Summer sunset session with the T family in Akron, Ohio

I photographed both of these girls as newborns. I first met Mom and Dad for their maternity session with their oldest daughter in downtown Cuyahoga Falls near the riverfront years ago. And since then, Mom and I have bonded over motherhood, parenthood, being a working Mom, juggling and balancing life, all of it really.

One of the unique things about a job like mine, is that you get to grow right alongside with people. While she was having babies, I’ve had some too. And I’ve watched her family grow, her children get older, and I’ve experienced so many of the same things we all do as Mom’s and in parenthood.

You not only get to celebrate big milestones with them, but you get to bond.

Just when photography feels a bit monotonous, doing some of the same poses, going to the same locations, especially during a busy season like summer or fall, kids come out with their own personalities. And the fact that you are able to talk, and just spend time with people during a session who you enjoy their company, it makes such a difference.

I suppose while I know how important lighting, wardrobe, and all the details are, and I work had to help everyone in planning…I want parents (and especially Mom’s) to feel like they get to show up, hang out, and leave with a good memory. Look at me as your friend, with the camera. Keep it casual and relaxed. No pressure. Trust me. I’m the least intimidating person you’ll ever meet and I talk way too much during your photos. But, what’s better, someone who chats you up, feels like hanging out with a friend, or who stands silently behind the camera and expects you to know what to do?! Forget that. I’m hands on.

These girls were on the move. We were chasing, running up hills, rolling on the ground, throwing them in the air, and it was one of those super hot, humid summer nights which meant we (adults) were all dripping in sweat pretty bad by the end. You know, one of those REALLY humid nights in Cleveland where the air gets pretty thick and your hair gets frizzy? Yeah. It was one of those. Sweating in first five minutes, wondering if we were in Atlanta type of humid nights. But it was worth it.

PS - if you’re a photographer, this is one of the sessions you see both behind the scenes AND editing videos of in my online photography course! You can check that out and get access here.