I can remember the exact moment we met, I knew we’d be friends for life☺️ We were standing on their front porch, my son & I delivering a fresh batch of cookies/brownies to each new family in our neighborhood, when Pam stepped out of her front door as sweet as can be.
It only took two minutes of conversation to realize that
1) we are both from Pennsylvania.
2) our kids are about the same age.
3) WE BOTH WENT TO #PENNSTATE !! So it’s no surprise how much I adore this family and how excited I was when she hired me to photograph them! Needless to say, our session together was full of sunshine, laughter and snuggles.
Out of all the sessions I had this fall, theirs had the BEST fall foliage color. The leaves were at their peak and were stunningly vibrant. But more importantly, their love and sweetness shined through each image. And you guys, can we just talk about how CUTE her baby girl is in that BONNET?! 😍 (11.14.19)
Category: Family
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{Dodson Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
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{Cheney Family | Burlington County, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
“You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow, they will be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift. Just breathe, notice, study their faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today. It will be over before you know it.” Like most mamas, I get misty-eyed reading this quote, knowing my children will not always be this small. At some point, it’s a realization most parents experience and it forces us to focus on the present, savoring each moment with them—with intention and purpose.
When Tamara reached out to me, I knew this session would be special because I could sense how much her children mean to her. As a single mama with two boys ages 3 & 9, she certainly has her hands full, but she is relentlessly loving, patient and kind towards them. I could see throughout our time together how much she cherishes every second with them and how much they equally adore their mother.
Thank you, Tamara, for trusting me in documenting your sweet little family. I hope these images will always remind you of how blessed you are, how loved you are and how everyday with your boys is truly a gift. (11.09.19) -
{Struble Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
As a photographer, I can think of no greater honor than when someone in my same profession hires me to photograph their family.
We had never once met, but let me tell you how lovely the Struble family was during our session… The children (ages 7 & 9) were ANGELS—so respectful and naturally affectionate towards each other and their parents (*cue the GASP*). I know, very rare indeed😂
And don’t even get me started on how I almost began crying when their son Vaughn played the Star Spangled Banner on his guitar! 😭🎸 I was blown away by his talent and the emotion it evoked from his parents. Just watching him strum his fingers on the chords, you could see his mother, father and sister swell with pride. You see, his daddy is a former Marine and that song has profound meaning to their family🇺🇸 Not once did I hear a child complain, talk back or whine. They were genuinely happy to be spending this evening with each other.
So I’m just gonna say it. These people right here are what I consider my ideal clients. They were friendly, playful, loving and AUTHENTIC. You could tell this session wasn’t just a check in the box for them for the “perfect Christmas card.” You could tell they booked this session because they truly wanted to make memories together.
Thank you, Jackie, for finding me (out of a sea of other photographers) and choosing to hire me. I left your session with my heart full knowing how honest and meaningful each moment captured really was.🙏🏼♥️ (10.28.19)
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{Espich Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Ask me who one of my favorite neighbors is and without hesitation I’ll tell you, Sara Espich☺️ Although we’ve only known each other for a total of two months, she’s quickly become someone I see often and respect greatly. Our children are friends, I adore chatting with her at the bus stop each morning— oh and did I mention, she makes a MEAN Mexican fajita spread 🇲🇽 🌮🤣 So it’s no surprise my session with her family was as effortless as our friendship— and I enjoyed every moment with them frolicking in the forest, throwing leaves and sneaking in snuggles.
In this military life, with each move, we know our time together is short so we make friends fast and we love with all our hearts. We are a community of people from all different places, backgrounds and upbringings but we come together, supporting each other in unexplainable ways.
Thankful for this beautiful family and grateful to have them as our neighbors. Now, to return the favor and make them an equally delicious feast once this busy season is over🤪😂 (10.26.19) -
{Richter Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
When Anna first reached out wanting to book a session with me, I had no idea who she was whatsoever. But as we began to chat and I learned more about her, I discovered that not only are we both #AirForce wives, but we ALSO have a mutual friend named Katherine! Turns out, Katherine, who I befriended at a Tough Mudder race in Houston, TX in 2012– random, I know🤣) grew up with Anna in the Pacific Northwest! And not only were they childhood buddies, Anna met her husband at Katherine’s wedding!!! 💒
So suffice it to say, after a lengthy phone conversation & many laughs, I was THRILLED to finally meet Anna and photograph her family.
In every way, it was the perfect session. The sun shined brightly through the forest, enveloping us with a soft warmth☀️🌲 But perhaps even more ideal than the weather was the family themselves— they were kind, patient and playful—and needed zero prompting to connect with their kids.
Because Andrew (the father) is often away for his job as an Air Force pilot, I sensed the appreciation they felt for his physical presence. To me, the hugs seemed tighter, the kisses seemed sweeter and there was a distinct authenticity in their embraces.It’s an amazing feeling, meeting so many unique families, telling their stories and seeing their love for each other in action. I do not take any client for granted and I’m so grateful to now call many of them—including Anna—my friends❤️ (10.25.19)
