2016 holiday portraits: big sister, little brother

i love spending one on one time with kids

as i'm photographing them. 

it's our time to talk, hang out, and get to know each other if we haven't already met...

plus, it gives the parents a little breather from all the camera clicks.

i like to ask kids a lot of questions - 

maybe about their favorite dessert,

a favorite character in a book,

or their best birthday present ("... like, ever, in your whole life").

it's a special thing watching them light up as they talk about themselves,

and the things they enjoy.

there's an excitement in their eyes

that doesn't always come through

when they're posing for the camera.

their expressions are more natural, not forced,

and i'm able to see their personalities better

during a conversation. 

and, call me crazy,

but the mama in me thinks it helps their little hearts

to carry on a conversation with another adult who's interested in them

and what they have to say. 

it has to be a confidence booster, right?

not that many of them need boosting,

but it still feels intentional and right to give them space

to talk and to be heard.

here are some of my very favorites from

an afternoon spent with these sweet siblings...