A Fall Mother & Daughter Mini Session at Assiniboine Forest

October 2024 · Assiniboine Forest · Winnipeg, Manitoba

Fall is one of my favourite times for family photographs in Winnipeg, and Assiniboine Forest creates a beautiful setting with its birch trees, golden grasses and warm autumn colours.

This mother-and-daughter session was especially meaningful because it wasn’t the first time I had photographed them. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph them during Christmas, Valentine’s Day and fall mini sessions, making each session another little chapter in their story together.

Relaxed Family Portraits in the Forest

Mini sessions move quickly, but that doesn’t mean the photographs need to feel rushed or overly posed. We started with a few simple portraits among the trees, giving them time to settle in while keeping things playful and relaxed.

With young children, some of the strongest photographs often happen between the traditional poses — a laugh, a silly expression, or a moment of connection that unfolds naturally.

Letting Kids Be Kids

Rather than expecting a young child to stand still and smile at the camera for an entire session, I like to keep things moving. Walking, playing and interacting with Mom gave her plenty to do while creating photographs that feel much more like her personality.

Those genuine laughs and expressions are often the photographs families remember most.

Photographing Their Story Through the Seasons

One of the things I value most about family photography is being invited back. I’ve photographed this family through Christmas, Valentine’s Day and fall sessions, and each visit captures a slightly different stage of childhood.

A single session preserves a moment. Returning over the years begins to create something bigger — a visual record of a family changing together.