One of the things that has surprised me the most about becoming a photographer is how connections are built with the people I photograph.   Whether it’s a family I’m meeting for the first time, a family I casually know from photographing them each year, or people that have known me from before I had a camera in their face… the photographer/photograph-ee relationship becomes very personal… because the moments we capture are personal.

And the evolution of my connection with this family has been a really neat thing to be a part of.   We’ve known each other for (8 years is it, guys?!) – but I feel like I’ve truly gotten to know them in these last two years of helping them document their growing family.  Maybe it’s the natural connection that parenthood creates between people, or the uninterrupted time that you have during sessions to talk about real-life things … whatever it is, I can tell you I’m really happy to call these guys my friends.

I photographed their first sweet little soul entering the world two years ago – so when I got the “we’re having another baby” note from Mom I couldn’t have been more excited for them.  They waited to find out if big bro was going to have a little sister or brother until delivery day … and when I got the news, I started packing the bows this time instead of the bow ties 🙂  And my-oh-my did this sweet girl wear them well.

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But this bow didn’t come from a newborn stash.  This bow was worn by Mom on her wedding day… and I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get more special than that.

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When Mom and I were talking about this session – her basic thoughts were “I’m open to whatever happens.”  And whenever there is a big sibling involved, it’s kind of the attitude that you have to have.  But this guy’s attitude that day was full of nothing but sweetness and love for his new buddy.  And all I could do was click.

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In fact, he was exercising SO much energy sharing that sweetness and love that he took a snooze mid-session.  And we took the time to take some solo pics of the little lady and her Mom and Dad – who are, and have always been incredibly sweet, attentive and adoring with these kids.  And I’ve always believed these “solo” pictures are just as important with the second baby as they are the first.  Because although they will never be first-time parents again, it’s their first time being a parent to this little one.
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Thank you all – from the bottom of my heart – for two years of awesomeness in working with your family.  This next chapter in your lives has so much in store, and I’m so excited to watch it all unfold.   Thanks for being “open to whatever happened” on session day – because what happened was pretty special.    Until next time…
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Thanks to this guy for his sweet (gentle) cameo. The term “big” bro has a whole new meaning with you, pal 🙂

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