This session was a fun one — not only were we celebrating Oliver turning two, but it also marked ten years since Katie moved to Atlanta. So it made sense to start things off at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Jackson Street Bridge. It was lightly drizzling when we arrived, but it gave us a moody skyline backdrop that worked better than clear skies ever could’ve.

From there, we made our way to Inman Park — one of my favorite spots for family photography in Atlanta. It has a great mix of city texture and open space, with plenty of variety for photos and enough room for a toddler to explore.

Oliver was a little shy at first, but once I pulled out some of Miss Rachel’s greatest hits, he started to open up. “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum” continues to be a foolproof move. He was also pretty locked in whenever a trash truck passed nearby — less smiles, more laser focus. Classic two-year-old priorities.

Sessions like this are a good reminder that it’s never about perfectly timed smiles — it’s about capturing what’s actually happening, rain clouds, distractions, and all.

Jina Lee is an on location, natural light portrait and lifestyle photographer. She specializes in maternity photography, newborn photography, baby photography, children photography, and family photography. Jina services areas in and around the Atlanta metro area including, but not limited to, Acworth, Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Canton, Cumming, Decatur, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Woodstock and Vinings.