A Family Session at Home

The most common question I've been addressing lately is a hesitation to have my camera in your home.  I get it.  50 million times over, I understand.  Especially since it's my goal to take photos in or at your home if at all possible and that can be unbearably nerve wracking   In fact, I just had a conversation with my sister 2 days ago where we discussed how we all have our strengths and weaknesses and I said that anyone who knows me will laugh and agree that I may have my house a little more picked up lately than I once did when my kids were 2 months and 2 years old, but having the cleanest eat-food-off-the-floor house is not my biggest strength.  In light of that, I can honestly say that I'd be hesitant to have someone's camera in my home, too.  But I do it anyway.  Almost every day.  Because it comes down to those same old sayings that you hear all over about how the messes will wait, kids won't. I want to preserve these memories of where they are right now and I want that more than I want to project any image of perfection.  So I take photos in my house and push things to the side, or sometimes don't, and embrace it as part of who we are today.  Those photos you see from earlier this week of my son in time out? There's definitely dirt in those photos.  And a closet door with paint that got picked off during another time out on another day.  But I'm going to guess that you didn't even notice until I pointed it out and, if you did, you didn't care at all.  Because if you are reading this, you're probably awesome like that:) 

So, today I want to share a recent in-home session.  My friend Bunny was also hesitant to have a camera in her home, but she knows me and trusted me (and I think probably crossed her fingers a little bit, too, that I really would keep my promise!) when I told her that I promised to only take pictures where she wanted.  Believe me when I say, I SWEAR that I do not judge you for or care about your messes in even the slightest bit.  I actually like them and would love to photograph them to help you remember you life how it is right now, but even more, I respect that you might not want your messes out there for the whole world to see:) The session was fantastic and I could say a million words about how sweet their kids were and how much fun I had, but instead, I'll leave it with her words in an email to me after she saw the photos to let you know how she felt after they graciously let me bring a camera into their home:

"The words "Thank You" do not do justice for the moments you captured of us in our home. Despite my messy dining room table and cluttered landing you managed to capture only us.  The kids were completely at ease with you and Catherine asked when you were going to come back. I am forever grateful for your ability, calmness and naturalness with the kids and our dog. Thank you."

Want to schedule your own Family Session?  Head over here for more info! 

In Time Out

My little guy, in time out a few days ago.  This guy makes me laugh!   

I've decided that I want to share a bit more of my personal work on here.  Just bits and pieces, but a bit more of what brought me to this space in the first place - photos of my children and capturing them just the way we are on a regular basis.  

Six Years Old | The Party in the Backyard

All she wanted a pinata and a sheet tent and a cake and her friends in the backyard.  We threw in some peonies from the yard and lemonade and some chickens and some water balloons and the baby pool and slip 'n' slide and borrowed the neighbor's patio table and chairs at the last minute and called it good:) It was just right. 

Sunshine Flavors: Smoothies, Popsicles and a Summer Fun Special!

There's not much that I associate  with summer more than the taste of fresh strawberries or a cold popsicle on a hot day.  I kept seeing these cute popsicle bags around and wanted to try some myself.  We finally got an extra freezer again last week and I stocked it like crazy with freezer/crockpot meals to avoid turning on the oven in the heat, so it was the perfect time to also test out some new smoothie recipes to freeze for popsicles. The verdict is still out on washing and re-using the bags again, but they're still super fun and these flavors were perfect for popsicles!  In the next week or so we'll head out to pick strawberries, we can't wait for that!  

 

To celebrate summer, any sessions booked for June or July will enjoy a complimentary gift card to Rita's for your family to enjoy a sweet treat after your session! 

I'd love to know: What's your favorite summer treat? Leave a comment below and let me know

A Session for Mother's Day | Lancaster PA Family Photography

Have I told you lately how I love this family?  I do:)  Last year, we did an Aunt and Uncle Session and a Holiday Session.  This year: A surprise session of everyone together to surprise their mom for Mother's Day!  I hear she loved them:)