There are few things more heartwarming than watching a family grow, and getting to be the one who documents it along the way. I've been photographing the Mulder crew since little Ivy was just a year and a half old, and every time they invite me back, I feel genuinely honored. Being welcomed into someone's life year after year, to witness and preserve another season of their story, is the greatest compliment I could ever receive as a photographer. For this year's session, we decided to keep things simple and meaningful—a cozy downtown family picture night right here in Walla Walla. No perfectly coordinated dresses, just the five of them, in clothes they actually wear, exploring streets they already love. This was all about presence, showing up exactly as they are, and letting love and laughter unfold naturally.
Toddlers and Realistic Expectations
Toddlers weren’t made to sit still and politely smile for the camera for an hour (and thank goodness for that!). Instead of trying to force perfection, we leaned into play. Piggyback rides, spontaneous giggles, little hands wrapped around mom or dad—it was beautifully chaotic in the best way. We let the moment lead us, not the other way around.
These are the moments that matter. Years from now, it won’t be the perfectly posed portraits that spark the biggest emotions—it’ll be the pictures that transport you back. The way Owen lit up when he got his ice cream. To the sound of everyone laughing mid-chase. To the feeling of being together in a place that already holds meaning. That’s the magic of everyday places and unscripted joy—it turns an ordinary evening into something memorable.
Turning Their Downtown Family Pictures into a Family Night
This wasn’t just a family session but a full-on family night—the kind where everyone’s just present, having fun, and making the most of being together. We wandered downtown Walla Walla, laughing between stops and soaking in the spring air. It was a sweet Thursday evening.
Speaking of sweet, our final stop at Bright’s Candies was the cherry on top (or maybe the sprinkles). There’s just something about ending with ice cream that makes things fun. Owen, who had been keeping his distance from me most of the evening, suddenly became my new best friend the second he had a cone in hand. He kept offering me bites like we were lifelong pals. It was the most adorable toddler truce I’ve witnessed—and a moment that belongs in the memory bank.
Check out these five locations for family photos in the Walla Walla & Tri-Cities area!
