Family Session, Twins, Milestone Session Jessie Shaw Family Session, Twins, Milestone Session Jessie Shaw

Twin Lifestyle Session | Austin Family Photographer

This 6-month-old twin lifestyle session was so much fun, and I’ve been dying to share it here on the blog. There’s something extra special about photographing a fellow busy mom too! Karen is not only the only hairdresser I trust with my hair (seriously: no one else is allowed near my layers!) but she’s also a fellow business owner, balancing motherhood and work. It’s a unique lifestyle, and while we rarely get to see each other (because… busy) we relate on so many levels.

When she asked me to capture her Mother's Day photos, I was pumped. We met up at a new-to-me local studio here in Austin, and I was so excited to find The Spot Studio! The light from the big windows was dreamy. The space felt simple, elevated, and calm. Basically, everything you want when you’ve got three kids under five for family photos!

Karen showed up with a giant bouquet of flowers for me because our session landed right before Mother’s Day. How thoughtful is that? Her sweet girls are just shy of six months old, and like many twin families, they spent some time in the NICU at the start. Getting to see them home: healthy, thriving, and snuggled up together makes sessions like this feel all the more meaningful.

Sign me up for a twin lifestyle session ANY day.

Karen’s oldest daughter is almost five, and easily the best big sister I’ve ever seen in action. She wanted to help with every little thing. Snuggling the babies, giving them kisses, and making sure they were cozy and happy. It was the sweetest thing ever. She’s got that gentle helper heart, and you just know the younger girls already adore her.

Even though this session was mainly for mama and her three girls, I always love to sneak dad into the frame too. He was such a champ the whole time… swapping diapers, finding pacifiers, and rocking whichever baby needed a break. You could tell he’s fully in it with her. We love an engaged dad around here!

As a busy mom myself, I know how much mental load it takes just to show up for family photos: the outfits, naps, snacks, bribes, and making sure everyone is smiling at least once. As an Austin family photographer, my goal is always to make your session feel as easy as possible. You shouldn’t need a vacation after family photos! I’m along for any chaos or meltdowns. As a fellow mom, I promise they don’t scare me away ;)

This sweet twin six-month session is a reminder that you deserve to be in the photos, too.

You’re doing amazing work raising your babies, keeping the calendar straight and showing up. These moments are worth remembering.

Whether you need a twin lifestyle session or an in-home newborn session, I’ve never seen a mama regret photos once her gallery is delivered. That “your photos are here!!” email make sit all worth it.

If you’re an Austin mama looking for a fun, stress-free photos of your little crew, I’m here for you.

Read More
Mini Session, Family Session Jessie Shaw Mini Session, Family Session Jessie Shaw

Golden Hour Mini Session | Austin Family Photographer

Spring in Austin is one of my favorite times to shoot. And this golden hour mini session is no exception. That dreamy evening light hits just right, the heat hasn’t totally taken over yet, and families are just coming out of winter hibernation with that “let’s make some memories” energy.

This session with Cydne, Ryan, and their two boys was everything I love about photographing families.

Fun and real and laid back. Yes please!

Let me start by saying: they drove down from DFW for their session. Like… packed up the car, snacks, changes of clothes, and downloaded Disney+ on the tablet…, and made a weekend out of it. I never take that for granted. As a mom, I know first-hand what it takes to get little ones out the door, let alone drive 3 hours away.

So when clients travel to me—it’s the biggest honor.

We had originally planned to shoot in the bluebonnets (because what says “Texas spring” more than that?), but as I’m sure you noticed - the blooms were running way behind this year. Instead of postponing, Cydne told me, “Let’s just keep the date and enjoy golden hour.” And I’m so glad we did. The light was incredible. Talk about warm and glowy! And the weather was just right. Not too hot, not too humid.

So yeah, this golden hour mini session was a dream evening.

They showed up in beautifully simple, earth-toned outfits. Warm neutrals, demin, textures and small prints. Their styling was effortless, and it let the focus stay exactly where it should be: on their connection. No matching costumes or forced poses. Just them, showing up as they are. I send a style guide out to alllll mini sessions that book with me, and this is exactly what I say. Go for neutrals, some textures, no matching… they hit the nail on the head for this shoot!

Cydne and Ryan are deep in the toddler trenches. Juggling full-time work and full-time parenting with their two little boys. They love every second they get together as a family. As a fellow working mom, I feel that too! Their oldest boy brought his whole personality to the session —including his beloved Spiderman shoes. And instead of trying to hide them or make him change, Cydne just smiled and said, “Let’s do it. It’s real life.”

That’s the energy I adore. No pressure to make it perfect, no stress over the ‘right’ outfits or Pinterest poses.

Just documenting this season as it actually is—joyful, chaotic, sweet, and fast.

The kind of session where we chase kids through the fields, grab the snuggles when we can, and capture all the in-between magic.

And listen: if you’re a busy mom reading this (hi, me too!), thinking ugh I really want new photos, but I can’t deal with the stress or mental load of making it happen: I see you. Imagine yourself with a golden hour mini session, and know that nothing is perfect behind the scenes and we still make magic.

All of my mini sessions are designed with you in mind. They’re short and sweet, so you can still make the birthday party after.

So whether you feel super prepared or are just running out the door to make it happen… I’ve got you. Come as you are, and I’ll make sure you leave with photos that feel like home.

Read More