Full Circle
After each session, I come away feeling like it was something special: a glimpse into a sweet family, the laughter or silly jokes between parents and kids, a headshot that captures a personality, and more. Some sessions are just the tiniest bit more special. This is one of them. I first met the Uschock family in December of 2023. As part of their Christmas session, they included a pregnancy announcement for their second child, even though they hadn't announced to anyone just yet (but would by the time Christmas cards were sent out). The mom, Rachel, and I connected and chatted about pregnancies and being boy moms, and our conversations felt authentic and timely.
Fast forward another seven months, and soon enough we had also competed a maternity session and a newborn session together! As moms do, we built upon our first conversation and found that our boys had things in common, shared mom-life woes and joys, and continued to stay in touch. Eventually, those conversations led to a friendship which I treasure. I consider my business a mom-ministry in many ways - a place to encourage and build up other moms and let them know they aren't alone. For these reasons, this special 1st birthday milestone session for her youngest brings a smile to my face!
Little Bennett stuck out a very hot and sticky early morning and weathered gnats and distractions like a champ! We set up in the backyard, the same place Rachel had done her maternity photos over a year prior. A few similar poses to big brother's 1st birthday photos, and a few all his own! I love his big toothy grins, and his bright blue eyes! He was raring to go, exploring the yard and enjoying getting in and out of the chair prop I had brought along (and fully able to take a few steps all on his own!). With Mom's help (and maybe some Miss Rachel on the phone...), we captured some beautiful milestone images for this little man.
I am so excited to be able to watch this family grow in the next few years, though sad that I'll be missing out on a few years of family photos from behind the camera. Happy birthday, Bennett! Thank you for trusting me with your memories, and we'll catch up again in 2027!
