family photojournalism :: the kerry family

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Every season of family life is its own story, its own treasure.

I’m often hired to photograph families in their younger years, the messy chaotic years of raising tiny and totally uninhibited little people. But sometimes — as with this session — I also get to spend time documenting the life of a family in a different season. Long gone are the diapers and strollers and nap times… those blurry years now replaced by whatever varied interested the children are growing up into, their ever-clearer personalities in full effect, their wings unfurling as their independence increases. And the mom and dad, no longer so needed in such physical ways, get to take on a new role: that of adviser, facilitator, guide, and friend.

Seeing all of that in the Kerry family made me look forward with renewed excitement to the future seasons of family life. We aren’t here yet, but they make it look so special, and I’m touched by their affectionate connection which they’ve so intentionally nurtured through every season of their life as a family.

So hear this, mamas and daddies of older kids and teens: this is for you, too. This natural, unposed and unhurried documentation of your family story works for ALL ages. In fact, it’s probably the best way to get your reluctant tween on board, because ain’t nobody gonna make him/her dress up and pose in cheesy ways. Instead, each family member gets to do his/her own thing and be SEEN and documented and appreciated for exactly who they are, in the phase they are in.

family photojournalism :: the bowen family (yes, again!)

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It’s genuinely the BEST to get the chance to photograph the same family several times over spans of years while their children are born and grow, as they move or remodel their homes, change jobs, and more. In some cases, I’m actually at their BIRTHS, witnessing their emergence, and then I’m still photographing them at ages 4 or 5. I love thinking about the cumulative collection of images these families have over that span of time.

This family is one of those. I first photographed them when their second son was a brand new baby. And now here he is greeting me at the door in his undies, being nearly fully potty trained and rather proud of that.

This session was done last fall (Halloween time, as evidenced by the pumpkin carving going on here), so clearly I’m doing some catch-up on the blogging here. But it’s never too late for sharing another glimpse of another family’s peculiar magic, right?

If the idea of having me photograph your family across the years appeals to you, I do offer multi-session discounts. Shoot me an email and I’ll tell you more about that option.

family photojournalism :: the kegley family

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They left a big city to come to our small one, and there’s been no regrets about that. Because at the end of this life, the chances are we’ll never regret the decision to scale back, slow down, carve out space to be together as family. We won’t regret living smaller and slower, friends.

What parts of your life have you rearranged in order to value the things that matter most to you?

In this in-home session from this past winter, I documented Rachel and Jason with their two boys as they baked, changed out of pajamas for the day, played piano and enjoyed free play in the playroom and then outside to sled a while, too. So much ordinary magic. :)

These little moments are where it’s AT, friends. This is the stuff you’ll be reminiscing over when you’re 80, and that’s why it’s what I’ve devoted my photographic career to documenting. There’s never a bad time to do this. So reach out if this resonates with you. Let’s get you set up!

family photojournalism :: the cappon family

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Their gentle, respectful parenting with their boys struck me immediately. The atmosphere in their home is one that clearly facilitates emotional health, as Meghan and Peter strive to be their best selves: socially conscious, justice-minded, creative, hard-working, and always learning. It seems that their living is an art form, and that contentment informs their joy in the here and now.

I got to spend a simple, sweet brisk autumn afternoon with them as they spent time in the kitchen, wrestled in the boys’ room and built an amazing marble track, plus all the jumping and snuggling that filled in the cracks between activities.

I hope you’ll also be inspired by this glimpse into their family life. And I hope you know, dear reader, that your own family life is just as full of treasure and beauty, and that I’d be so honored to have an opportunity to show you that through my camera’s eye.

Read more about family photojournalism sessions and then reach out to book your own in-home documentary photography session with me.

family photojournalism :: the mciver family

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If these faces are familiar to you, it’s probably because I’ve been photographing them since their eldest daughter was a very small baby. And what a privilege and FUN thing that is. Through all the seasons and life changes and challenges, to keep coming back around to see and celebrate them is really, really great.

Now I’ll leave you with a bunch of stinking adorable photos of these 4 fun-loving folks from their morning spent doing ordinary things at home like getting dressed for the day, playing hide and seek, reading books, drinking coffee and silly dancing to a little jaunt downtown.

I want to give a couple shout-outs to them here, too. Shauna is a REALLY good wedding photographer and Justin recently opened a new chiropractic center here in GR that focuses especially on families.