Spring Photo Session | Family Photography in Idaho

There are family photography sessions that stay with you long after the final image is edited—not just because of how beautiful the photos turned out, but because of the people, the resilience, and the love that shine through every frame. This month, I had the privilege of photographing two incredible sisters, Aubree and Berkeley, in a sun-soaked backyard full of wildflowers here in southeast Idaho. Their bond, their story, and the deep love they share with their mama left such an impression on my heart. I knew I had to share!

I’ve been honored to photograph Berkeley’s journey over the years—from the moment her family learned she was battling Ependymoma, a rare brain tumor, to today, where she’s working hard in her recovery, regaining strength, balance, and joy. This photo session marked a season of hope. Seeing Berkeley’s beautiful smile and hearing her laughter again was the sweetest gift. There’s something incredibly healing about children simply being children—laying in wildflowers, giggling at their own inside jokes, and soaking up the spring sunshine like nothing else matters.

TaNesha, their mama, has been a dear friend of mine for years. She’s the kind of person who radiates steady love, strength, and that “you’ve got this” kind of energy, even when life is throwing its hardest punches. She’s walked through so much with so much grace.

When she mentioned wanting to update the girls’ photos, I immediately said yes (with a whole lot of excitement), and then immediately realized the prettiest spot in our backyard meant a five-minute hike down a rocky little hill. I’ll be honest, I had a moment of hesitation—I mean, Berkeley is still healing, and hiking with little ones is always a wild card. But TaNesha, true to form, didn’t even flinch. She scooped up her daughter, navigated that trail like the mama bear champion she is, and made it feel effortless- meanwhile, I’m huffing and puffing hauling myself up and down the hill!

And then there’s Max. Sweet old Max. Our neighbor’s aging border collie, who somehow always senses when something special is happening. He quietly followed us down the trail like he was part of the family. He didn’t bark or bounce—just slowly padded over, laid nearby, and watched the scene unfold with those wise old eyes.

Of course, Max had to sneak into a couple shots. And honestly? We didn’t even mind. His gentle presence felt like a little extra magic. We did joke that we’d better not tell Gus—the girls’ chocolate lab—about Max’s modeling debut or there might be some jealous puppy feelings at home.

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This session wasn’t just about Berkeley’s strength—it was also about celebrating sweet Aubree, who is growing into such a confident, kind young lady. She just made the decision to be baptized, and I can’t even begin to describe how radiant she looked in her beautiful white dress.

Aubree is pure sunshine. One minute she’s striking a serious pose like she’s walking the runway, and the next she’s chasing after Simba—our orange tabby—like she’s got rocket shoes. She’s full of energy, life, questions, and that perfect balance of spunk and sweetness. There’s no doubt she’s got big things ahead of her.

Photographing these girls isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege. It’s something sacred. Being invited into someone’s real life, into their victories and their valleys, and being trusted to hold and preserve that with my camera—it’s never lost on me. I love these girls to pieces. I love their mama. I love their story—the hard parts, the healing, the hilarity, the whole-heartedness of it all. And I’m just so thankful to be a small part of it. Until next time! XOXOXO

-Mikenna

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