“Words really cannot do justice to how beautifully Autumn captured an important moment in our family. Our family came together to celebrate our daughter’s baek-il, a baby’s first 100 days of life. The joy of our family being reunited to celebrate an important milestone is felt so clearly in the photos. Autumn was also culturally sensitive to ensure the photos display the honoring of my mother in law and the blending of our multi generational family. These are photos we will revisit again and again so that our children, when they are grown, will have to know how much they were loved and celebrated.”
- Annie Choi

This sweet family gathered at home in Cary to celebrate their daughter’s Baek-il (백일), the Korean tradition marking a baby’s first 100 days of life. While Baek-il is an important milestone on its own, this celebration also brought together multiple generations under one roof.

The baby’s grandmother traveled from Korea to be there. It was the first time the full family had been together in many years, and the day centered on spending time together at home.

What the Day Looked Like

Before our time together through my session prep process, the family and I discussed what was important to them to have documented. Here are some notes I took during our conversation:

“We are gathering together for my daughters 100th day and it has been almost 12 years since we have all been together.” Capture the essence of what this means to them
“The last week we have spent eating together and hanging out around the house, nothing crazy.” Capture how bonds have enriched in short the time they have spent together
“To honor my mother-in-law, I do hope to include portraits” Yes, I believe portraits matter too - it’s a timeless tradition

So, how did this unfold?

We started with portraits. Typically, everyone is happy when I arrive and ready to dive into photos and I take it as a perfect opportunity to check those portraits off the list. This naturally folded into laughter and connection which I leaned into with my artists eye. As I noticed the boys feeling antsy, I encouraged a snack and train break. This was a special moment where the boys played and adults looked on.

Other moments that stood out to me and I wanted to honor was the desire the grandmother had to keep everyone fed and hydrated. Any moment I can capture that speaks to someones gifts and personality, I lean in. This is how she took care of her family and it is something that will always be remembered.

This break in our time together was not wasted - these photos are storytelling adding context to a visit that was rooted in the age and stage of this incredible family.

We wrapped up the session dressing the baby in her traditional Baek-il dress that the grandma intentionally picked out and brought from Korea. This moment was meaningful as the mother and mother-in-law laughed and stumbled as they fastened her in this special dress. When she was all ready, the family gathered around to dote over her in love.

As their photographer and friend, it was truly a delight to watch this sacred moment.

Photos from gatherings like this do more than record who was there. They preserve context, interaction, and connection. With intentional attention to light, composition, and relationships, the images capture the significance of the day in a way casual snapshots often can’t.

For this family, the photos hold a record of a Baek-il celebration, a grandmother’s visit from Korea, and a rare multigenerational gathering — moments that will be meaningful for years to come.

Multi-Generational Family Photography in Cary, NC

At-home family sessions work especially well for cultural milestones, reunions, and gatherings that matter beyond a single moment. They allow space for both candid storytelling and meaningful portraits, all while reflecting the way a family naturally spends time together.

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Cary, NC who documents real life thoughtfully, these sessions are a way to preserve both the people and the story of your day.

Book A Multi-Generational Family Session