There are certain families that feel like old friends the moment they step in front of my camera — and A’s family is one of them. I’ve had the joy of photographing them every year since their youngest, E, was just two years old, and every session somehow manages to top the last. They are, without question, one of the most fun, easygoing families I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Always present, always playful, and always fully immersed in every moment — which makes my job feel less like work and more like documenting pure joy.
Each year, they come to me with a new vision for their session. This year’s request? Water — but not the beach. I immediately thought of a hidden gem — a narrow peninsula that juts out where the Scoudouc River meets Shediac Harbour. It’s a humble little spot, just off the side of the road — more of a fishing shoulder than a “location” — but one that carries deep meaning for A, who grew up fishing there with her dad (unbeknownst to me at the time).
It’s the kind of place most people might overlook while driving by — uneven rocks, weathered concrete, and barely enough space to stand together — but I could see the potential the moment we arrived. And once the family unpacked their tackle boxes and fishing rods, it came to life. The kids immediately started climbing, running, and exploring, and before I knew it, we had turned this simple fishing nook into one of my favourite backdrops yet.
Between little fishing lessons, skipping rocks, and bursts of laughter, we captured a mix of heartfelt portraits and the kind of spontaneous, in-between moments that truly tell their story. The cousins — two boys and two girls — were a riot of energy, chasing each other, making silly faces, and even inventing a new version of red light, green light along the roadside.
Those candid frames — wild hair, belly laughs, tongues sticking out, and hugs that turned into tackles — are the ones I know they’ll look back on and laugh about years from now. You can feel their bond in every frame: the easy comfort, the sibling rivalries, the cousin chaos, and the kind of love that only comes from growing up side by side.
What I love most about this session is that it challenged me to step outside my usual box. With limited space and tricky angles, I had to get creative — and it reminded me that beauty doesn’t always exist in the “perfect” places. Sometimes, the most meaningful images come from finding magic in the unexpected — a roadside shoulder, a forgotten fishing spot, or the way a family simply is when they forget the camera is there.
After four years of documenting this family’s story, I’ve seen how they’ve grown — not just the kids, but the relationships, the laughter, the traditions they carry forward. Each session feels like adding another layer to their legacy, and I’m already excited to see where next year’s vision takes us.
