Capturing the Atwood Family’s Everyday Joy
Meet the Atwood Family
Introducing the Atwood family! Trust me, their story is straight out of a heartwarming movie. Syriah and Samuel are not only navigating the beautiful chaos of being new parents to their 8-month-old daughter Iris, but they are also newlyweds! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Samuel through his mom, Kristen. Kristen and I used to teach elementary school together, where our outrageous sense of humor and shared snark created an unshakable bond.
Fast forward a little, I got to know Syriah when I had the absolute pleasure of photographing her bridal shower. Now, here they are, living their best lives as a family of three (with the cutest member being baby Iris, obviously). Capturing these moments with my storytelling lifestyle photography for families was an absolute joy.
The Atwood Family’s Vision
Over the holidays, Kristen, Samuel’s mom and my old partner-in-snark-crime, reached out to me about capturing family photos of Samuel, Syriah, and their adorable new addition. I was thrilled to get the chance to preserve these memories for them, especially with some creative freedom sprinkled in. Their only request? To lean into natural, candid moments that felt authentic to their stage of life right now.
We chose their family home—lovingly nicknamed "Atwood Manor" by yours truly—as the perfect location. And why wouldn’t we? It’s a cozy sanctuary where the proud grandparents, Kristen and Joe, get to enjoy life with their very first grandchild. Documenting these everyday moments is why I truly adore being a natural light lifestyle photographer in Oklahoma City.
Behind the Scenes with the Atwoods
This shoot was something special, y’all. Picture this: baby Iris flashing the cutest smile while playing with her favorite toys, Samuel planting a sweet kiss on her tiny baby toes, and Syriah reading a story while the sunlight bathed them in a golden glow. It was the stuff dreams are made of!
But my absolute favorite moment? Samuel and Syriah snuggled up with Iris in her nursery, reading a story by the window. That backlighting? Chef’s kiss. Nature threw in just the right amount of glow to create a dreamy atmosphere I couldn’t get enough of. And speaking of light, guess who abandoned their artificial lighting setup? Raises hand. After realizing my speedlite brought on a not-so-great clinical vibe against the nursery’s green walls, I decided to fully rely on the Lord’s natural light. Problem solved.
Moments like these are why I’m proud to specialize in storytelling lifestyle photography for families. It’s all about capturing that mix of chaotic energy and profound love.
The Gear that Made the Magic Happen
My Canon R6 Mark II mirrorless camera and trusty Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 lens were the stars of this session. This combo, perfect for family portraits and lifestyle photography, delivered crisp, vibrant shots.
Though I initially planned to use artificial lighting, natural light streaming through the nursery's windows stole the show. Shooting at f/2.8 brought out a dreamy depth of field, letting the warmth and authenticity of each moment shine. Sometimes, simplicity truly creates the most stunning results.
Why This Session Meant the World to Me
Confession time… I used to swear I’d never do family photos. But somehow, over the past year, family photography has snagged a cozy little corner of my heart, and I’m not mad about it. The Atwood family reminded me why. They were curious, open to anything, and brimming with love. Their energy made everything flow naturally, which is exactly what I hope each shoot feels like.
Of course, as someone who’s captured family milestones for people I know, I was definitely a bit nervous going into this session. Would I manage to meet their hopes? Would they feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera? It only took about three seconds for that fear to vanish. Samuel, Syriah, and little Iris were the epitome of relaxed, and as they trusted me to guide the session, the photos just organically… happened.
There’s one thing I know for sure—I can’t wait to see the Atwoods again for more family-focused lifestyle photography in OKC (baby Iris’ 1st birthday is officially on deck in July!). I couldn’t be more honored to document these precious moments for them.
Want Your Story Captured? Here’s How We Can Work Together
Working with the Atwood family has only reinforced why I love what I do. These sessions are more than just pictures. They’re about storytelling, legacy, and freezing the moments that matter most. My work blends natural light portraits with creative, individualized approaches to ensure your family’s essence comes through in every frame.
If you’re ready for heartfelt, genuine family portraits that celebrate your story, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re searching for high-quality family lifestyle photography in Oklahoma City or are interested in capturing whimsical everyday moments with vibrant, emotion-rich images, I’m here to make it happen.
Contact me today, and we’ll create something unforgettable together. From cozy newborn shoots to milestone birthdays, your family story deserves to be told beautifully.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @MelDrakePhotography and Facebook @MelDrakePhotography for more behind-the-scenes fun, tips, and sneak peeks of upcoming shoots.
XOXO, Melissa "Mel" Drake
#LetsMakeMagicTogether #MelDrakePhotography
QUICK REFERENCES:
Photography:
Melissa “Mel” Drake (Mel Drake Photography)
Clients:
The Atwood Family
Locations:
Oklahoma City, OK
Equipment:
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