Sunflowers, Smiles, and Family Stories at Howell’s Farm

Every summer, Howell’s Farm in Niagara turns into a sea of sunflowers. The kind that makes you stop, breathe a little slower, and think, “this is the kind of moment I don’t want to forget.” This year I got to photograph my friend Taryn, her husband Josh, and their three kids: Harrison, Theo, and their newest little light, baby Grace. Last summer, it was just the four of them in these same fields. This time, there was one more set of tiny hands and big curious eyes to add to the story.

And yes, her name is Grace, which feels like a sweet little thread tying me to this family in more ways than just photographs.

Howell’s Farm is one of those places you can come back to again and again, and it never feels the same twice. People usually think of pumpkins and hayrides, but in the summer it’s the sunflower fields, zinnia patches, and even a few old tractors that turn into the perfect backdrop for families. The kids get to run and explore, parents get to relax a little, and I get to blend into the sweet chaos with my camera.

It’s not just a photoshoot spot. It’s an experience. Families leave with complimentary corn in hand, flowers clutched in tiny fists, and a gallery of images that tell the story of their day.

If you’ve ever worried about your kids “not behaving” for photos, don’t. Honestly, that’s where the magic happens. I don’t expect stillness or perfection — I look for movement, laughter, curiosity. I shoot in a way that’s part documentary, part guided. I’ll suggest things for you to do together, but I let the real moments unfold in between. That’s what makes the photos feel alive and natural instead of stiff.

Yes, we do the posed shots. But even there, I’m watching for the little candid glances that tell the real story. That’s my favorite part of family photography.

This session wasn’t just about pretty sunflowers. It was about celebrating how their family has grown. Last year, it was four of them exploring the fields together. This year, they came back with baby Grace in their arms, and the story feels even fuller. Watching the boys with their little sister was such a reminder of how family photos mark each new chapter, the love doesn’t change, it just expands

Family photography is never just about “getting a few good pictures.” It’s about honoring the love, growth, and chaos that make your family yours. Howell’s Farm gave us the perfect setting, but the heart of these images will always be Taryn, Josh, and their kids being exactly who they are together.

If you’re in the Niagara region and thinking about family photos, I’d love to create something like this for you. Something you’ll look back on years from now and think, “that was us, that was our season, and I’m glad we captured it.”