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the falconbridge family • grassy field • san diego photographer

this session couldnt be more perfect for this family. everything about it is just exactly them. i told them to pack up a picnic (whatever they might normally bring to spend an afternoon outside together) and bring a few changes of clothes. they brought homemade muffins in baskets wrapped in tea towels, a guitar, a baby pram, dollies, grapes, and beautiful linens to lay on.

we drove around looking for just the perfect spot. thankfully, we found it, without too much of a wild goose chase. from the street it didnt look like much. i pointed to it as we drove by and said “that might work…”, but kept going…not trusting my gut. after about ten more minutes of looking, we came back. i dont know why, but its always stressful for me to be the one to choose the location. i always worry my gut feeling wont be right.

i adore this little family, if you are a regular reader here, you very well know. since meeting emily just three short years ago she has become a sister to me. her husband a brother to me. her children like one of my own. this june, they will most likely be heading back to their homeland of australia to get some things in order and have baby number three. we are unsure if or when they will be coming back.

my heart hurts and i try not to think about what life will be like without them so close. it is hard enough being 55 miles away from each other.

it is very bittersweet to have done this session, knowing it may very well be the last one here in the states.

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i have tears in my eyes as i type and delete…type and delete…there are no words. i will just let these speak for themselves.

from emily’s home movie session

edited: i have been hand-slapped through the computer by emily who informed me i was being SO DRAMATIC and she is MOST CERTAINLY COMING BACK!

by Tara Whitney

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haley lamb - number 1 is so dreamy

Bonnie Berry - That first shot is a STUNNER!

Jennifer Urbin Photography - Ok Seriously....that first shot might just be my favorite picture....ever!

stacymeyers - WOW...I get two feelings here...with first image: I am in aww...total yummy mommy moment. I cant stop looking at it; with second image: I can't stop smiling!! :) Can not wait to see more!!

Kristen - LOVE LOVE LOVE. Love the image, Love the love, and love the flare!!!

mary elizabeth - i LOVE the first one, it is so magical!

Mic - I cannot wait to see these pictures! The first one is gorgeous. The second one with Yindi and her teeth is super sweet.

Heidi Fazio - WOW that first one is incredibly beautiful.

rhonda - having a really tuff day...as i typed in your blog address i was thinking...come on Tara make me smile. Done :) thanks!! these are lovely

Sarie - The photo of Emily and her girls makes me feel so much. Feel so good! I've come here three times already this afternoon. Absolutely beautiful, Tara.

Carin - ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS!

Christine - Her girls are growing up so fast. I love the flower child one. HOpe she had a super birthday! love, me

JenCozz - Amazing!

michelle - Awww. :( Aren't Aussies THE BEST!? We have two houses on our cul de sac full of Aussie transplants and we would be SO SAD if they moved away. :( Enjoy your remaining time and hopefully you'll be reuninted much sooner rather than later. AND... what a great excuse to travel to AUSTRALIA!!! :)

stacymeyers - YOU R KILLIN ME! These are insanely magical and perfect in every way. And...I am so sad to know that Emily and her beautiful family will be so far away from you.

Heather - I read the post, enjoyed the pictures and then it hit me. If I ever had my friends taken so far away from me - I think I would melt. My girl friends are my lifeline. It is because of them that I sometimes do good raising my daughter, it is because of them that I have a strong marriage, it is because of them that I have survived some rough spots that no one should endure. These women, your Emily, they are part of us. I am sorry Tara... it WILL suck.. but the cool thing is that while physically she may not be here to breathe in - your hearts are forever attached. Danged it - now I am weeping.

Kate Lindsay - These are just beautiful, I'm sure if you come to Australia to visit you could fit in a couple sessions in too. I would love one.

Malinda - OH. MY. GOSH. These are BEAUTIFUL Tara!! Your absolute love for them comes shining through with your photos!!!

jess@studio3z - I can't even put into words how beautiful this session is...the love and passion you have for this family was definitely pouring through in each photo. They seem like the most perfect (and flippin cool) little family. I am sure it must be hard for you to see them go.

