Photographing the Smit family for the third year in a row felt a little like coming home. There’s something incredibly special about watching a family grow through your lens — not just in size, but in love, rhythm, and those quiet in-between moments that only reveal themselves over time.

This year’s session carried an extra layer of magic. Mom, glowing in that unmistakable way, is expecting their second baby — a soft, beautiful reminder that this family’s story is still unfolding. Seeing her and her husband together again, sharing knowing smiles and gentle laughter, felt so familiar and so new all at once.

And then there was their little boy Franco — still just as adorable, still full of curiosity — now stepping into his role as big brother without even realising it yet. Watching him run along the sand, pause to cuddle close, and proudly stay near his parents was a quiet highlight for me.

We met on one of Hermanus’ lovely beaches, where the sea breeze does half the work for you and time seems to slow down just enough. No posing that feels forced. Just bare feet, soft light, and a family being exactly who they are in this season of life.

These are the sessions that stay with me — familiar faces, growing stories, and the honour of being invited back, year after year, to capture it all.