A Mother's Joy
When I first started communicating with Alexa, it was more than a month ago. She had seen my work on Facebook and had family planning to get together - a great opportunity for an extended family photo. It's the story of many of our lives: we only see everyone, all in the same place and at the same time, in small doses once we grow up and families move and grow. We happily chatted and planned a session. Unfortunately, plans changed - as they often do - and we had to wait for another chance. Thankfully, on the Saturday before Mother's Day, schedules aligned and we were able to carve out a session during their family time.
As I prepped for this family session, knowing it would be a Mother's Day gift, planned for outside the home on their beautiful property, I checked the weather. Out of nowhere, chances of rain and overcast skies popped up! We texted back and forth about alternate locations (luckily, there were a few indoor options at the home), but kept our fingers crossed. The percentages shifted later in the day, and dropped - GOOD news! But as I neared the home, raindrops appeared on my windshield. It drizzled and sprinkled throughout the session, but I had WONDERFUL clients who braved the rain, worked with shifting locations, and took shelter on the porch as need be. The kids didn't seem to mind at all! Often, we hear the mom say "I just want ONE nice family picture!" What a special session this was - an intentional gift, and a whole handful of nice, smiling, relaxed family photos.
The best part of my job are the people - getting to see interactions, teasing out smiles (sometimes with a "Cars" themed "ka-chow!"), getting giggles, and learning names along the way. With 3 families and the matriarch front and center, there were plenty of moving parts and wiggly bodies! Other than a few hunger pains and the rain, this session was picture perfect! It was an honor to see the grandma of the group touched by the thoughtfulness of the session, and to see the joy on her face as families gathered 'round for the photos. A mother truly finds joy in the delight of her children! So glad to meet these families and give a very special Mother's Day gift to each of the moms!
