Tag: children
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{Brunner Family | Whitesbog, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Awake every two hours last night with stronger contractions— and at 39 weeks + 3 days pregnant, I’m finally feeling like this baby is coming SOON!!!
I remember this happening in the days leading up to the birth of my first two babies and I’m getting so excited!!
In other news, TWO more galleries to edit and deliver and I’m DONE! My goal is to have all photography work finished before his arrival so I can savor every single snuggle with my newborn
But for now, I’d love to share with you this session I took of my gorgeous friend and her family. You might remember Maryellen from last summer’s session in Ocean City, NJ when she was pregnant with her second baby. Fast forward 10 months and here she is with baby Claire, who has ALL the most perfect Irish features.. blue eyes, ginger hair and fair skin!
The session started off with smiles but within minutes turned to cries as she clung to her mommy for comfort and milk. I’d be dishonest if I tried to portray every session as sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes babies cry— but it’s how the parents respond that make ALL the difference. In Claire’s case, Maryellen sang the most beautiful song as she held her tight, swaying with each note, caressing her daughter’s face.
Tears soaked her eyelashes.
Redness spread about her cheeks.
But the family remained calm, gentle, serene.
As I told Maryellen after the session, while I do love happy, joyful photos, I think these ones tell a deeper story of her character as a mother than any smiling ones would…When you respond in such a way as she did, your children will look back at these images and remember how tender you were towards them— even in difficult times.
And what a treasure that is.
More telling than any shot of laughter or bliss.
These photos display the unconditional love of a mother, the patience of a saint.
The meaningful work that often goes unseen by most, but has a legacy for generations to come
(6/10/20) -
{#TheDreamMakers Retreat | ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah | Motherhood Session}
If you were to ask me who has most heavily influenced my work, I would tell you without question, Stormy Solis. No other artist or photographer has inspired me as much as she has. Last year, I not only mentored with her, but also attended one of her workshops in Utah, AND had family portraits taken by her in Colorado. She has taught me to dig deep to find my ‘why’ as an artist– to create art with meaning, substance and deep emotion. Because of her, I broke through my fears and found my voice through heartfelt, intimate storytelling. No more cookie cutter portrait sessions or posing people in forced, unnatural ways.Instead, a focus on connection, love and feeling in each image. Documenting each family for who they truly are, in whatever season they’re in.Here are some favorites from the DreamMakers retreat at Zion National Park, Utah. This motherhood session was led, styled and directed by Stormy, while all the images were taken and edited by me.I realize I should’ve shared these ages ago, but tonight I am reflecting on this past year’s growth and feeling immense gratitude for Stormy’s guidance, which has led me to this point. Today marks one month until my sweet baby’s due date. Looking forward to the moment I meet him… as well all the adventures that soon await our family in South Korea. (5/15/20)
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{Meile Family | Whitesbog, New Jersey | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
If I could give an award to my #bestdressed client, it would be this lady— this family. When I tell you Jamie knows ALL about colors, textures, fabrics and styling, I’m not kidding
With the idea of a natural, organic, neutral palette, she cohesively coordinated outfits for her family of six— and they sauntered out of their minivan and into the magical Pine Barrens looking like models
Jamie’s no stranger to this process though because she’s in fact, a family photographer herself.Born and raised in Wisconsin, and a transplant to South Jersey, she’s celebrating ten years of marriage and the first birthday of her very last baby. She booked this session with me way back in October because as she said, she had seen my work and craved deeply emotional images with her children— ones that tug at her heartstrings and bring tears to her eyes.Images that would show exactly how she feels about each of them—about being their mother—without saying a word. Images that would tell the story of great love for her babies and the gratitude she has for the family they’ve become.And let me tell you, while we did have plenty of playful moments, on their own, her children one-by-one gravitated towards her gentleness.Wrapping their arms around her neck, clinging to her legs, clutching her breast, each child expressed their adoration for their mother in different ways.Knowing her story— and how she had struggled with infertility before her babies were born— made each moment that much more meaningful.Her strength, kindness and tenderness is utterly palpable in every picture. Thank you, Jamie, for giving me the opportunity to capture these connections you have with those you love most. I’m so honored. (5/31/20)
