Just Be Blogged – Page 8

A FAMILY SESSION – AN UPRIGHT BASS, A BOARD GAME, A FUNNY DOG, CHICKENS, BRAIDS, FRONT PORCHES.

Self described introverts, who invited me over on a slow and simple weekend morning. Coffee was placed into my hands immediately as we talked in their kitchen, which smelled of freshly baked scones. And then I oohed and aahed over every detail of their very quaint and thoughtfully put together home. A big group of introverts, coming together to get to know each other.

I was moved beyond words when their son picked up his instrument (after a little begging from me.) It transformed him. The bass does that to people, I think.

I love that every frame with them includes a warmth, uniqueness, and stillness. Usually the quietest ones (people, images, moments, memories) make me think and feel the most.

A FAMILY SESSION – TRESPASSING TO FIND THE LIGHT, AT HOME IN TEXAS

I was supposed to meet this family last year, in San Francisco, while they were on vacation. The day of our session I woke up with a stomach bug. The kind where you think you might actually die, and you hope you do. It was awful for me to have to cancel on them, but in the end I am so glad I got sick that day. It wouldn’t have been right to photograph them anywhere but in their warm, beautiful, personality filled home. They bbq’d while we hung out a bit and then we jumped in the car to find a big open field for portraits. The trouble was, the big fields in their area were private property. We ended up having to trespass to use the spot we really wanted, via climbing a gate, and I was wearing a dress which made the situation even funnier, because we were already laughing and feeling mischievous.

I got exactly the field and the photographs and the light I wanted. The sun set on our backs as we ran back to the car.

A NEWBORN SESSION – RISE & SHINE & MAKE OATMEAL

Those early days of slowing down and sleepless nights and learning and loving a new human being. The four times I experienced this are forever imprinted within me, four of my most treasured experiences. I bring my deep appreciation for this fleeting time to every newborn I am lucky enough to photograph.

Over the course of our time together, I noticed the book I made for them last time was front and center on a bookshelf in the dining area. Dad noticed me noticing, and said something like, “Having you take our photos is one of the best things we have ever done.” To hear that, especially from a Dad is just … I was just … I am sure you can imagine. To say I was appreciative that he shared that with me and overwhelmed by the support is an understatement.

We began the session at 7am, to give time for them to get the boys ready for school. I arrived as the children woke and the baby needed to feed. This first photo was taken just as I walked in the door, just the way they greeted me, friendly and warm, with sleepy smiles.