Day in the life detail moments with a toddler

If you have a toddler you know it’s definitely not easy but it is rewarding. They transition from babies into this little young child with their own personality and desire to do what they want when they want. Is this sounding right?

I wanted to do something a little different on today’s blog post. I typically share images from family sessions but this time around I wanted to share something a little more personal to me. Time is precious. Yes, cliche, but precious nonetheless. I make a goal of taking out my camera once a month to photograph our daughter with whatever milestone/day/event/holiday that comes to mind for that month. These photos are from a trip we took in the fall and looking back on them brought me all the feels.

I’m a lifestyle family and newborn photographer and I love moments like this.

Here are some images of detail moments of daily life with my toddler that I don’t want to forget:

snacktime & independence

man oh man are we in the “I do it!!!” phase. I love her little hands with some of her favorite go to snacks- pouches and fruit cups!

showing emotions

she’s been furrowing her brows since she was a baby and I hope she never stops. Not only this emotion, but a toddler shows a wiiiiide range of emotions, sometimes several within a few minutes.

onesies, stained pajamas

We are finally at a point where we aren’t having to buy clothing so often and she can wear the same pajama set for several months. Along with that comes dirt and stains. But I’m such a sucker for my toddler in footed pajamas. It makes me feel like she’s still a little baby!!

playing & hide and seek

She’s not *really allowed to play in this tv stand but I felt like it would be appropriate to entertain the hide and seek for a quick little game. She’s so into it right now and we have fun!

loveys

Loveys! She likes to take a different one to school each day. At night she sleeps with at least 5-7 of them. I absolutely love this. My mom told me that when my brother and I were little we weren’t attached to any lovey’s or blankets and for a while our daughter wasn’t either. Now, she will tell us which one she wants and she has an attachment to the idea of the lovey and taking it with her to school and sleep.

following their lead

Toddlers truly have a mind of their own. I like to follow her lead for what she wants to do (within reason). After all, she’s 2 years old! It’s so much fun seeing her brain, language, and social skills develop and I think it’s important that I’m not always the one with the agenda. Sometimes she just needs to be able to run around outside looking at flowers or playing chase, other times I guess she needs to play in the blinds with her friend?

Thanks so much for being here and I hope this blog post makes you feel more comfortable and relatable to me! I love getting to know the families I photograph. I love when they trust me to capture their family and more importantly when they come back year after year and tell their friends about me. Happy February!

Atlanta Family Photographer | Natural and Relaxed Lifestyle Sessions

I’m so glad you’re here! If you’ve been searching for an Atlanta family photographer and want photos that feel natural, easy, and actually enjoyable then you’re in the right place!

Relaxed lifestyle family sessions in Atlanta for laid-back families

I photograph families in a relaxed, joy-filled way so you get genuine connection, real moments, and images that reflect your family as you are right now. I won’t pose your family in awkward positions that don’t feel like you. And I won’t force you or your kids to smile at the camera or be anything other than yourselves!

Related blog posts:

• Lifestyle Family Session at Ponce City Market

• Kirkwood Atlanta Family Session

• What to Expect from your Lifestyle Atlanta Family Session

Meet Your Atlanta Family Photographer

Hi, I’m Tabitha!

I’m a family photographer and a mom, which means I understand how quickly these seasons change and how fast these kids grow. I’m so passionate about making these experiences meaningful and creating ways to hold onto these moments for just a little bit longer.

I’m based in the Washington, DC area but I travel to Atlanta throughout the year to photograph families, and each time I’m there I open up a limited number of session dates.

I’m drawn to the moments that might feel slightly chaotic but are connected and true to you.

My goal as your photographer is to create a fun space where your family can relax, be yourselves, and actually enjoy your time together!

When you feel comfortable, that’s where the magic happens and where we get those beautiful photos of your family!

Learn more about me and my approach.

What Is Lifestyle Family Photography?

Lifestyle family photography is all about capturing your real life and not a perfectly posed version of it. I move a lot during the sessions in order to capture your family doing your thing, and capturing the little moments of your toddler reaching to be picked up, the silly faces and laughs, the games, and your family being with each other.

These family photo sessions are designed to feel natural and unforced, whether we’re at your home or exploring one of my favorite Atlanta family photo locations.

