Sometimes the most treasured images happen between the planned shots. During this extended family portrait session at Banbury Community Rec Centre, three little cousins seized their moment of freedom—diving into piles of crisp autumn leaves with unbridled enthusiasm. Their spontaneous laughter and infectious giggles created the kind of magic no amount of posing could replicate. These action-filled moments capture the genuine bond these boys share, preserving the carefree spirit of childhood and the special friendship that only cousins truly understand.
The grounds at Banbury Community Rec Centre transform into a children's paradise each autumn, with mature trees shedding mountains of colorful leaves perfect for play. The vibrant oranges, reds, and golds create a kaleidoscope of color as leaves fly through the air and crunch underfoot during impromptu jumping and throwing games. This familiar community space offers both the manicured areas ideal for formal portraits and natural play zones where kids can run free. The playful interlude between formal family groupings allowed the boys to simply be kids, tumbling and laughing with the kind of boundless energy that defines this fleeting stage of life.
Professional family photography requires both organization and flexibility. Extended family sessions need those traditional posed portraits where everyone looks camera-ready—the images grandparents will frame and treasure. But equally valuable are the unscripted moments that reveal authentic personalities and relationships. By building break time into the session and staying ready to capture whatever unfolds, these candid action shots emerge naturally. The result is a complete story: the dignified formal portraits alongside the wild, joyful chaos of three cousins creating memories in a sea of autumn leaves—images that perfectly balance polish with the beautiful messiness of real family life.
Location: Banbury Park, Toronto, Ontario.
1/400; f/5.0; ISO 500; 70.0 mm.