Toni and I worked together for 2 years and that was the first time I did their photos. I remember how young the kids seemed at that time, and to look and speak to them now, it surprises me that only 3 years have passed! Seriously!
Collin has always been such a stud, and he's only gotten more handsome - especially with the glasses! He was a little more skeptical of me this time, however, and it was hard to get a smile out of him or for him to even look at me! He eventually warmed up (at the end of the session, of course) and his photos are awesome!
Alli was a little easier to crack a smile out of, but it was finding that REAL smile that was hard. Alli is such a free spirit and has a huge personality! We finally found out that if we teased her about her love of OneDirection we could get this super real smile, but I went for finding that personality in her photos and I think she needs to start a modeling portfolio ;) just saying, that girl has legs for days!
Toni and Rob are such a great couple! Whenever we would take their photos, just the two of them, they couldn't stop cracking jokes and laughing - which I think speaks volumes of their relationship. It's nice to see how laid back they can be with each other, as their love completely shone through!
When I was talking with Toni about what we wanted out of this session, she wanted relaxed, not so posed photos and described her family as "mixed". Alli and Collin are both adopted, Toni is from Hispanic descent, and Rob is, well, Rob. The thing is, this family is GORGEOUS! They don't let race or ethnicity or anything come in the way of them being a family, they are all very comfortable in their own skin and I LOVE it!! So without further ado, here are the Bench Family photos :)
I'm going to start with some before and afters, I think it is amazing how much I've personally grown as a photographer and appreciate families like the Bench's who have been repeat clients!
Here is Collin, like I said, he's just a super handsome little boy! He just looks so grown up, it's killing me!
Miss Alli, she has definitely grown in to her body and doesn't look like the little girl I used to know, but she has such a personality and is always willing to say something that'll make you laugh!
Toni and Rob are just one of those couples you are like, WOAH! They're amazing together and while a few things have changed (no facial hair for Rob - didn't even realize till I went back to these older pictures), their easy-going natures have not!
It amazes me how much this family has grown, I had so much fun at this shoot, not a single one of us was ever not laughing (except maybe Collin at the start). Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your family for so long!
 |
| I loved the idea of incorporating Real Salt Lake outfits, it's something they all connect with as a family :) |
 |
| Those are the real smiles I was after! |
 |
| This photo does Alli's height no justice! I can't believe how tall she's gotten! |
 |
| Last time we didn't get any photos with the kids and their parents separately, I love these two photos! |
Thank you again to the Bench Family, I loved hanging out with you guys and hope you love these photos as much as I do!