Some examples of what your family can do during your session can include playing outside together and looking at the flowers, drawing chalk and making art in your driveway, snuggling on the couch reading a book, or just letting your kids be kids.

A Relaxed Approach to Family Photography

As a lifestyle family photographer in Atlanta, I use a simple approach and follow the energy of your family. I’ll guide moments or activities from time to time while using the light in a helpful way. When you’re having a natural moment I’ll step back and allow the moment to unfold.

I won’t ask you to stand still and smile at the camera the whole time. Instead, I’ll gently prompt you into connection and movement so your photos feel like real moments and show engagement and that you’re having fun with each other, because you will!

You don’t need to worry about:

• what to do with your hands

• whether your kids will cooperate

• or getting everything “just right”

Your only job is to show up and be with your family and I’ll take care of the rest!

What to Expect From Your Atlanta Family Photo Session

Every session is a little different based on things such as family dynamics, session location, ages of children, but here’s a loose guide about what you can expect when I’m photographing you. We will start slow so everyone can ease in and get comfortable. We will follow your kids’ energy, and this will help gain their trust. We build in some space for movement and connection. If your child is full of energy, it will be reflected in the photos! If your child prefers to be in your arms and is a little shy, that’s okay too - we will spend your session time capturing those moments of your family naturally. Soon after your session you’ll have a gallery full of natural images that feel like your family.

Best Atlanta Locations for Family Photos

Location plays a big role in the feel of your session. I’ll help you choose a spot that fits your family’s vibe and how you want your photos to look and feel.

Some favorite options for a family photo session include:

• Piedmont Park – there is open space, beautiful foliage and texture, and is perfect for movement

• Cator Woolford Gardens – the space is small, quiet, and full of greenery

• In-home sessions – these are relaxed, personal, and meaningful and take place right at your home

• Winn Park - a lovely hidden gem of a park with a beautiful garden and water

• Ponce City Market - an urban location filled with color and texture

Related: See more Atlanta family photo location blog posts

Who These Sessions Are For

These sessions are perfect for families who:

• want candid, natural family photos

• prefer a relaxed and low pressure experience

• don’t love overly posed images

• value connection over perfection

If that sounds like your family, you’re in the right place!

Want Helpful Tips Before Your Session?

If you’re still in the early planning stage, I welcome you to join my VIP email community. You’ll occasionally receive emails and updates with helpful tips for what to wear, how to prep your kids, and how to keep your session feeling easy and stress-free. You’ll also be the first to know when Atlanta session dates open!

Join the email list

Inquire About Your Atlanta Family Photography Session

If you’re ready for photos that feel natural, connected, and true to your family, I’d love to work with you!

I travel to Atlanta for a limited number of sessions throughout the year, and dates tend to fill quickly.

Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch with upcoming availability and next steps.

What Happens Next

• I’ll respond within 24–48 hours

• We’ll choose a date during my next Atlanta trip

• I’ll guide you through everything leading up to your session

{abby lynn} | playground fun at piedmont park | atlanta lifestyle photographer

There's so much joy in hanging out with a toddler. We had this session at the park just for fun and I was happy to click during some cute moments of AL playing on the monkey bars (those are words I don't hear as often anymore!), playing with wood chips, and just running around. Last time I got to see her, I got to take some daddy daughter photos at the park. 

I love how free spirited children are at this age and it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two from them. They are bright eyed, happy, hyper, and just excited for all of the things. 

Looking at these images just makes me want to go to a park and have fun. I can remember the feeling of the grass and just hanging out playing with sticks! 

What I love about lifestyle sessions is the ability to allow the child to take the lead and enjoy all of the small moments. If you're interested in booking a session, head over to some of my favorite images or drop me a message on my contact page! 

{jenna & cole} | mommy and me session | atlanta lifestyle photography

This was my second time photographing this Mommy and toddler and we decided to do a Mommy and Me session! Click here if you want to see Cole's one year cupcake smash! Cole is such a fun toddler and we went with the flow during this in-home lifestyle session. What I love about this age is that it ends up being more fun and relaxed when you go with the toddler's lead and what he or she wants to do.

