family photojournalism :: the stob family

Last time I photographed them, they had 2 children. Now they are 3. And they've settled more deeply into this house they call home and into the love of God, and into one another. While I was with them, they had a dance party, complete with various musical instruments, played with blocks, and smiled over the first staggering steps of the baby in the family. Life with three children ages 5 and under is simple and slow, and yet it'll be over in a blink. It's nice to take a minute to pause and really SEE this season for what it is, in all the mundane glory. I hope they can see the treasure here.

Currently booking family photojournalism sessions for July and onward. Let's get you on the calendar, shall we?

family photojournalism :: the trieu family

Family complete. Affectionate siblings. Good vegan eats. Meal time. Painting superheroes. Learning to walk. PJ Masks mania. Playing pretend. Snuggles with mama. 

A slice of life with the Trieu family...

family photojournalism :: erinn + lily

This mother and daughter duo is sure something. Their connection is gorgeous. They're animated and playful and thoughtful. And through changes of outfits, living room ballet, baking cookies, reading books, jumping on the bed, and everything in between, they radiate mindful presence and deep affection.

Enjoy this little glimpse of life at their house, mother and daughter. 

family photojournalism :: the bowen family in 2017

Brothers are the best. And it was so fun to go see this pair again recently, about a year after our last session. It just keeps getting better, doesn't it? Through all the insane and mundane (the too-rough wrestling, the meltdowns and snot-wiping), photos like this help us to slow down and see how sacred and precious family life really is. 

family photojournalism :: tessa + claire

Tessa and Claire have a special connection, characterized by hope and joy. Together with Claire's "big sister" golden retrievers, they've got a lot good going on. I joined them at home for a couple of hours one day to simply capture their ordinary life together, mother and daughter. From play time on the floor, to a little laundry, picnicking in the yard, getting the mail, taking a walk with the dogs, diaper changes, feeding time, and going down for nap, it was sweet to see how in sync these two are. We ended our time together with a few snapshots of some of what Tessa does when Claire is napping! I loved including this, and I think it was a first.

Here's to mothers and daughters, and the sacred ordinary.

family photojournalism :: the marsalese family

This summer, Cherith and I did a session swap! What a gift to know another gifted family documentary photographer in the greater Grand Rapids area! I joked with Cherith that she is the town mouse and I am the city mouse, but though we live in different scenery, there's a great deal we have in common (including the fact that we are both birth photographers and had our babies at home with the same midwife). It felt familiar in some ways to go out to her home and photograph her with her little tribe. They live with intention and grace, quietly and simply, complete with homeschooling, chickens, and backyard bonfires. The boys have a tree fort and rope swing, and their littlest one loves eating the blackberries that grow on their property. I'll stop talking and let the photos speak for themselves.