I think it is safe to say that I was considerably more excited about shooting this very beautiful family than at least three out of four of its members. Not that they weren’t obedient and well-behaved and all that. It’s just that most dads and toddlers would rather spend their Sunday evening doing, well, practically anything else. But they showed up, dressed with casual flair, color-coordinated, but not too obviously so, with grandparents to act as child wranglers as I had requested.

Typically, I bring my own child wrangler. But I’ve seen these two little moppets in the company of strangers before, and let’s just say that their approach to outsiders tends to be . . . cautious. Goofy antics are more likely to receive a look of deep suspicion than appreciative giggles. But I’ve seen the girls light up with delight whenever their grandparents, Dan and Elise show up, so that’s who were invited to accompany us.

At first, we thought the strategy might backfire. They didn’t want Elise to entertain them, they wanted her to hold them, and preferably take them away from the weird person with the cameras hanging off her. And why do they keep having to sit in places with flowers and mulch that gets in their sandals?

Yes, I know it’s hard, honey. One must suffer to be beautiful.

Then Elise tried a new tactic. She offered them her bracelets. This caught their attention. “What’s that? Jewelry, you say? Now we’re getting somewhere. Tell me more about this jewelry.”

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

Things were looking up after the jewelry. “I wonder what else we can get Grandma to offer us?”

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

By now Elise was fully warmed up to her task. She was throwing gumball seed pods and I don’t remember what else, but her efforts were rewarded.

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

And at least one of them did finally get to be held by her. (Yes, she is actually their grandmother. Good genes run in the family.)

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

But who, you say, was wrangling the littles at this point if Elise was in the picture?

Sometimes you gotta do what you have to do. But the good will inspired by the fruit snacks was enough to get them through one more posed grouping as they enjoyed their treats.

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

After the formal pictures were taken care of, the girls were able to relax a bit. This idyllic sisters picture has a bit of a funny explanation. The older girl is squeamish about tiny creepy-crawly things like the little red mites we found on the rocks. The younger sister has fewer inhibitions. Therefore, the older girl is teaching her little sister to smash the little mites for her.

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

Get ’em, Sis! Strike hard, strike fast! No mercy!

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

Hail the conquering hero!

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

And the mastermind behind total red mite domination.

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

And the proud parents of the mighty exterminators who were still able to smile quite convincingly at the end of their session. With any session involving young kids, that’s not a given. Strong work, Ty and Abby! Way to pace yourselves!

Family portraits at Glenwood Gardens

Thank you, Ty and Abby, and Dan and Elise, for letting me photograph your gorgeous family!