They say you shouldn’t have favorites, but sometimes, I just can’t help it. And, Kyle, Katherine, and Eleanor Purple will forever be one of my favorites families to photograph.
Today, I’m so excited to share their spring family photos at The Haan Mansion in Lafayette, Indiana on the blog!
Eleanor just turned five, & I love the way her creative mind works.
This happens to be the SIXTH time I’ve had the pleasure of having the Purples in front of the camera. For the last few years, Kyle and Katherine have scheduled family photos near Eleanor’s birthday, and I so look forward to seeing this family of three every spring.
Eleanorl (who has hair I’m super jealous of by the way) turned five this spring and will start kindergarten in the fall, and I just can’t believe it! (Maybe don’t mention this to her mama!)
I enjoy spending time with the Purples for countless reasons, but something I really appreciate and admire is Eleanor’s creativity.
During this particular shoot, I asked Eleanor who she thought lived in The Haan Mansion. Without skipping a beat, she said, “The Pancake Man, and he dances like this!” She, of course, then showed me how the Pancake Man dances, and this became a running joke—and dance move—throughout the rest of the Purple family’s shoot!
I think it’s safe to say that Eleanor’s genes play a big role in her creativity (I’ve known Katherine for a while and had the pleasure of working with her as a graphic designer.), but I think it’s safe to say that a lot of Eleanor’s creativity is a result of Kyle and Katherine encouraging their daughter to be curious, to ask questions, and to respectfully speak her mind.
Whenever I’m with the Purples, I’m mentally taking notes, because Kyle and Katherine are the kind of parents that I hope Zach and I are someday. They inspire creativity and critical thinking, while modeling how to listen to others well and showing Eleanor that she’s loved.
Kyle and Katherine, the world is a better place with your sweet girl in it and with the two of you as parents.
The Purples decided to take their spring family photos at The Haan Mansion in Lafayette, Indiana.
Like I mentioned before, this is the sixth time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this amazing family. As a result, it’s been a lot of fun to take them to nearly all of my favorite photo locations in the Lafayette area.
For this session, we paid a visit to The Haan Museum of Indiana Art, which has an incredible history. You see, this house was originally built for the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Upon seeing this lovely home at the World’s Fair, Mr. and Mrs. William Potter fell in love with the house, purchased it, and had it MOVED to Lafayette, Indiana. There are only 15 buildings remaining from the St. Louis World’s Fair, and The Haan Mansion is one of them.
This is one of my favorite photo locations in the Lafayette area, because the house and sculpture garden at the back of the property are simply gorgeous. However, with the direction of the sun, this location is best for photos at sunrise. (For the most flattering light, you want to make sure that photo subjects aren’t in direct sunlight. In the evening, much of the property is in direct sunlight, so this location is best in the mornings.)
Thankfully, the Purples almost always schedule weekday, sunrise sessions. Kyle and Katherine have found that this is best for Eleanor’s schedule. And, after their session, they’re all dressed and ready to go to work (back home to work for Kyle and Katherine for now) and school. Since they started doing this a few years ago, several VRP families have opted to do this same, which I think is ingenious. Kyle and Katherine, thank you for being trendsetters!
For the Purples’ session, we started in the sculpture garden, which looks like spring! Then, we went to the front of the house for more photos, to chat about the Pancake Man, and to blow dandelions. I will forever laugh when I think about Miss Eleanor efficiently pulling the fuzzy pieces off when she was out of breath. She’s a smart, efficient girl!
Kyle, Katherine, & Eleanor, thank you for trusting me to take your family photos!
Purple family, if you didn’t know and if this blog post doesn’t make it clear, I adore you guys. Thank you so much for trusting me to take your family photos once again.
I know Mama isn’t quite ready, but if I have the pleasure of photographing your family again in 2022, I cannot wait to hear about all of Eleanor’s kindergarten adventures. She’s going to thrive!
In the meantime, I hope you love these previews of your spring family photos at The Haan Mansion in Lafayette, Indiana!
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