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. 

I am a huge advocate for not waiting for a special or specific occasion to have family photos done. I know a lot of people wait until Fall- and that's totally okay- but I'm a big believer that life happens every single day. Even on rainy days. Even on bad days. Even when life is tough. Even in the winter. Even on the best days. Even on the most chill and ordinary of days. 
But here's the thing- and I know parents can really relate to me here- it's like you blink and all the sudden it's 10 years later. You blink and your kids are almost as tall as you. 
There's no bad time to take pictures, but, man....do I love summer photo sessions. 
​And here's why.

Summer has a vibe all on its own. The hot sun can make us want to bask in it. It makes us want to go outside. In the heat of the day, there's nothing better than a hammock in the shade, am I right? Music seems to be everywhere. The food feels fresh and flavorful and vibrant. People are more relaxed. We're more likely to say "yes" to outdoor activities.  In summer it's okay to be in your swimsuit and barefoot all day if you want.
It's gloriously hot. The opportunities are endless. There is an underlying excitement, especially with children because it's summer.
It's perfection. 
There are so many opportunities to hang out, connect, and be with each other. 

Summer is when a lot of families choose to take summer vacations. Headed down to the beach to do all the fun summer things. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins sometimes come too! There's not many times in the year when the whole family gets together (without the stress of prepping a big meal, keeping a schedule, etc) and summertime is it! 
Sometimes families even choose to do staycations and be tourists in their own cities. There are so many adventures to be had- even in your own backyard. It'd be a shame not to have pictures of such a wonderful memory. 

Summer is magical. Summers are instantly nostalgic. Summer is the prime time to create those "core memories" of our childhood. Why is that? I think it just is simply because summer is full of magic and wonder and possibilities. 
If I knew back then what I know now, I would take so many more photos. Our family would rent this condo/apartment about a block from the beach every summer. There was about 4 units and then the unit that the owners lived it. I will never forget them, they were staples in my childhood/preteen summer memories. I wish I could have more photos of that place. Of me as a pre-teen there. Of me walking down the block to the payphone to call my friends back home. Of me sitting on the sundeck with my boombox listening to all the best "coolest" music. Drinking a coke while my Dad and Uncle grilled steaks. Playing shuffleboard with my cousin. I would want pictures of us carrying all our stuff to the beach. I would want more pictures of us hanging out in the living room of that condo. 
I think about those summers all the time. 

So what do ya say?  Want to schedule a summer Storytelling Session for your family? Or even a Day in the Life Session? Let's do it! 
Contact me for more information here or at the Contact tab above. I'll send you a no-pressure guide (seriously, because I really, really hate that!) with a little bit about what I do and how the process works.