Helen & Willie called me from Ontario to book a family session. At first I was confused, looking again mid conversation at the number showing up on my phone, wondering if it was a gag. Then she clarified that her adult children all live in Saskatchewan, and the entire extended family would be gathering for their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. (“Ohhhhhkayyyyyyyy. Yes, let’s do this.”)

All of their children and grandchildren met on a Saturday morning at her daughter Sharon & Vince’s gorgeous yard down Moose Plains Road. The house, still under construction, is a treat to the eyes. Sharon’s interior decorating skills are obvious. I felt like a gawker, taking in the colour palette, shapes and textures that did a dance for my eyes. We all got to know each other, and pored over product samples before heading outside for the real deal.

Having rained just a day or two before, we lucked out with warm air and white-gold morning sun. Hot enough for sandals, but not yet into stifling midsummer heat.

Around the corrals, along the tree line is where we sought shade under the heavy boughs overhead. The sunlight trickled in like little speckled forest fairies, playing peek-a-boo behind the family as they smiled for my camera, putting a smile on my face as well.

The Mose clan is a lovely bunch, and totally “photogenic” (For the record, I don’t like that word; I don’t think “photogenic” is a real thing; I think EVERYONE can look great in photos with coaching… But I will say this crew was extremely easy to pose, arrange, and work with, and didn’t need much coaching at all!). Each shot flowed smoothly into the next.

No fidgeting, no toddler tantrums, no one awkwardly speaking or scowling through any of the photos, no one chewing gum. Just perfectly poised families with gorgeous smiles and warm connections to each other. How did I get so lucky? Where did these people come from!?

Near the end of our session together, some of the kids wanted to showcase their love of horses, and did so proudly, donning cowboy hats and boots, showering their steeds with affection.

As we wrapped up for the day, I said my goodbyes, packed away my equipment, and drove off down the grid road, still flexing the perma-grin on my cramping face. Thank you so much to the entire Mose family, for being so welcoming to my arrival, and being a dream to work with. Happy anniversary, Willie & Helen! All the best!

Have you got any kind words, or congratulations for the Mose extended family? Please comment below.