We had so much fun today reading books, playing with puzzles, eating a snack, playing with toys, playing airplane with mommy, and really just seeing what Cole had in mind to do. I love capturing the way she and he look and adore each other. Mom is a local photographer so it's always fun to give her some fresh images of her and her little snugglebug!

That's what lifestyle is all about. Capturing real life. If you are interested in booking a family session, get in touch with me by filling out this contact form and we can get something on the calendar! Can't wait to meet you! 

{yowler family} | two weeks new | atlanta newborn photography

I love meeting new families and learning about what makes their family special. Mom is a photographer and I am always excited to photograph another photographer because they get to actually be in the photos with their family! This was an in home lifestyle newborn session so the focus was capturing the newborn in her natural environment. The home makes the perfect backdrop for lifestyle newborn photos! 

I loved how natural the family was and baby girl got all the love! How cute is her older brother being so loving and giving her all of the kisses! 

I always like to spend time with not only the family for photos of the newborn and the family, but also the little things like the sibling playing with blocks in his room. Mom and I chatted for a while and just let him do his thing. If you're interested in a lifestyle family session, head on over to say hello and we can chat about booking a session!

{carrion family} | christmas fun | dallas family photography

Although we aren't technically family, I enjoy every bit of the time I get to spend with my best friend's family. They take me in as their own, and I get to play with the two silliest, smartest, cutest little girls (okay I might be a little biased) a couple times a year. I have watched these girls grow over the years and I enjoy the time I get to see them. I bring along my camera to document the activities and silly games because it's always a treat to look back on them even just a few months later to see how much they've grown!

We began our day outside as the girls showed me their new Christmas gifts. They were so excited to show off their new clothes and their new bikes. Don't they just look so cute? We spent a little time inside to take a break to color, and then ended up going back outside in the backyard. They live in a small town north of Atlanta and they have so much land on their property. Living in the city you wouldn't get as much land as they would, so we definitely take advantage between having the bonfire going, the 4-wheeler rides, and letting the dogs run free. The backyard was such a wooded dream! The family stayed warm between having the bonfire going and staying warm with snuggles.

What I love about lifestyle sessions is the ability for the family to carry on the way they would as if I wasn't there. I just happen to be at the right place with my camera, ready to click! With two fast-moving little girls they definitely keep me on my feet and I love the way the photos tell the story. They are used to getting their photos taken but I still sometimes try to be sneaky so I can capture the genuine expression and emotions when they are playing. 

Check out the blog for other recent sessions such as this Newborn Session and this lifestyle session at Ponce City Market in Atlanta! 

{trumbull family} | family fun | lilburn family photographer

I had a coworker reach out to me about a lifestyle in-home session of her family and I was so excited. This was actually the second time I got to photograph them and knew it would be fun to get some holiday images for them to send out! She's the only lady in the family but I will say the boys in her family have so much personality!

We spent some time outside capturing some day to day activities. The little one loved playing with the basketball and the older one loved showing me riding his bicycle. There is so much personality in these images, and I was so excited to get the gallery to this family. Our outdoor activities included playing around and of course getting tickles and snuggles from Mom and Dad. I was excited to see how the family decorated their Christmas tree, and everyone was so excited to show me all of their ornaments. It was special to photograph their family traditions. 

I love when families reach out to me about lifestyle holiday family photos because you can allow things to naturally unfold. Check out this little guy's outfit for these holiday photos!

{brian & abby lynn} | daddy daughter playtime | atlanta lifestyle photographer

Sometimes as photographers we don't spend much time in front of the camera. I had been talking to Brian about scheduling a time to get some photos of him and his daughter so I was so excited when the family session finally happened! He's an Atlanta photographer as well, but today he was a Daddy that got to go play at the park!

I got to spend a couple of hours them today and one of the things they enjoy doing together is going outside to play. The visit at the park began with them play fighting with sticks, which I thought was absolutely adorable. We then took a walk to the trail that was in the back area, where they played peek a boo behind a tree. I don't know many toddlers that don't enjoy peek a boo! The two of them enjoyed talking about what they saw on the trail and the trail walk ended with an adorable piggy back ride. We got back to the grassy area of the park and the little girl giggled her way into Daddy's lap.

I loved the lifestyle feel of this because most of the moments were candid and natural. Interested in a play session at the park? Fill in your information on my contact page so we can schedule a family session!