Documenting Life Beyond Childhood

On the same day that I had a family shoot with a young couple and their little girl, I also had a session with a lovely couple in a different stage of life, both in their 80s and married 64 years. 64 years! Simply amazing considering she wasn't 100% certain of her decision to walk down the aisle. This is a reassuring admission to anyone who has every had doubts or fears about a choice. Taking the leap in spite of that fear can lead you right where you were supposed to be. Even with some medical challenges, his sense of humour and charm have not faded and her fiesty personality has gotten that much bigger over the years.

Seeing this full circle on the same day - a young family starting out and a couple having lived 80+ years was really an interesting contrast. Witnessing routines and perspectives on life at different points in time. Maybe it makes us uncomfortable to go there in our minds - to think about aging, the idea of impermanence and what that may mean. In this case, there was nothing sad about this couple - only grace and an appreciation for a life well lived.

Think about the older generations around you. All the stories that only they can tell to teach you about your history, to help you understand why those around you are the way they are and the life lessons that they know first hand. Sometimes we forget to ask the questions to those that may actually have the answers as we get busy with our lives.

Take some time to hear the stories of the older family members you are lucky to still have. Your life will be richer for it.

Documenting life shouldn't end when the kids are grown up. Photos of childhood and young families are certainly beautiful and childhood presents so many opportunities to capture those stages that go by too quickly. Don't forget to keep telling the stories of your families beyond childhood because just like childhood, those stories are gone before you know it.

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The J Family

My nerves always act up right before a session. It is just part of the process when I'm doing something that matters to me. Meeting new people isn't always easy because of those nerves but when the door opened and I was greeted with the littlest, smiley-est almost 11 month old, I knew everything was going to be just fine. 

Not even a year old and little S is already busy taking a few steps, exploring the world around her as she tries so desperately to communicate. I have a feeling when this little girl starts walking and talking for real, there will be no stopping her. You can't help but to be taken by her big eyes, the longest lashes and that easy smile. With her happy, inquisitive personality, I can see both that she is the heart of this family and also that she got those qualities from her parents. Despite an early wake up and a shift in the original plan, the family just went with it and opened up their life so honestly for me to capture. I didn't have to look far to find the love and the joy in this home - 

you can just feel it. 

A Client's Perspective

Last week I posted a family photo session which gives you an idea of what a typical session looks like. This week I wanted to follow up with a description of what a typical session “feels” like straight from the client’s perspective. For those thinking about booking a session and not quite sure what to expect, here is one client’s thoughts on their family documentary photo session. 

1. Before booking a session with me, did you have any hesitations about the documentary type approach? If so, could you please explain. 


I was very excited about the documentary approach to photographing my family. Those everyday candid moments are what we always remember and say "ahhh if I only had a pic of that!" . The only hesitation I had was a worry that my kids would be shy and not act natural. 

2. In your own words, how would you describe the documentary style approach to photography and how did it feel to participate in this type of photo session?  

The documentary style of photography to me is what is most beautiful about photography. It allows us to capture those little moments in life. The memories that make us smile and allow us to relive that moment every time we look at the photos. The impact of a photo that captures emotion is so much more meaningful then a posed portrait. I had a wonderful time participating and would not only recommend it to anyone but would never have family photos done any other way.

3. What were you most excited about for the photo session? 

I was most excited at the opportunity to be involved in what my family was doing while being photographed and also be included in the photos as I am usually the one that is behind the camera. 

4. Now that you have seen your gallery of images from the photo session, how do you feel about the hesitations you mentioned in #1?

The photos are beyond what I could have expected. They captured my family so beautifully! They are truly stunning in quality and I love that my kids just went about their day being goofy and enjoying a nice Saturday morning. Your sunshine personality and infectious laugh made everyone at ease and it felt as though we just had a good friend over hanging out. 

5. What advice would you give, or what would you tell someone thinking about a documentary photo session for their family?

Anyone who decides to take this approach to family photos will never be disappointed. You are amazingly talented and it was a joy to have you do this for us. Thank you!!

Morning with D and family

As much as I prepare beforehand, I never know quite what to expect when I meet a new family. That is part of the excitement and the challenge. I walked into the home of the family you will meet below which included: 4 humans, 2 dogs and a cat - each of them with their own distinct personalities. I was the lucky one who got to see how all the pieces fit together so beautifully. 

I was especially nervous knowing that the mom is an awesome photographer and when I saw her amazing photos of the kids hanging in their home, I knew I had to make this one special. My one advantage: the story this time would include her.

Thank you for letting me share your life for a few hours and trusting me to tell you story. 

 

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