Grace - Beautiful.

Erin - i can't even pick a favorite, this has to be the best session EVER!!

Suzanne Duda - With photos like these, you don't need words...the love shines through...

psmullican - Well, I don't want to make you cry, but I'm so sad that she is moving away from you. I hadn't been keeping up with her blog so I didn't know she was moving or expecting baby #3. Your photos are gorgeous, but even more so knowing they are something you'll treasure along with your memories of your sweet friendshiip. Don't be too sad-I have a feeling you're linked for life and will see each other as often as time and travel allows. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. Best wishes to Emily and family.

amie powell - these make me cry, and i don't even know them. i just wish i had photos like this of my little family. very lovely! :)

Kat Braman - this entire session is incredibly beautiful! I love the picnic idea.

Michelle Davies - My heart is hurting right along with you...I can feel your love for them thru the photos and know how much you will miss them. Good thing you edited and said they're coming back!

carencrops - Just beautiful...

rachel - Gorgeous! ;-) And I know she will be back. Muah!

Jeanelle - THOSE CHUBBY LITTLE LEGS IN THOSE ADORABLE BOOTS ARE SO FREAKIN' CUTE!!!!!!

Nicki - These are really beautiful!!! And I just went back and watched the video. To have something like this of my family would be so wonderful. I know they will treasure this always.

SuZeQ - O.M.G. That picture from the waist down and the red and black boots is TO DIE FOR. You're so talented and so fortunate to know this family. I feel like I know Emily just through her blog and her 52Q ... she seems so delightful! Thank you for sharing!

Jennifer - Amazing, heartfelt, touching. You have an unbelievable gift, you know that?

Clare - Tara - think of all the fantastic photo shoot locations that you might find here in AUS. I'm sure you could book enough shoots to finance the trip for all of you to come out here for a week or 2. In fact - I'm certain of it! love ya

rhonda - by far my favorite family that you shoot....i love them and all of their natural ways! i can see what you love about her...and I do not even know her. be blessed!

Lucky Holly - As clare said many many locations out here in australia. Both on the east and west coasts, I'll book in right now! x

ria - oh tara! i am teary eyed. i love the relationship you have with emily. i long for that kind of friendship. someone who "gets" me. it is breaking my heart to think of you two not being close together. i wish i were as comfortable with myself as emily seems to be. she is a beautiful person. as are you. i'm sure you will remain close no matter how far apart you are. kindred spirits can't be truly seperated. smiles and hugs to you both ria

Kimberly - i so envy what you and em have. distance won't change it. of course it'll suck...her not being so close...but you two are connected. forever! lame words don't make it better. i know. i'm just sayin'...

Kimberly - and what. am i stupid?? um. apparently. i love every photo. every single one.

Alison - Such a darling shoot:)

maren - these are so BEAUTIFUL!! and together with that song! ...just makes me cry.

Abbie - The black and white of Ivy with the flower crown is STUNNING!

Serena - Beautiful photos of a beautiful family!

taty - you are incredible tara..... The photos are so sweet... I love it...every shoot is falcombridge family... kiss taty

Molly W. - GORGEOUS. You captured the time perfectly.

hailey - oh so beautiful! So guess now you will have to come to Australia?!!?? Then you can take photos of my family for me!

Dixie - What lovely photos. You can almost feel the pictures. Feel the emotion, the love in the family. I love them.

jo marks - your love for the Falconbridges shines through so wonderfully in ALL these photos Tara ... and I'm sure you and Em will still be best buds when you're both grannies :-)

cathy - sigh. these are magical tara. what a gift.

Georgia - Love these so much. It's so strange to me to feel like I know this family through you and your photos (and my sister in law who Emily is friends with). But I've never met them. Gorgeous gorgeous photos-and stunning location. Please tell Ivy that she looks just like a fairy princess with her daisy chain.

