While photographers are dedicated and invested in their clients, there’s something extra special about photographing their own families. And for photographer Kelsey Marlette, she’s had the opportunity to do so for her sister and brother-in-law several times over. “I have been able to document everything for them, from their engagement to the birth of their first baby girl, Rosie,” Marlette explains.

This family portrait session took place at the edge of Lake Almanor in northern California at sunrise. To keep baby Rosie’s attention, Marlette said she had to take an unusual approach. “A few minutes into the shoot, we realized that meowing like a cat just mesmerized Rosie. So behind almost every adorable shot of her looking at the camera is literally me meowing like a cat.”

Using this trick enabled Marlette to capture several sweet family portraits with Rosie right in the center at full attention. Of this frame in particular, Marlette says, “I feel like it really captures the connection and love pouring out of this family.”

(Captured using a Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens.)

Photo © Kelsey Marlette

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