When Katie booked a portrait session, she asked a simple question:
“Can Kevin come along?”
The answer was an easy yes—but I had no idea I was in for one of the most hilarious, high-energy, chaos-infused sessions I’ve ever photographed.
Katie and Kevin are siblings, and they brought all the energy of a childhood spent making up inside jokes, elbowing each other during family photos, and turning even the most mundane moment into an improv show. We started with clean, classic headshots—everyone was on their best behavior. Hair in place. Smiles professional. Respectable LinkedIn-worthy material.
And then Kevin quietly asked, “Should I go get the bear suit now?”
Yes. Yes, Kevin. You absolutely should.
Next thing I know, Kevin is stomping through the frame in full bear mode while Katie—sporting a flannel shirt and a hunter’s cap—channels the spirit of a 90s outdoors catalog. What followed was a glorious descent into sibling madness: overly dramatic JC Penney poses, arms awkwardly entwined, exaggerated grins, and just the right amount of ridiculous.
It was so good.
And here’s the thing: portrait photography isn’t supposed to be boring. It’s not just about perfect lighting and polished smiles. It’s about you. Your weirdness. Your inside jokes. Your love for each other and your bear suit collection
(Kevin, I’m looking at you).
A great portrait captures not just how you look, but who you are—and sometimes, that means letting loose, laughing hard, and posing like you're on the cover of a vintage Sears catalog.
So, if you're wondering whether you can bring your sibling, your costume, your ideas, or your weird and wonderful self to a session?
The answer is always yes. Kevin can absolutely come along.
