The Dobbins Family: A Long-Form Family Portrait Session in Charlotte, NC (Copy)

The young kids sitting on their family horse

Some of the most meaningful images come from letting go of the idea of a “perfect photo” and just spending time together. For the Dobbins family, that looked like an unhurried afternoon at home—drawing chalk on the patio, checking in on the family cat, and enjoying the kind of moments that make up the rhythm of real life.

We started the session at their home, where everyone settled in quickly. No pressure to pose, no rush—just space to be themselves. Later, we went down the road to visit the family’s horse. The kids took turns riding the horse, visiting with the other horses in the pasture, and exploring at sunset. It felt more like documenting a memory than orchestrating a shoot.

Photographed largely on film, this session has the warmth and softness that analog captures so well. It’s imperfect in the best way: full of personality, movement, and connection.

If you’re a family in Charlotte or the surrounding areas (Davidson, Lake Norman, Matthews, Concord) and want your family photographed in a way that reflects the personality and warmth of your family—this type of session might be right for you. These are longer shoots by design. They allow time to ease in, shift the focus away from performance, and land somewhere more honest.