Can I make a confession? In my 16 years of raising 7 kids we have had exactly 3 family photo sessions. Yikes. As a photographer this is still shocking to me and while I am a little sad that we don't have a few more sessions, I don't know how many of those photos I would actually use. Other than the yearly Christmas card that we seem to only get sent every few years, the posed, stand still photos just aren't my love language. What I DO have and what I DO love are my photos that I have taken when DOCUMENTING our everyday life. The silly faces, the crusty noses, the snuggles and tears, the anger and laughter. THESE are the photos for me. The photos I want on my walls. The photos that remind me of their little tempers, or their helping hands, or their spectacular fashion choices at 4 years old. However the downfall to having all these photos I have documented is the fact that I'm not in them. So that's what we as a family are working on, getting our Day in the Life documented with me included, and I hope you will do the same because today will be gone soon and it is worth remembering.

I think this is the biggest question I get. WHAT DO WE DO FOR THAT LONG! And the answer is this, you live. Let me ask you to do something, take a minute, right now, to think on the last 4-6 hours you spent with your family. Remember... your toddler got into his brothers toys and all hell broke loose and tattles were told and tears were shed and then all was well. I want to DOCUMENT THAT. Remember... your teenager decided to try that new recipe and made the mess but also made the treat. I want to DOCUMENT THAT. Remember... everything was normal and some was quiet and content and beautiful and some was loud and wild and that was also beautiful. These are moments you want to remember friend. These are the moments I want to DOCUMENT.

I don't focus on numbers, but like most documentary photographers I tend to deliver more than less. I tell your story and however many photos that takes is the number of photos you get. When I have a kid throwing 6 different facial expression at me while trying to open an applesauce pouch, you're getting all 6 of those expressions. When the kid decides to snuggle down during their favorite Bluey episode, I'm going to document that in all sorts of angles getting as many touch points as possible so you can look back and feel those snuggles again. So how many? However many it takes.

Art coupled with music is where its at for me. One of our families favorite past times is curling up around my computer and watching the slideshows I have built from our photos or even the ones I've done for some of our family friends after their sessions. We have songs associated with time periods, celebrations and family friends because they were in the slideshows. So if you want a cozy way to enjoy your photos, a Slideshow add on is a must!

While I am not a director at my Day in the Life or Mini Family sessions, you can choose to add on Portraits to these sessions. Many families feel that while they are dressed and ready and have become comfortable in front of my camera it is the perfect time to grab a portrait of everyone. These have become so special to me because at the end of our documentary session, we are already friends. Your kids know me and I know them and its just easy. I find the best light and talk you gently thru a few ideas and we capture you and yours in a calm and simple time together.