Chesapeake, Va I Embracing Fall

Hurricane Matthew brought Fall last week. We were having temps in the mid 80's before Matthew. After him we are in the mid 60s. There was devastating flooding and storm damage, but after he moved out we were blessed with clear and beautiful skies. That's usually the way of it, isn't it? The air is crisp, clean, and fragrant. It looks like fall. It feels like fall. Break out the boots ya'll. It's here, it's time! I'm embracing the Fall!

Side note: It was brought to my attention that not everyone looks forward to pumpkin flavored everything. What?! It's true. I heard it from their own mouths. Weird, right? I assure you, I am not one of those people.

I, obviously, love Fall. I'm always excited about season changes though. But there's something about Fall that I can't get enough of; I think our time in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains really did me in for Fall. Fall in Tennessee is just incredible. Breathtaking.

So let's talk about some traditions and things that you can do to embrace Fall, but also ways to tell the unique story of your family. One thing we always found ourselves doing was taking a scenic drive, stopping all along the way to enjoy the sights. I took pictures, yes- but not many. "Why?" you may ask, "You're a photographer!" Yes. I am. It has become a part of me that I cannot imagine my life without. If I haven't picked up my camera in a few days, my soul aches for it. However, I am also a wife and a mom. And that's an even bigger part of who I am. And I want to be present in our memories. Not merely watching the day through my lens.  I'm sure you feel this way too. And you should. Be an active part of your family's memories. This is where I can come in handy. I can tag along, unobtrusively, and document your day for you. Of course you will know that I am there, but I will not take an active role in your day. My job is solely to document your day. It won't be awkward though, I promise! I am friendly after all. I just mean that I will be there, but I won't intrude on your memory making. Most clients say that at some point they forget I am there. And it's really awesome to hear clients tell me after the fact at their Reveal session that they normally HATE having their picture made and that it's even more stressful having to pose a toddler- but their session with me was unlike anything they had ever experienced before. It was easy, relaxed.

Pumpkin patches are a big part of Fall. Going to the farm, hayrides, selecting the absolute perfect pumpkin for your family. What a fun activity! I think a less frequently thought of story though is for those of you that maybe DON'T have children. These are for you too! Do you have friends over or maybe it's just you and your significant other? Maybe you cook together? Drink seasonal wines? Maybe you gather around the fire pit or eat outside to enjoy the amazing weather. There's a story to tell there too. There's a story of your life without kids too...and that doesn't make your memories any less worth documenting. Some of my fondest memories are of me and my husband before we even had children! And I can't tell you how I wish I had images of us just being us, just being a couple, before children. It was a sweet time in our life. In our small, first little apartment. I will always treasure that place. Or maybe, you want to document something unique. Like, just yourself. I did it the other day. And you know what? I'm going to keep doing it. I felt a little self conscious, but 5 minutes in I was fine. I'm actually really proud of myself for taking self portraits. I am going to leave memories of me, just being me, for my children and grandchildren- for whoever comes after me. I think it's important. And maybe you do too.

So, I'll leave you today with this self portrait of me embracing Fall. I'm cuddled up in my favorite spot on the couch, in my "lounge wear" (is that the appropriate term for yoga pants when you don't actually do yoga?), no makeup, classic messy bun, doing what I love to do during naptime. I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, knowing it's cool outside, reading my favorite author (Jane Austen), and relishing in the quiet moments of motherhood.

Embrace your life. 

Reading Jane Austen before Hurricane Matthew