A Joyful Spring Session With the Johnston Family

The Johnston family is one of those families that has become part of my year, part of my seasons, part of the rhythm of my work. They first came to me years ago for a mini session, and since then, they’ve stayed for their yearly full family photos — the sweetest kind of loyalty.

This year, we decided to shift their annual photos into spring, letting the warmth, sun, and new growth set the tone for their session. A family of five, full of personality and love, they came ready to play, laugh, and soak in the afternoon light.

Spring at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville

We photographed their session at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville, a spot that bursts with life in early spring. The weather was warm, and although we weren’t quite at golden hour yet, the sun was bright and rich which washed whole park in soaked, glowing light that felt soft and welcoming.

It gave their gallery a warm, almost honey-toned feel — the perfect backdrop for kids who just want to run and explore.

Thoughtful Styling for a Well-Loved Family

Because this family trusts me wholeheartedly with styling, mom let me take the reins as always. I created a style board to map out the look, but since they’re repeat clients, we also pulled from my client closet to complete their wardrobe.

They know the drill.
They know the tones that work well.
And they always show up ready to look and feel their best — a dream for any photographer.

The neutral palette paired beautifully with the bright spring sun, creating soft tones and warm highlights throughout the gallery.

The Sweetest Moment: Lainey and the Ladybug

The aesthetic of this session was joyful and warm, but the moment that stood out above everything else was simple, small, and so incredibly sweet.

Their youngest daughter found a ladybug, and that tiny creature became the center of her world for several minutes. She held it, giggled, studied it with that intense childlike curiosity that always makes me want to freeze time.

Those photos — her little hands cupped gently, her eyelashes catching the sunlight as she leaned in close — are some of my favorites. They feel like childhood distilled into a single moment.

A Session Filled With Sweet, Loving Fun

This session can be summed up in three words: sweet, loving, fun.
The Johnston family shows up every year reminding me why I do what I do — to document growth, connection, and the fleeting magic tucked inside ordinary moments.

 

Ready for Your Own Family Session in Cartersville?

If you’re looking for a Cartersville family photographer who focuses on natural, joyful connection and storytelling images, I would love to photograph your family too.

Ready to book your family session at Sam Smith Park or another Cartersville location?
Contact me here.