Wendi - That first shot of Em is breathtaking! She is stunning and I hope she returns to you quickly!!

patricia - these are favorites -- i love that family and don't even know them except cyberifically -- when i saw the video a few weeks ago i totally loved ivy's little aussie accent...and i'm glad em handslapped you for the drama -- i was getting sad thinking they weren't coming back (even tho i can relate to that longing for homeland)...i love your work and your energy...

angie monson - very cute!

dana pugh - I love these. That's all. Dramatic is good if that's how you feel ;)

Melissa - WOW! I love these and I loved the video. SO,so beautiful! My dream is to someday have you photography my family!

annie - I loved these from the video...so amazing. I see a trip to Australia in your future! So hard to be away from loved ones!

Jana - Stunning photos, stunning family---such sweetness all around!

Sasha - I have tears myself! Three years ago I was introduced to blogs by a friend, she had both of you on her blogroll and I quickly began to see the beauty of blogs through reading each of your blogs! I've always wanted to be a photographer, your style is something that reminded me of how I see through the camera lens - I've been hooked ever since! Her blog is spectacular as well - if I had a fraction of the talent you two have, I'd be quite blessed! I can't believe they may be moving - so sad to hear! But, of course, it's just an excuse for the two of you to travel more! Blessings, Sasha

sharon - I have no words... I'm speechless. You can feel the love... Just amazing.

Michel - My lens is willing to travel to AUS if yours is!!

Sheen - photos stunning ....I am sorry u r going to miss your Emily BUTyou will now have to come and visit her in Australia - do some shoots here and I'M first! LOL! Sydney beautiful southern suburbs of Sydney - beaches, rivers, sand and sun! Please come :P

Nancy - Simply incredible. Are you going to be in Connecticut anytime soon? ;-)

kayla grace - these are the most amazing pictures i have ever seen. and i am the pickiest person...ever...

Lesley - After seeing the home video session I was so looking forward to seeing the result of your photos! Amazing!

Jeni W. - Hi Tara, these are all SO stunningly beautiful - all the pics I've seen of Em, Mick & girls have been fabulous, I think these are my very best fav's ever. You will have to come to Oz & do some photo shoots down under !!! lots of love xxxx

Shannon D - These are some of my favourite shots, and the video was just perfect, I bet Emily was wrapped at how well you and Michel captured their family. If you come to visit Australia you will see why Emily wants to come home for a bit - it is a fantastic place. And if you are travelling I know a few more people that would love a photo shoot - me included! A happy Aussie!

stacie - . . . and "speak" they do!

Kathy Carlisle - I am so speechless. This is a direct reflection of your inspiration, passion and love for photography and for your beloved friend. Beautiful work and priceless! K

Hailey Jackson - I will have to threaten Em to make sure she knows she had BETTER come back. Tara, I have been a fan for years, but after seeing you capture two of my favorite families to a T, I am thinking I need to have you down to SD to get my kiddos on film.

Chelsea Parsons - now I have big fat tears in my eyes. I love hearing of your closeness with Em. Lucky girls you both are.

Cortney - they are moving! AND the video made me cry! How fab that you were able to so accuratley grasp thier essense!?

lanne - Well if you have to move back to Aust - what a wonderful gift to leave with. You rocked this Tara. Besides - I think we would all delight in having you come to Australia. I'd be happy to put you all up and play tour gude, :)

amanda - wow tara! the photos and movie seem to be just perfect. i love the shot of mama with babies and sun glare. it's gorgeous.

Catherine Burns - I just have to know. . . do you shoot in RAW and jpeg, just RAW,just jpeg? I am at a photography workshop right now and everyone is trying to get me to switch to RAW and I can't decide if I am ready to take the plunge!

Georgia - absolutely, unbelievably beautiful set of photographs! gorgeous family, too!

Kristie - Oh these images... these BEAUTIFUL images get me right in the heart, Tara!!! Beyond gorgeous!!

Gypsy Alex - omg, tara! I want to be you when I grow up. these photos are breathtaking! love love love!xo

Amber Skolnick - these are so beautiful it makes my heart hurt. the video is also one of the most lovely things i have seen in a long time.

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