Dewanes | Family

Happy Sigh..... The Dewanes and I had a blast at their session. They're easily one of the most beautiful families I've ever met. Happy weekend, friends!

Perfection

I did a shoot for a client at the beach tonight. I watched them pull in and looked over to excitedly wave from my car...and instead I saw the mom take a big sigh. Not like a good sigh but almost a not excited sad sigh. I asked her right away how the kids were and she told me it had been a rough afternoon. We set out to have an adventure and I was trying to assess the dynamic. After a few set ups and shots I asked her if she was okay....she said she was trying to let go of the idea of perfect pictures. 

Then I sighed. 

I, too, want to give you those magazine-worthy images but I am also realistic. I am less concerned about everyone smiling and looking at me as I am that you are simply with me, in the moment. We all have off days and we all have expectations...especially of showing off your family that you see as so imperfectly perfect. You want the world to see those dimples that your son inherited from you, or how much your little girl looks JUST like her dad or how much you love them. 

But here's the thing.....we will still see that. Chances are that your loved ones already know about the dimples and who looks like who and how fiercely they are loved....so before they check if your hair is in place or who is sitting where, they already have that warm fuzzy feeling just from seeing you. Because they love you....because they know you....because you are you. I also realize you know all of this and I am just someone you've known for five minutes telling you this.....but in those five minutes I've noticed your 14 month old is almost the size of your 3 year old and your husband's strong black wedding band and your daughter's perfectly round head and I've seen you carefully get your kids out of the car and grab a cardigan so they don't get cold and how you've convinced your three year old it was really his idea to take his shoes off. I've already begun to love you...even in just five minutes. 

And I came home tonight and stared before a screen full of images that I love....I stared at the most perfect images. Because they're you. 

So.....as with any part of life...I urge you to be present. To come to any situation with an open heart and to love your life, flaws and all. 

This mom taught me a lesson tonight...and I am beyond grateful for her honesty. It is a beautiful thing to have made some magic with them.

I hope you hug your babies tonight and every night before they outgrow your lap. I hope you love harder and deeper....and I hope you spend your life in the minutes so by the end of it you will have lived each day to the fullest.....because nothing in the world compares to your life.....nothing at all. 

xoxo,
Oh!

Heimerl | Love Session

I met my dear friends for a beautiful love session a few weeks ago.....they came decked out in cowboy gear and I came with my camera and brought them to this gorgeous farm. Major thanks to Tammy & Travis for allowing us to use it!

Hansen | Beach

I'm pretty excited to share the Hansen's beach session. a whole lot of real life and some extra special moments. Enjoy!

Growing

What a whirlwind it's been lately. I feel like I've been going going going and have had little time to stop and reflect on what an amazing year it's been so far. I've been so blessed to do so many things by way of a camera and am continually so shocked and amazed by the places it's taken me.

Earlier this year, I announced adding Jennisa to the family. Let me tell you how big she has blessed us.....in addition to taking my overflow when I haven't been able to fit anyone into my schedule, she's been an amazing sounding board, creative junkie, and has come to my rescue more times than I care to count lately. 

We had some photos taken by Jen Lund Photography about a month ago and I'd FINALLY like to share a few of my favorites (see below)

Aside from that, we've been busily editing, meeting new families and trying to create our own memories in the mean time. We've talked so much lately about value and making sure we've given the best experience possible...in doing so, that's meant we've changed some things. My mom has so graciously and wonderfully scheduled and answered emails since April. It's allowed me to get photo sessions edited more quickly and freed up more time to focus on more of the creative side that I felt like I had been missing.

Like many people, even photographers get "stuck" and I've thankfully found my way out of the rut I felt like I had been sitting in for much of the winter. Maybe I shouldn't admit that, but in that giant experience that we like to offer, transparency is key.

Our next adventure (besides our every day lives) is a destination wedding to Aspen in September. We've got a few really great things brewing that we'll be unveiling as the days go on but for now, we just want to say thank you....for choosing us....for allowing us the beautiful opportunity to be a small part of your lives. I say that because we're the investing type...we just had a conversation about how much we LOVE our clients....how much we care about each of you...and how you've all touched us. We are better people because of you, better photographers-yes, but better people because of your families, your hearts, and your celebrations. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for allowing us to grow with you.

xoxo,
J & Oh!