up the way only siblings can.

We started the session with a bit of a time crunch. Their older sister is heading off to college soon, and this might be the last chance we had to capture the whole family before the schedule turns into something unmanageable. So, we went for it. Storm or no storm. I had barely started adjusting my settings when I looked up and saw the brother—unprompted—holding the umbrella over his sister’s head. Not just for a cute photo. He was actually doing it to keep her dry while I got my camera set. (He is always sweet like that)

These are the shots I dream of :-)

Sibling relationships are their own kind of magic. No one else has your exact shared memories. No one else knows how to push your buttons and make you laugh within five seconds. No one else can go from mock-arguing over who left their shoes in the car to doubling over in laughter because of an inside joke from ten years ago.

These two? They’re the best kind of reminder that family photos aren’t just for “the little kid years.” They’re for this too—the in-between, the teen stage, the “we’re almost grown but we still hang out” phase.

And if you’ve got kids who are growing up faster than you can process, I’ll say this: capture them now. The dynamic they have today—whether it’s playful, sarcastic, fiercely close, or a chaotic mix of all three—will shift. That doesn’t mean it disappears. It just means that this version of their bond won’t stay the same forever.

As a family photographer in Birmingham AL, I get to see these sibling relationships evolve year after year. And let me tell you, there’s something especially meaningful about the stage where they’re no longer little—but not yet gone.

During this session, I caught them goofing off with the umbrella, laughing at each other’s expense, and sneaking sweet glances in between in between the humor and the teasing, there’s a deep, natural care that shows up in little ways. Like standing a little closer when the wind picks up. Or waiting just a beat before walking ahead. Or holding the umbrella over her without saying a word. That’s the kind of bond you can’t script. And that’s why I photograph it.

Family photos aren’t just about documenting what everyone looks like. They’re about capturing how your people love each other in this season of life. Sometimes that love looks like a perfect pose. Other times, it looks like a teenage boy holding an umbrella and pretending he’s not totally invested in making sure his sister doesn’t get wet. Both are worth remembering.

So if your kids are older now, and you’ve been telling yourself that family photos are for toddlers or Christmas cards, I’m here to tell you—you’re missing the best part.

Because what I see through the lens? It’s bigger than the photo.

It’s the story of your family.

And if this session taught me anything, it’s that siblings who laugh together through a thunderstorm are going to be just fine.

Let’s get your crew in front of the camera. Umbrella optional. Contact Me To get Your Family Photo Session Scheduled