When I met Andrea I knew right away that this was the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

Also that her family was the perfect family to explore my new found passion and idea with!

I showed up to her house late one evening after our littles were in bed with a cup of coffee for she and I. We sat there with her husband and talked about her vision for a session. Now I had been wanting to dive into the world of documentary photography for the better part of the year, but hadn't found the right fit  or time to really explore it. 

The three of us sat there and laughed as we talked about ideas for the session, what she envisioned and the possibility of matching aprons and a chef's hat for her husband (which you will notice did not actually make it to production, much to his dismay, I'm sure). Though she started out with some specific ideas, the more we talked the more I realized what she wanted was a story. 

She wanted a story of who their family was. A story that told of this new little person who was just about to turn one. You see as moms both Andrea and I know that these days are short. And these moments are precious! I talked to her about the things her daughter, Charley loved! And the things that she wanted to freeze in time. The way she plays, her tentative and wobbly first steps, the relationship her and her dad are building around his love for music. 

And while I think traditional smash cake sessions with props and sugary deliciousness are awesome, there is something inherently beautiful about capturing our days as they really are. Something amazing about looking back at a photograph and remembering the conversations, the chaos and the love that surrounded that picture. 

I know Andrea won't forget the mouthfuls of flour Charley shoveled down while her dad handed her spoon after spoon. Or the way Charley stared mesmerized by the water running between her fingers during her impromptu bath. She won't forget the first little steps Charley was taking in their living room that day and how the more they cheered the more risk she began to take. 

And I won't forget either. 

So in 2020, this is where it's at for me! You'll still find me outside during my beloved golden hour family sessions, capturing the twirls and giggles of little ones playing in the field. But you will also see many more stories. Happy stories, sad stories and everything in between.

And hopefully, your story.

So forget about the outfits and the stress of finding the perfect spot! Let's embrace who you guys are just as you are!

Food for thought: If this was your family's storytelling session-what would you want captured? Leave a comment and share below.