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Dad dips his daughter while the Bedford family laughs together outdoors at sunset, captured by Columbia Missouri family photographer Love Tree Studios.

Golden Hour Portraits with a Timeless Feel

There’s something so special about photographing families year after year and watching their story unfold in front of my lens. As a Columbia Missouri family photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing the Bedford family since they moved here in 2021, and each session feels like a new chapter in their story.

The Bedford family of six smiling together in front of an arched doorway, photographed by Columbia Missouri family photographer Love Tree Studios.
Parents and children smiling and looking at each other in front of a historic Columbia building, by Columbia Missouri family photographer.
The Bedford family of six gathered on steps in front of a grand wooden doorway, photographed by Love Tree Studios, Columbia Missouri family photographer.

This year’s session was full of warmth, laughter, and the kind of moments that remind you how fleeting—and beautiful—these years are. From the first giggles to the last snuggles, the Bedfords radiated love and connection in a way that made every photograph feel effortless.

Capturing the Bedford Family’s Love and Laughter

We met on a gorgeous fall evening, when the light was soft and hazy, wrapping everything in a golden glow. The historic stone buildings and leafy walkways gave us the perfect backdrop, adding a timeless feel to their portraits. Whether they were walking hand in hand, sharing playful smiles, or simply soaking in time together, their bond shone brightly in every frame.

The Bedford family holding hands and walking near historic stone arches during a golden-hour session, Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Parents with their four children sitting closely together on steps of a Columbia landmark, photographed by Love Tree Studios, Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Parents and children sharing a sweet, relaxed moment in front of a historic wooden doorway in Columbia, captured by Love Tree Studios.
The Bedford family enjoying a casual moment sitting on steps in Columbia, Missouri, captured by Love Tree Studios, Columbia Missouri family photographer.

The children were full of personality—sweet, playful, and bursting with energy. I loved capturing their individual spirits while also freezing those fleeting moments of togetherness that mean the most. One of my favorite parts of photographing the Bedfords is how much joy they bring to their sessions. They don’t just show up for photos—they show up for each other, and it’s so clear in the way they laugh, love, and interact.

Parents and children walking on a leafy campus path at golden hour, photographed by Love Tree Studios, Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Mom holding her baby as her daughter reaches up with a smile during a Columbia Missouri family session with Love Tree Studios.
Four Bedford siblings cuddled together, big brother holding the baby, photographed by Love Tree Studios, Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Parents share a kiss while children gather around them at sunset in Columbia, MO, photographed by Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Dad dips daughter upside down as the rest of the family laughs together, captured in Columbia, Missouri by Love Tree Studios.
Sisters walk together in front while parents follow behind, Columbia Missouri family photographer capturing natural connection.
Mom sitting on the ground cradling her baby during golden hour in Columbia, photographed by Love Tree Studios.
Mother holds her baby close in the glow of sunset during Columbia Missouri family photography session with Love Tree Studios.
Sweet candid of mom and son smiling at each other on a Columbia path, captured by Columbia Missouri family photographer.
Bedford family sitting together in the grass, laughing and enjoying a golden hour session in Columbia, Missouri by Love Tree Studios.
Family of six sitting close together in a Columbia park at sunset, captured by Columbia Missouri family photographer.

Sessions like this are why I love family photography. It’s about more than just pretty pictures—it’s about creating heirlooms that tell the story of a family in this exact season of life.

Thank you, Bedford family, for trusting me once again to capture your story. It has been an honor to walk alongside you these past few years, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.

love, a

I would love to work with you as your family photographer!  Let’s connect today!!

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© Love Tree Studios 2011-2025 | Fine Art Wedding & Lifestyle Photography | Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Missouri, Chicago and Worldwide

A Golden Evening with the Bedford Family | Columbia Missouri Family Photographer

Family, Lifestyle & Portraiture