Road Trip!

Mother's Day. Some years a pedicure and brunch sounds amazing... but some years? I just want to get away ... with my kids. And make those memories. They always say kids spell love T-I-M-E ... this was the perfect day. We're not in a place to go on lavish vacations right now ... and that's ok! For now we make do with what we can and this year it was a day trip to the Sand Dunes! I regrettably have not taken my kids to my beloved beaches yet - no sand in their toes or the smell of salty ocean air ... key word : Yet. For now ... this'll have to do! The smiles, joy, laughter and memories were endless on this perfect little day ... a rare gift amongst the craziness that is our life! 



 

Your Everyday Brave

Sorry, friends who cringe over grammar!  That wasn't a typo, though. Nope, I know all of us are brave in our own way, in our own time. This is a bit different. 

You see, last year I had the great privilege of photographing a family that had a little one with a slew of medical problems, including the need for a feeding tube and in-home nurse. I spent a day with them and saw "their brave", their everyday brave. 

 "Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." is a quote that has always stuck with me. As a stranger passes you on the street and smiles, there may just be a hidden sadness behind that grin. The mom with a temper tantruming 3 year old in Target? That might be a small battle, comparatively. The list is endless. 

In 2017, I want to give those battles a voice, thus I am starting the "Everyday Brave" project. In 2017, I would love to donate sessions to families that are facing giant battles. Cancer in their family, a veteran facing PTSD, putting a face to post partum depression or infertility. These barely touch the surface of the possibilities, as a battle can mean something completely different to two members of the same family, even a husband and wife. 

If you know of someone that might be interested in a documentary session (up to 6 hours), or you are that person, I'd like to invite you to complete a form and nominate them for a session! All nominations will be taken into consideration and hopefully I will be able to accommodate them all! 

A Day in the Life of the S Family ... Parker, Colorado

This beautiful, beautiful family. Years ago, Mom and I met in a photography class. Why is that important? Because if you're a mom ... a photographer mom ... you rarely get in front of the camera. Kids - they need pictures with Mom in them. They need those memories to look back on, and to show THEIR kids. They need them. And this wonderful momma knows it. 

Our day was filled with Christmas preparations galore, and simple time together as their older kids came and went as they were able. 4 kids. 1 dog. And 2 parents who adore the heck out of their babies, old and young. Take a look. 

 

A Day in the Life of the S Family, Castle Rock, Colorado

 Sometimes ... sometimes ... kids are shy. Sometimes. If they are, they tend to warm up within 30 minutes or so. But OFTEN times ... often times, they are eager to hear the camera snapping away, capturing their hilarious antics and unique personalities. A day with me around does not immediately require a crazy day filled with activity ... these little people are more than happy to share their quirks with me and fill my camera with beautiful one of a kind images. One of these little fellas was not feeling so great on our day together, thus we had a pretty mellow day, but one that was filled with family traditions and togetherness! Here are a few of my favorites from our day! 
 


A Day in the Life of the H Family

Two under two, and one on the way! This amazing momma had her hands full, but her heart as well! There was so much love to go around in this home, While it was one of the first chilly days of fall, we hung around the home for the majority of the day prior to a quick trip to the park and grocery store. Ending the day with a dinner party, this growing family had a beautiful day filled with precious memories! Take a peak at a few of the highlights from their day. 

A Day in the Life of the S Family

Almost 6 months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to have my family photographed in a "Day in the Life" session. Prior to my own experience, documentary photography was something I loved but didn't seem to have the audience for, thus I never pursued it. After my own experience, and knowing that I could give families the joy of authentic, unique images that told the story of their lives, I knew I had to pursue it more diligently. It has become my passion! 

The very first family I had the joy of documenting for more than just a few hours is the beautiful S family. As they lounged through the beginning of their morning, they started their day enjoying moments home with daddy which cannot be more precious. Those quiet moments at home that no one else sees? Those, to me, are the most beautiful. As we journeyed through their day, we enjoyed a picnic, splash pad (remember those lovely days of summer?) and a trip to the grocery store! A mom's work knows no end, but is filled with so much love, as seen in their story. Take a peak.