Turning The Page
So often, we see sessions for "big" numbers - the ages that we deem important to mark out: 1, 18, 21, 40... the years I get called in to do a session. This one was different: mom contacted me the day before as their plans over the prior weekend had been rained out, wondering if I could fit in a quick session for her middlest. I was able to arrange a time after a session I already had booked that worked out well for everyone for the following evening. This is what I love about being a photographer! Getting to know my families, their names, their personalities, and then being able to work with them and make space for what they need.
When I first met this family, I was a new photographer in the Northern Virginia area. We met then at a local park with her husband and two boys, and a little girl on the way. Now, Lily is running about, chasing after her big brothers! And the middle brother, Nico, just turned FOUR! As a way to celebrate and commemorate, mom wanted a quick session on the very last day of being three. They arrived in coordinating white and khaki outfits, and we walked along the paths behind Clyde's Willow Creek Farm restaurant and the Loudoun County Public School office in Ashburn. It might seem an odd place, but there are walking paths and a pond back there, and plenty of beauty for a family photo session!
Nico and his big brother were ready to go with antics, smiles, and energy - so we led with a few shots of the boys before adding in the rest of the family. Mom and Dad tickled and teased to get some smiles out of the shy little sister, and we continued walking along a bridge and toward the water. I let the kids be kids as we captured some more genuine and candid moments and a few of just the birthday boy as he inched toward his next year. The photo session plan was to end with a stroll toward the car along the path, holding hands, which turned out to be more difficult as the kids all found rocks and pebbles that needed to be picked up and saved for treasure boxes!
Instead, after the stroll, the kiddos threw a few rocks into the creek at the bridge and I took photos of the less posed action instead. All in all, we achieved the goal of family and just Nico, and everything else was icing on the cake! I'm so glad I could make some space for this returning client, grateful they allow me to share in the memories as their children grow up. Thank you, and Happy Birthday, Nico!
