The Bell Family

 

I've known this beautiful woman since she was one year old, and I babysat her for a summer when she was five or so. (The mac and cheese flowed, for real.) Our mothers were close friends, and our families attended the same church; still, when I think back, I'm a little surprised that--given the eleven-year age difference--Stacey and I were so close. She's just always been so fun.

Stacey's an only child, and I loved to hang out at her house...during my teen years, especially. Again, a little odd, but the eatin' was always so good over there, and Stacey's mama has a big (magnetic!) personality and some serious, musical abilities. I loved singing with her and to the music of her guitar. She loved me and still does, and Stacey's daddy loved me, too. He always called me Brandee May; I have no idea why but plan to ask him, someday, on that other shore. Miss him.

Stacey's house was a safe, happy place to land: a home away from home.

And it's amazing, isn't it, what time does? It shrinks age gaps. The gap between five and sixteen seems so much greater than the one between twenty-nine and forty. The little girl for whom I made blanket forts and french toast has grown into a woman I respect: a Jesus-loving, God-fearing wife and mother.

Stacey's and Daniel's son Caleb is adorable, as you can see, and he has his mama's easygoing spirit. Carley has a completely different energy, and I'll be honest: tired as I was, I could've photographed her all day. I was captivated by the complexity of her expressions.

Later, editing through the photos of Carley, I wondered if she'd been feeding off my (tired) energy. That's when her mama said something I hope to remember...something like: "Carley's not me. She's not the happy-go-lucky child I was. She's my gorgeous, guarded little wildflower."

Isn't that beautiful? Would that every mama saw and celebrated her children for the individuals they are right now: including the parts to which she can't relate, personally, as well as the parts the children might outgrow.

My all-grown-up friend Stacey is wiser (and much lovelier) than she knows.

And her family is gorgeous.

Seth, Chelsey, & Kendyl

Seth's mom, who's been one of my mom's dearest friends almost ere I can remember, hired me to photograph Seth's sweet, little family. In the course of the shoot, Seth and I determined: he's sixteen years younger than I, which makes sense because--sure as I'm sitting here--I remember him only as a toddler like his little daughter. He would've been about her age when I left home.

Ours was a morning shoot, and according to her parents, Kendyl isn't really a morning person. I took an overabundance of photos because it took a long while for me to feel confident that I'd gotten enough family photos; the itty-bitty blonde was perfectly happy to explore and play, but not so much to be held down for a group shot. :) 

In the end, I couldn't be more pleased with the images I captured, and may God continue to bless and keep this beautiful, little family.

 

Fletcher's Family

Just a little over a month ago, Baby Fletcher's paternal grandmother hired me to take some photos of him and his parents, who married this weekend. She asked me to delay in putting the photos on the Internet because she planned to display some of them (at the reception, I think).

It's been a little hard for me to sit on these gorgeous photos. Every session is my favorite, but I love this one for special reasons. First of all, Fletcher's dad took me back to my days of teaching English at the technical school. There's no such thing as an English major, there, and most of my students filed in begrudgingly, to meet a requirement. One of my very favorite things was to bust up all the preconceived notions they held and make their experience enjoyable.

I enjoy photography sessions, sometimes, for the challenge of making the experience better than expected. Occasionally (particularly with small children), I can't turn things around completely, and I value, too, the challenge of capturing images--anyway, despite--that will be treasured down the road.

Fletcher's dad warmed and played, and the word on the street is that he was pleased with my work. He made his gorgeous fiancee his wife, this weekend, which goes to the second reason I love this session: it reminds me of "Dance Little Jean" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I've always loved that song.

Osborne Family

I taught Nikki composition at ITT, and she just has a bright flame of a spirit. I have to say: this is one of my very favorite family sessions, to date, because the afternoon/evening light accentuates the uninhibited energy in this family. All of Nikki's boys took to me right away, and we just played...and played...and played. I lost track of time as the sun put itself to bed. The last capture in this post is straight out of my camera: no editing at all. I can't wait for the session Nikki and I are already planning for this fall!

Jessica & Cristian

I taught Jessica more than one class at ITT, back in the day. It's been more than six years since I left the school, and I'm touched that some of my students have kept in touch...not only with me, but with one another. The day of this session, my student Marjorie accompanied Jessica and Cristian, and I could tell: they've become family.

Jessica is centered beyond her years and radiates love, in general, but she glows especially bright when she's with Cristian. It was a privilege to capture their sweet relationship with my camera.

As you scroll down, you'll see a "shrink" of Cristian. I don't employ this editing technique often because it's time-consuming to do it well, but I do seem to have an aptitude for it. I wrote a story for my daughter Charleigh's third birthday and illustrated it entirely with her shrinks. I mention this because maybe someone would like to hire me to create a personalized book of words and photos for a child?

Stewart Family

This family is one of the first I met upon moving here over twelve years ago. I want to cry thinking about it but can honestly say: no matter what I was facing in my life, no matter how I was struggling spiritually, Ron and Tammy have always looked happy to see me. What an important gift we give someone just by smiling when (s)he walks in the room; I hope to never forget.

Tammy is one of the most effective women's leaders I've ever known, and my life has been impacted profoundly by the Bible studies she's taught.

This session has been one of my easiest, to date. I mean, these people are all gorgeous...and grown (which makes a difference)! I remember when Elizabeth was young enough to come over and bake cookies with me.

Huff Family

These folks are my neighbors, and Rachel is one of my very closest friends. My five-year-old daughter Clementine intends to marry little Zach. He has no fewer than sixteen girls after him, already, so we'll see.

Rachel and Scott waited a very long time for Zach, and the love in this family is precious, and pure. The family grew by another little boy, this summer, and I hope to take new family photos in the near future.