Sometimes it’s nice to be included and be able to observe at the same time. Even more so when you get to momentarily be a part of the lives of three beautiful young sisters on a warm summer afternoon, with a pony called Tiffany and a beautiful backyard to roam around in. Most of these images were taken on black and white film, and I love the lazy yet poignant feel of the images, not entirely perfect, yet simply just so. Thank you so much to this beautiful family for having me and my family around, looking forward to seeing you again soon!! xo
On the first of January this year, Joel and I sat down to discuss where we wanted this business to go, especially since we were both now fully invested in it while we bring up our little family. We both agreed that no matter what type of session we were doing, all we wanted was to just be truly honest with ourselves and to capture things that are dear to our hearts. Love. Family. Relationships. The Real Stuff.
The portrait side of my business has never really been defined. I accept the occasional booking where I can but after bending to a few too many ‘standard family portrait’ requests, I realised it wasn’t where my heart was at. I wanted to be able to bring my portrait photography beyond the typical to something people connect with, and starting the year off with Tyler’s first day of schoolcoverage was testament to how much we love this type of work. Hanging out with the Mason family to document a little afternoon in their lives brought me the same joy, and I hope to be able to do more and more of these types of sessions this year, for those who give me the honour of sharing in a little bit of their lives.
It doesn’t need to be a ‘perfect’ session (who’s perfect anyway?), it just needs to be real. And that’s what it was with the Masons. In the couple of hours I shared with them, there were crazy squeals and tummy-aching laughter, and tears, and sooks, and everything in between. It was just a little window into the blessed life they lead, with three little boys under their wings and another little munchkin on the way.
You might know Ronnie, she is the amazingly gifted lady behind Pink Ronnie and she constantly inspires me with her dutiful journal keeping and super time management skills. I think I also learned more than a thing or two about parenting watching her and her husband Rick with the boys. Thank you guys for letting me come and hang out. Thank you for opening your home and your hearts to be captured on camera, and thank you for reminding me and many others just how precious our children are, and how special it is to capture a little part of it, before we blink and it’s there no longer…
And because this post is about being honest with myself, I will shamelessly put a plug out there to say pretty pleasedrop me a lineif you’d like to have something like this captured for your family, it would make me a very happy little lady. Much love! xo
There’s something a bit special we wanted to share with you today. When my sweet friend Anh contacted us last year to ask if we’d be interested to document her little boy’s first day of school we couldn’t think of anything more perfect. We adore her kids and know just how much love this family has, each for the other, and in every way possible. I laughed at Joel and myself for getting so caught up in everything that we couldn’t help but get a little misty-eyed ourselves as we shared in the anticipation and emotion of the morning. I guess we were thinking about our own littlies growing up a little too fast too.
A and Q, thank you so very much for asking us to do this for you. Thank you for letting us into your home and into your hearts. We are so honoured to have been able to do this, and hope that this little milestone captured will become even more precious with time. Big, big hugs. xoxoxo
I had been out for a yoga class and felt a bit guilty as I often do when leaving Joel with both boys, so my heart melted when I came home to find this (as well as a very tired husband who pretty much fell asleep as soon I walked in the door). A beautiful close to this January project, and I’m a little sad to leave it behind. This one month of documentary discipline has provided so many opportunities to reflect and give thanks, and to treasure these moments that change all too fast.
Thank you for sharing in this journey with me, I’m pretty sure I’ll be back next Jan for more! xo
Once a month or so, the stars align and you begin to think it’s not so tough after all. We managed a family brunch date in a cute cafe and our dear little Luke lay happily on the padded bench and fell asleep straight after he was wrapped. I looked on in disbelief. Thankful for days like these; some respite from the usual drain and a quiet hope that a new milestone has been reached although that may all disappear tomorrow. I’m being taught so much by my kids. About patience, and focus, and just being honestly present in the moments that they share with you whether awake or asleep. Happysigh.
