Some sessions leave you smiling the entire drive home—and today’s family photo session with the Bischofs at Juniper in Birmingham was exactly that. Despite the stormy skies and moody weather, this sweet family of five brought all the sunshine we needed. And honestly, Juniper was the perfect setting for it. If you haven’t been, picture an eclectic wall of ornate floral still life paintings, velvet couches, soft window light, and an indoor swing (yes, swing!) nestled right in front of the most stunning gallery wall. Here’s a little peek:

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jezziel and James Bischof before—back in 2022 when I took newborn photos for their youngest son, Justin. So when Jezziel reached out to me on Instagram after seeing another session I’d done at Juniper, I was instantly excited to reconnect. She told me she loved the clean, modern aesthetic of the space and knew it would be perfect for their updated family photos.

Now here’s the best part: the Bischofs live in Huntsville, which meant they drove two hours in the rain—with three young boys in tow—just to have their session at Juniper. That kind of dedication? I don’t take it lightly. I was beyond honored, and it made the whole day feel that much more meaningful.

When I arrived at Juniper, I was greeted by the smell of… champagne. Turns out, a full case of bottles had accidentally crashed onto the café floor right before I got there, and the whole place smelled like a celebration gone slightly sideways. Later, when the Bischofs walked in, the sweet staff apologized to James for the lingering scent, to which he just smiled and said, “We had a long car ride, so I don’t mind it.” It was one of those small, funny moments that added even more character to the session.

As we chatted, James mentioned that part of the reason they ran a little late was because of their dogs—a Great Dane and a Doberman—which immediately made me laugh because, let’s be honest, those two pups are probably bigger than all three boys combined. Between the storm, the dogs, and the drive, they had every excuse to be frazzled—but instead, they walked in calm, smiling, and dressed to perfection.

Kael, Jameson, and Justin showed up ready to shine. The boys were dressed so fancy, and their excitement was contagious. Jameson had me cracking up from the start—after every single photo, he’d run straight up to me saying, “Let me see!” Then he’d peek at the screen, point to his giant grin, and proudly call it a “big cheese.” He was the life of the party.

What I loved most was how naturally affectionate the boys were with their dad. Every time James was in the frame, they all flocked to him, wrapping their arms around his shoulders or climbing into his lap. That kind of love and connection is what makes lifestyle family photography so special—it’s about real moments, not just posed ones.

Photographing this family again felt like a full-circle moment for me. From newborn photos to chasing toddlers around a café, it’s such a joy to be trusted through different seasons of a family’s life. And on a day when the weather could’ve easily changed their plans, the Bischofs still showed up, full of laughter and warmth.

Sessions like these are exactly why I love being a family photographer in Birmingham. Whether you’re a local or driving in from out of town like the Bischofs, I’m here to help capture your family’s personality in a way that feels genuine, relaxed, and joy-filled—rain or shine.

If you’re looking for an indoor family session in Birmingham, Juniper is such a beautiful, light-filled space that works perfectly for rainy days or just a cozy, modern vibe. And if your kiddos are full of energy, I promise we’ll turn that into magic—just like we did today.

Until next time, Bischofs—your “big cheese” grins made my whole day. 🖤