Capturing the Sheller Family’s Joyful Chaos | Lifestyle Photography
“Candid smiles + heartfelt portraits”
Meet the Sheller Family: Their Unique Story Behind the Lens
Oh boy, where do I even start with the Sheller family? This incredible crew of five reached out for a session that would be equal parts fun and memorable—with a little bit of wildness thrown in for good measure. Paige, the mom, had fallen in love with the senior portraits I shot for her friend Kate Vincent. She wanted me to capture her family’s love and connection for their upcoming Christmas cards. One small hiccup? I don’t typically shoot family photos. But Paige? Oh, she wasn’t about to take “no” for an answer.
And honestly, I’m so glad she didn’t. This family is tight-knit in a way that feels kind of rare these days, and as a lifestyle photographer near Oklahoma City, I absolutely loved the opportunity to step out of my usual comfort zone. The Shellers are all about togetherness, whether it’s family dinners, cooking, or playing in their insanely cool backyard (which, by the way, is basically a kid’s dream with a treehouse, zipline, soccer goals, and more). Paige even warned me ahead of time about their youngest, Livie, who’s known for marching to the beat of her own tiny drum. Spoiler alert? She delivered.
The Sheller Family’s Vision for Their Perfect Photo Session
When Paige and I first chatted about the shoot, she told me two things that sealed the deal. First, she completely trusted me to do my thing. No pressure to hit some overly staged Pinterest-perfect vision. And second? This crew is all about fun and laid-back vibes. She wanted their photos to reflect their love, their chaos, and the magic in the messy moments of everyday life.
With carte blanche to design this session, I leaned into my storytelling lifestyle photography approach to tell their story. Sure, we grabbed a couple of classic, posed family shots, but most of the time, we embraced the silliness and spontaneity that make families like the Shellers so unique. My focus was to capture them as they are, full of warmth, laughter, and personality. It’s this natural and candid style that I aim for in all my work as someone who specializes in lifestyle photography.
Behind the Scenes with the Sheller Family in Edmond, OK
We set the scene in their gorgeous, woodsy backyard in Edmond, right around the mid-morning hour. And, wow did their space deliver! It was the perfect blend of natural beauty and personal charm for family portraits that felt authentically them. Add in their affectionate, goofy personalities, and every single frame felt like it was alive with energy.
Nacho, their local neighborhood cat, even made a guest appearance (or five). At one point, he wandered into their open front door during a porch shoot like it was his family photo shoot. We had to pause briefly to retrieve him, and later, Nacho posed with Ava, their oldest daughter, for some truly lovely moments. Oh, and if you think that was the end of Nacho’s antics, think again. Mid-shoot, the ambitious feline managed to get tangled in their soccer net—not once, but twice. These unexpected moments? They’re honestly why I love lifestyle portrait photography for families.
Olivia “Livie”, the youngest, was pure magic in front of the camera. Toddlers can be a bit unpredictable, but with her, every moment felt special. Toward the end, as her patience waned, she started sprinting up and down the hill in their backyard. I caught some of my favorite shots of the session during this time. One highlight? Livie ran full speed into her mother’s arms, followed by her older brother wrapping her up in a big hug.
Ava, their spirited oldest daughter, had only one request—to catch her in action on their backyard zipline. She was as graceful as she was carefree, and it was a joy to photograph.
Hayden wanted some solo shots in his treehouse, which proved to be just as adventurous as he is.
And then there were Paige and Dale, the heart of this bustling family unit. While I took some traditional portraits of them, Dale spontaneously ran up behind Paige, sweeping her off her feet. These candid moments are what lifestyle photography in Edmond, OK, is all about—not stiff poses but genuine connections that leap off the screen.
Why I Loved This Photo Session
Here’s the thing. I never planned on photographing family sessions. I always thought my style was better suited for lifestyle, event, and commercial photography. But working with the Shellers? It completely changed my mind. They reminded me why I love storytelling photography.
This photoshoot didn’t feel like work. From Livie’s antics to Nacho the cat stealing the spotlight (repeatedly) to Paige and Dale’s playful energy, I didn’t want it to end. More than anything, what we captured were real moments of love, joy, and a little bit of chaos woven together to create the perfect family story.
It’s sessions like these that remind me why I chose this path as a photographer in Oklahoma City. Whether I’m shooting lifestyle portraits for women, vibrant family sessions, or bold commercial photography, it’s always about capturing the heart and soul of my clients’ stories.
The Gear That Made It Happen
This session marked the official debut of my new Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera, paired with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 lens. Talk about a winning combo! The natural light during the mid-morning hour made every shot pop, though I did bring along my trusty Godox Pro V1 speedlite and reflectors just in case. The equipment did its job beautifully, and I have to say, this camera upgrade feels like a game-changer for my storytelling lifestyle photography style.
Final Frames | The Sheller Family’s Story in Photos
The final gallery? A perfect mix of posed and candid family portraits that felt like them. From Ava’s zipline shots to little Livie running into her mom’s arms and, of course, Nacho’s impromptu modeling moments, every image tells their story in ways words never could.
Want Photos Like These? Here’s How You Can Work With Me
The Shellers reminded me that family photography doesn’t have to be overly posed or perfect. It just needs to capture the real, beautiful chaos of being together.
If you’re looking for a family portrait photographer in Oklahoma City who specializes in storytelling lifestyle photography, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s capturing your family, your business, or your next big event, I’m here to freeze the moments that matter most.
Drop me a message, and let’s create something bold, vibrant, and 100% you.
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 Sheller Family
Locations:
Edmond, OK
Equipment:
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