I always feel privileged to document a day in the life of a family, but especially so when a fellow photographer trusts me with their family photography session. So, when Jennifer asked me to come spend the day with her husband and their three children, I was all in! We spent the day just documenting what their daily life looks like–in all of its sweet, crazy and non-stop glory.
One of the things I hear frequently when I talk about how I photograph these sessions is, “But our life is kinda boring!”
Let me tell you, folks – it’s not. I promise. Life as a family is NEVER boring, as evidenced by these guys! Check out all of the things we did this day – we went to a cookie dough parlor, played at the park, and even fired off air powered rockets! Art projects at home, cooking together as a family, and s’mores by the fire rounded out our day.
When children are small, the changes in their personalities happen minute by minute. As parents, we’re often so wrapped up in the “stages” our children are in, that it can seem overwhelming and exhausting just trying to keep up. It’s SO VERY IMPORTANT, though, to take the time to appreciate the life that we have with them, as it is right this very moment. These little souls won’t be the same people tomorrow, even – and if we get so wrapped up in the keeping up that we fail to slow down and appreciate the moments, it’ll all just pass us by.
I love that this family appreciates the value of documenting those moments – every single one of them, from the crazy to the sweet, and all of the personality clashes in between. <3
Breakfast begins with pancakes!
Wonder what flour tastes like…
If you’re cooking with kids in the kitchen and something doesn’t get licked, you’re in an alternate universe, probably
Oh, the pre-teen years…this look isn’t going away any time soon.
Somebody’s in trouble. Although we won’t mention any names.
Sometimes, you just gotta carry on through a meltdown.
What? You said I could color. You did not, however, specify where or on what.
This phase is rough, man. Your daughter loves you one minute, and you’re ruining her life the next. It’s takes nerves of steel, really.
Dogs – always intent on their humans.
Be safe, read instructions. Particularly when pressure building is involved.
Cookie. Dough. Shop. Cookie Dough Bliss was great! <3
Mom: Don’t eat that. Kid: LOLZ, okay.
Sometimes kids are weird, and they lick your arm. No one tells you about these things in parenting classes…It’s lucky they’re cute, probably.
Dogs and children often “mirror” each other. I kind of loved this one, with that goofy dog of theirs!
Part of my job as a documentary family photographer is to create images that communicate who children are, and what stage they’re in, at the time that we create images together. This stage of childhood is so difficult, some days – being grown-up enough for some things, but not everything can be frustrating. I loved creating the images I did of Isabella, showing the complexity of this time in her life. She’s such a sweet, smart girl who’s going to be a force to be reckoned with one day – and I feel like this image shows that the flip side of raising strong women is often navigating some emotional waters!
This teeny little thing created some SERIOUS power and momentum with those little legs of hers! One of my favorite parts of photographing Day in the Life family sessions is working hard to create unique images that tell the story of what my clients enjoy most in this stage of their life. Gianna loved this swing!
We ended the night with games, s’mores, and monkey bars in the back yard. Childhood memory making for the win!
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