As a Minnesota photographer serving Southwest Minnesota and Western Minnesota, I’m always honored to photograph families during meaningful seasons of life. This family session with the Schmitz family at Lagoon Park in Montevideo, Minnesota was one of those sessions that reminds me why family photos matter so much.
A Family Session Before Deployment
The Schmitz family reached out because they needed updated family photos before a big transition. Mom, Tammy, is a nurse serving in the military and was preparing for deployment to Honduras. With so much change ahead, the goal of this session was simple: capture real moments, genuine connection, and memories the family could hold onto while she’s away.
Sessions like this aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. We spent a full hour together letting the kids be kids, letting parents relax, and creating images that truly reflect this family’s dynamic.
Family Photography at Lagoon Park in Montevideo, Minnesota
Lagoon Park is one of my favorite locations for family photography in Montevideo, Minnesota. Between the stone bridges, winding river, and tall trees, it offers a beautiful, timeless backdrop that works perfectly for larger families.
Because Lagoon Park can have challenging light depending on the time of day, I approach sessions here with intention—choosing locations carefully and using professional lighting techniques to keep faces evenly lit while preserving the natural beauty of the park.
Lighting a Large Family with One Light
For this session, I used a one-light off-camera flash setup. There’s a common misconception that you need multiple lights to photograph a large family, but with the right placement, distance, and settings, one light can absolutely light an entire group beautifully.
Using a single off-camera light allows me to:
- Create even, flattering light across the whole family
- Eliminate harsh shadows and uneven highlights
- Maintain a natural look while still controlling the scene
This approach keeps sessions efficient, relaxed, and comfortable—especially important when kids are involved.
Genuine Moments (and the Ones Just for the Family)
Some of the best moments from this session came from simply letting the family be themselves. We mixed in a few classic, old-school poses—think traditional department-store-style portraits—with playful prompts and movement to bring out real smiles.
One of the most memorable moments happened toward the end of the session when the youngest decided it was time for a very unplanned break, which had everyone laughing. Those candid reactions created some incredibly sweet images—but a few moments are meant just for the family, and those are kept private as personal keepsakes.
Honored to Capture This Season
Photographing this family before deployment was truly meaningful. Being trusted to document this moment in their lives is something I don’t take lightly.
To Tammy and all those who serve: thank you for your service and sacrifice. Military families carry a unique strength, and it’s an honor to help preserve these memories during such an important time.
Family Photography in Southwest Minnesota
If you’re looking for a Southwest Minnesota photographer or Montevideo, Minnesota photographer who specializes in natural, relaxed family sessions, I would love to help you plan a session that fits your family and your story.
Whether it’s before a deployment, during a milestone, or simply because time moves too fast, family photos are always worth taking.
