They told me that their little boy was so serious.  "Don't be surprised if he doesn't smile," they said.  Children this age are unpredictable and sometimes a challenge to photograph.  It's a challenge I'm always up for.  One year olds are out to explore their world.  With their new ability to walk and climb, they can't be held back from exploring nature.  Every path, every field, every stick and rock is a wonder in their eyes.

I met this family at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs, just outside of Raleigh, NC.  We had beautiful weather that evening.  As the sun was setting, the lighting was perfect and created a nice soft glow for our portraits.  Although this sweet little boy took a few minutes to warm up to me, he quickly opened up and smiled and giggled the rest of the hour... except when we tried to take away the stick he had found.  He became quite attached to it and so it ended up in quite a few of our shots. 

A one year old's first birthday photography session in Holly Springs, NC.A one year old's first birthday photography session in Holly Springs, NC.

A one year old's first birthday photography session in Holly Springs, outside of Raleigh NC.A one year old's first birthday photography session in Holly Springs, outside of Raleigh NC.

A family photography session in Holly Springs, outside of Raleigh NC.A family photography session in Holly Springs, outside of Raleigh NC.

Sugg Farm is such a great place to take children for a photography session.  There are rarely any other people there and it's nice and safe and fun to explore for a little kid.  

A little boy in a big open field during a photography session raleigh cary apex holly springs fuquay varina ncA little boy in a big open field during a photography session raleigh cary apex holly springs fuquay varina nc

A little boy on his daddy's shoulders during a family photography session at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs, near Raleigh, NC.A little boy on his daddy's shoulders during a family photography session at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs, near Raleigh, NC.

A little boy and his mother during a family and first birthday photography session- Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina.A little boy and his mother during a family and first birthday photography session- Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina.

Towards the end of the evening we did an outfit change for the little boy.  He looked so cute in his bow tie and suspenders.

A little boy and his mother during a family and first birthday photography session- Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina.A little boy and his mother during a family and first birthday photography session- Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina.

At the end of the session, we walked across the wide open field at Sugg Farm back towards the parking lot.  The little boy hitched a ride on Daddy's shoulders. 

A little boy on his dad's shoulders during a family photo shoot in Holly Springs NC.A little boy on his dad's shoulders during a family photo shoot in Holly Springs NC.

With fall coming up, I love to remind families in southern Wake County of Sugg Farm in Holly Springs.  It's a great park for photography sessions and it's so close to where many of my clients live.  It has such a unique look to it.  I look forward to meeting families here this fall.  If you are interested in booking a fall family photography session this fall, I would love to hear from you.  Let me help you plan out the family portraits that you dream about.  Click here and send me a message.  I would love to be your photographer this fall!