Raleigh

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Ahhh.  I’m so excited to write this post and share these images.  Elizabeth is a dear friend of mine… one of those that no matter how much time passes, we pick up where we left off… no biggie.  I thank God for friend’s like her.  We met years ago through notable circumstances, and I say our friendship is the silver lining to a cloudy season.  I’m thankful for this girl and have loved watching her grow from a kid, to a traveler, a wife, and now a mother.   She has physically been present at every major event of my adult life and only as I’m writing this do I realize just how there she’s been.  My oldest daughter was the flower girl in her wedding several states away, and a few weeks ago I traveled to south Florida to photograph her first child just two weeks old.

I really didn’t intend for this to get sappy.  I had no idea a post about her first baby would end up going this way.  God is so good to put people in our lives that “get” us.  Elizabeth is one of those and I thank Him for friends like her.

Raleigh James was born August 22, at 7lbs 2oz and 21 inches long.  He was a very alert little man for his session and we worked quite a bit to get him to fall asleep but when he did he was OUT.  Which is perfect for all those adorable poses that just make you sigh.

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Raleigh’s uncle pitches for the Carolina Mudcats so of course, a Mudcat make it’s way into Raleigh’s baseball pictures.

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

This is my favorite shot to take of a mother and baby… so beautiful and Elizabeth and Raleigh nailed it.

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Nathan is so proud of his son.  New dad’s with their babies show such a different side than mothers do.  It’s as if their joy and excitement is external where a mother’s is more internal.  Not sure if that makes sense, but those words seem to describe it well.

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

 

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

 

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

 

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Raleigh had a full house for a few days with his grandparents and aunt there to visit.  So glad I could get some beautiful pictures of them all with him.

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

Sarah Gray Photography | Tallahassee, Florida newborn and family photographer

When was the last time you looked at an old family photo and thought, 'I wish fewer people were in this'?

Probably never.

That is exactly why I always say yes when families ask whether they should include the grandparents, the cousins, the aunt and uncle who are only in town for a few days.

When you are not sure, say yes anyway. We will find a way to make it work.
A few things I want every family to know before a multigenerational session.

Start with the group shot - always. I photograph the full group first, before anything else, so every person in attendance (including the ones who drove the farthest) knows the most important image is already done. From there, we move through smaller groupings with a lighter energy.

Tell me about mobility before we choose a location. If a grandparent or family member has any physical considerations, I need to know before we land on a spot. There is always a way to create beautiful images that honor everyone present - I just need to know what we are working with so I can plan for it.

Mornings are almost always better for the little ones. Babies and toddlers are near-universally happier before the afternoon hits. When multiple generations are present, timing the session well makes a real difference in the energy of the whole group.

And if there are any family dynamics I should be aware of - specific pairings that need extra care, or groupings you would prefer I not suggest - please tell me. It keeps everything moving warmly, and it protects everyone from an awkward moment in front of the camera.

Planning is how multigenerational sessions go well. I am always happy to talk it through before your session date. Contact me through my website, link in bio.
I photographed the same extended family twice.

The first time, it rained. They were troopers about it. We had already scoped out a covered porch at the location just in case the weather had other ideas, and that porch became our backdrop. We made something beautiful out of what could have been a wash.

The second time, they came back with new additions. Beach house on Alligator Point. Grandparents out on the water with the grandchildren. Big group moments and smaller family units. Easy, relaxed, and real.

What I remember most about both sessions is the feeling at the end. A kind of collective exhale. Like everyone knew they had just done something that mattered and would keep mattering long after that day.

That is the thing about showing up even when the conditions are not perfect. The photos do not know it rained.

Read more about Extended family/Multigenerational family photos in this month's blog post. Link in bio.

Memberships and Affiliations

Sarah Gray Photography | Professional Photographer of America Member
Sarah Gray Photography | The Motherhood Anthology Member

Sarah Gray creates timeless and joyful images that are designed for living room walls and photo albums. A tallahassee photographer, Sarah Gray also serves Thomasville, Crawfordville, St. Marks, Gainesville and throughout the panhandle of north Florida and south Georgia.

email us | sarah@sarahgray.com

telephone (850) 321-0208

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located in tallahassee, florida