Can you Feel the Love?

I don't know what is in the air around Central Iowa this late summer, but man, I am feeling the love between my clients. From the Erwin's extended family session to the Evans family, I felt the connection in person while I was photographing as well as looking at their edited galleries. Take a look for yourselves.

From the way mom, Jennie, and her boyfriend, Chewy, looked at each other to the way the brothers interacted with each other was so kind. Once we incorporated Jennie's parents into the session, it was unbelievable. I could tell immediately how much they loved their daughter and their grandsons. Love, affection, and pride just radiated off from them.

The photo of Steve kissing his bride, Jenelle, may be one of my favorite moments that I've captured. I also love the photo of Jennie and Jenelle. I cannot stress enough how important extended family sessions are. Photos with children with their grandparents are essential--as well as grown children with their parents. Time moves so quickly, and those moments are great to look back on.

The color versions of the Erwin photos are my favorite, but I love both of these black and white captures. Looking at these photos, can you see the intense connection between the subjects? There was something bigger than just chemistry there.

Moving along, later in the month I had the privilege of photographing the Evans family for a sunset shoot.

As the girls grow up, there's going to be less and less moments of unprompted cuddling and laughter--that's something these parents are aware of. So, when middle schooler M, rested her head on mom's shoulder during the session, I ushered the other family member's out of the frame so I could get just the two of them together. It was such a tender moment between a mother and her daughter--who is on the cusp of womanhood--one foot still in childhood and the other about the make a leap into being a young woman. No matter your age, you will always turn to your mom for love and support.

The photo of the sisters looking at each other and sharing a secret smile is also a personal favorite. I know I've said this before, but parenting is a tough gig--and if you can raise children that actually like one another, that's a huge accomplishment.

We could not have asked for better weather for this session. It was perfect temperature, and the mosquitos weren't biting. Although, in some of the photos, I actually captured the environmental allergens floating from the trees. The sunset was epic, and the sky was tinted with a golden glow. Little sister, L, didn't wanted to be outshined by her older sister and mom, so she had a "tough guy pose" with Dad, but she ended up breaking character and smiling.

The Evans family, like the Erwin family before them, definitely brought their A game to their session. I love being able to capture moments like these. Who knows what family photos will look like in a few years? Will the siblings still get along? Will the kids still be embarrassed when their parents go in for a kiss?

When people trust me to take their photos, the importance of that job is not lost on me.