Moms often ask isn't it hard to photograph my family if I have older kids? They aren't doing the cute running around and gazing at me adoringly anymore. To tell you the truth I always get a bit anxious before every shoot, I guess that's a good thing right? I want to be on my game. I want to get the best images I possibly can for each family, I know this is a huge deal for them, I want them to get images that speak to their family and what they will want to have up on their walls for years to come. Images that will make their hearts melt and make them smile when they want to strangle their kids. (at least that's when I look at my pics the most, when the kids are acting up, then I remember - oh wait, they are amazing and I really love them, then I take a deep breath and carry on) I want to find what makes each family dynamic unique and capture that essence all while helping them look their best. Once we relax and get into the groove, get the nerves out and I can show them how fabulous they look on the back of my camera the real them emerges. That's when the magic moments happen and my heart sings. It doesn't matter if they are toddlers or teenagers they still love their mamas and it will come across in their own way. I've known this family forever but it seems different at a photo shoot, when really I saw them through the lens and saw how much the girls had grown in the last few years, what gorgeous young women they were, it took my breath away. We laughed throughout the night and my heart melted, I was thankful they opened up to me in this way so I could capture moments for them that go way too fast. xoxo