It was the rainiest of the rainiest days in Chesapeake. Seriously, the neighboring city even had a tornado. But, luckily for us, since this was an in home session and totally documentary in nature, we still just went with it. And, I was there for HALF the day! You know me, the longer the session, the better.
After all, life happens rain or shine. 

In a strange turn of events, the rain broke and the brightest, warmest sun came out for about 30 minutes. It was a glorious trip to the backyard, even the big kids joined us out there. Without cell phones. What the heck? We had surely entered the Twilight Zone.  Or the Upside Down. 

The storm returned, more fierce than before, so they decided what better way to spend the evening than playing with the babies (yes, babies- there are two!), hanging out, and making homemade pizza. 

Was there downtime? Yes. Were messes made? Yes. Were cell phones and electronics on? Yes. Does that make this day any less worthy of being documented? Absolutely not. 
This is life. This is the everyday. 
This is what these kids are going to look back on to remember when their memory gets a little hazy. 
These are the pictures that will make up their childhood and that they will return to again and again. 
These are the pictures that Mom and Dad are going to look back on and say, "Remember when..."

To schedule your Half Day in the Life Session (or Full Day in the Life Session) use the Contact tab above or just click here. I can't wait to chat with you and learn about what things are important to you. 

I don't think there's any better way to end a day (and a visit with Grandparents) than heading to the beach (Virginia Beach in this case!) and flying a kite and hanging out with your loved ones. Even on the uneventful, ordinary, mundane days- that's when the real memories are made. Life is made up of the little moments more so than the big moments.
We tend to remember feelings...and buddy, these are good ones. 

And I'd like to add as well that including grandparents in a relaxed and unposed session like this, allows them to interact with their grandchildren in a meaningful way. When they grow up, the kids are going to be able to see and remember what it was like to truly spend time with them.
​And you know what? I honest to goodness believe that photo sessions and being in front of the camera is a validating experience. It subconsciously tells us that we are seen, we are loved, and we are important. It makes us feel appreciated and valued. 

To schedule your own session (and maybe include grandparents?), click here to send me a message. And if you'd like to read more about why I think it's so important to have grandparents involved in your family portraits, click here. While you're at it, here's another great article about why I think summer is the perfect time to have family pictures done! 

Saying goodbye is never easy.
I think the family made a really great decision to book an unposed backyard family session to honor their time spent here, the place they called home for several years. We talked so much about what they loved about this place, what they will miss, some of their favorite things to do, and how grateful they are to have been here. 
Think about how many memories are made within the walls of your home. Think of how it sheltered you and protected you, how safe it made you feel. Think of all the love shared there, how you felt comforted there. 
How your children grew and learned new things, teeth were lost, new pets were added to the family, tears shed...life was experienced here. 
It has been the setting for so many memories. 

Athough they set out for new adventures and to make a new home, I sincerely hope these photographs will hold a special place in their heart. And maybe when they start to miss their little piece of heaven in Chesapeake, they can pull out these pictures and feel comforted by them. Or maybe they'll jog a new memory or bring back a really treasured one. 
That's the beauty of photography, right?

To book your unposed and stress-free session in your home or backyard, please use the Contact form above or you can simply click here. 
​I'd love to talk to you about your memories and what story you want to tell.