In Minnesota, we anticipate those late sun sets that provide warm summer nights. We talk about them for most of the months out of the year.  Most parents long for the days where the kids can get out of the house, run their energy off, take a bath and fall asleep. Many opt for sun kissed family photos in summertime attire and I always await the opportunity to capture their love.

While we crave MN summers, there are a couple of things that can be set backs.

First… mosquitos. They follow suit after long days of rain and create havoc for those they love. ME. You see, I’ve heard that not everyone gets bit by mosquitos… that they tend to like a certain blood type or something of the sort. Well, they flock to me. So much that I often times have welts when I arrive home from an evening shoot.

Second… humidity. We are generally not a very humid state… so when it hits… we all suffer.

This family faced both of the MN summer challenges at once. As the sun beamed down on us and the bugs swarmed… they managed to stay involved with their three kiddos. Sweat trickled down my face and I was a hot mess, but somehow mom managed to stay gorgeous. With each bite, I reminded them that the light and location were worth it. I will be honest, it was brutal… but what I was able to capture was something I am proud of. Mom and dad, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing past an unpleasant experience that was out of our control. Thank you for loving each other enough to have one another’s back… whether patting faces dry or carrying kiddos… you were a team. Lastly, thank you for staying completely engaged with your kids. Life isn’t always perfect and this one evening showed how well you work together. Mia, Mac and Lucy are lucky to have you guys!

The light.The love.Hugging it out.