We interrupt your regularly scheduled travel posts with a special family update.

My cousin and his wife welcomed little Ryden Archer last June. Over the summer, we did a full-blown photoshoot and I am so pleased to share the images today. Ryden’s mom Julie was the creative director of this shoot — she came up with the concept, made props by hand, and brought all the elements together. I just showed up to photograph the magic!

So here’s the concept: Julie and my cousin David would often wonder what their newborn son was dreaming about as he drifted off to slumberland. Does he envision battling sea monsters or exploring ancient caves? Does he dream of adventure like his dad? Will he fly a spaceship to the moon? The world is Ryden’s oyster.

We start with some more traditional glamor baby shots. Ryden is ready for his close-up:

Mom Julie crocheted the colorful hat in the above photos! And many of the other costumes below!

Okay, now on to the fun storytelling part.

Ryden takes to the high seas in search of treasure:

Ryden battles a giant sea monster:

Ryden explores an ancient cave:

Ryden blasts off to the moon:

Ryden prepares for an epic adventure a la Indiana Jones… right after he wakes up from this nap:

With dad’s adventure hat so close by, surely tales of exploration make their way into Ryden’s dreams:

After our epic photoshoot, we head outside for some family shots:

Julie put together this beautiful baby announcement introducing Ryden with the photos from our shoot:

And now I leave you with a few behind-the-scenes snaps:

Fun side note: Julie picked all of these props because they have significance to various family members.

Rigging the sea monster:

Bunny ears is a classic Meyer pose. Gotta teach ‘em while they’re young!

Welcome to the world, little guy! We all love you and are so glad you’re here!