When I look at the date on the calendar today my mind is having a hard time believing that it could possibly be November 8th. It feels like just yesterday that I was creating an advertisement for fall family photo sessions on my back deck in shorts and a tank top in the heat of summer. We have been full send into busy season here at Laura Perron photography, and as is true with many photographers, our blogging has taken a back seat. Today I am kicking off a new series on the blog called Fall 2024 Recap to highlight all the wonderful shoots we have been part of for the past few months. So without further ado, let me start Fall 2024 Recap: Session 1 Ansari family photos.

Reconnecting

I love reconnecting with former clients. While I was away in Hawaii celebrating my 20th anniversary in October with Denis, I got a text from a former client saying “Hey! Remember us?” Two years ago the Ansari family had hired me to take some branding photos for their medical practice. In the time that has past they have relocated to Southern California. They were in the city for Thanksgiving weekend only and wondering if I could fit them into my schedule. Thankfully I had built some buffer into my week when we returned and was able to squeeze them in once I was back on the ground.

Meaningful location

They were eager to capture their family photos with the beautiful fall colours they have been missing since their move. With our warmer than normal fall, the leaves have held out longer than usual. When I returned from Hawaii I was pleasantly surprised to see that Calgary’s autumn hues were at their peak. We discussed several different location options, but in the end they choose a park that was just a block away from their old home. This place is full of special memories of the hours they spent together as a family playing, biking and exploring. As it happened, it also had a stunning collection of Apsen trees that were showing their full range of colour.

Working with them again was an absolute joy. This time the session also included the children’s grandparents as well as their much beloved uncle. There’s something deeply heartwarming about seeing how clients evolve, hearing their stories, and witnessing the ways their journeys intertwine with my own. Their move to California, while full of professional and personal milestones, made them miss the distinct change of seasons Calgary offers—especially the beauty of fall.

Accomplishing goals

The Ansari family’s goal for the shoot was to remind them of their children’s free-spirited, joyful days spent at a park that was once an integral part of their daily life. As we navigated through the session, laughter and candid moments came easily. Their family’s warmth and connection were palpable, making the session both meaningful and memorable. The photos from that day are more than images; they are a celebration of life’s transitions, of coming home, and of the bonds that endure across distance and time.

For me, it was a reminder of why I love what I do. Photography is not just about capturing moments, but about reconnecting, building relationships, and celebrating stories—new and old. To all who find their way back home, even for a brief time, know that those moments are always worth capturing.