There is magic in the ordinary—especially when viewed through the eyes of a child.
As a lifestyle portrait photographer, I find joy in the quiet, intimate moments that often go unnoticed: the giggles that burst out mid-chase, the wind catching a balloon just right, or the wonder in a child’s eyes as they explore their own backyard. These everyday moments are often the ones that mean the most—and that’s exactly what inspired this portrait session.
In this particular session, I captured Maria Jose with a heart-shaped balloon in her backyard. The simplicity of the setting was the perfect backdrop for a session filled with joy, innocence, and imagination. No elaborate props or faraway destinations—just a sunny yard, one child, and a balloon full of personality.
The words of William Martin from The Parent’s Tao Te Ching were in my mind throughout this session:
“Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives...
Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life...
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
That quote so beautifully captures what I aim to do with children’s portraits. Not every session needs to be styled or posed in a studio. Sometimes, the most memorable and emotionally rich photos come from letting kids be themselves—in their own space, where they feel safe and free.
A backyard session offers a unique opportunity to slow down, embrace play, and capture real, unfiltered joy. Whether your child is chasing bubbles, cuddling a pet, twirling in a dress, or holding onto a bright red balloon, these are the moments that speak volumes.
These photos are more than cute snapshots—they’re timeless records of childhood, filled with emotion, color, and authenticity. Years from now, you won’t just remember what your child looked like—you’ll remember how they laughed, how they played, and how full of wonder they were.
Creative backyard portraits are perfect for any season of childhood—from toddler giggles to tween curiosity. You don’t need a special occasion to book one. Sometimes, the best reason to document your child is just because.
Let’s capture your child as they are right now: full of life, full of magic, and completely at home in their own little world.
Because in the end, it’s the ordinary days that become the extraordinary memories.
It's always a good time to go outside and take photographs!
How much magic can you make in your backyard?
The sky is the limit.
