If you thought you can’t take family portraits in January, think again. Of course, it helps if you live somewhere with milder winters, like David and Hannah do. We shot family pictures at their farm near Dallas, Oregon a few weeks ago. When I’m photographing young children (David and Hannah’s daughters were just under a year old and 2 1/2), I like to give them something to do so they feel more relaxed and don’t get bored. We spaced out more formal shots with activities, like playing with the cat and feeding chickens. It also probably helped that they were somewhere familiar: home!

Tickles!