How it All Began

I've mentioned before that my family did not take many photos when my sister and I were growing up in the 90's. We would maybe get a photo on our birthday and one of Brittany and I in front of the Christmas tree. I believe there's approximately four photo albums at my parent's house and 1/2 of them are filled with re-modeling pictures and deer. Then there's the snapshots of my dad and his brother's holding their wall-hangers from their yearly fishing trip to Canada. A few of the dogs. Then some here and there of me and Brittany. Then four photos total of my mom.

In summary, deer, fish, and home renovation > children. J/K. I think.

Britt and I were cute kids, but these professional photos at Sear or J.C. Penny's ended pretty quickly. We pined and begged to get Glamour Shots taken, but that was quickly shut down. Photos were expensive! But my parents also didn't value photos the same way that I do now.

So what changed?

Man, I wish I knew. As a teen I absolutely loved taking photos of me and my friends doing ridiculously stupid things. Ooh, we wore funny clothes, better take a picture! We tried on clothes from Younkers that we knew we wouldn't buy? Photo time!

Or my personal favorite activity (that I honestly still participate in) seeing a Volkswagen in a parking lot and getting a photo op with it!

When my firstborn son was born, I knew I wanted more photos. I also didn't know where to start with buying a camera. It wasn't until six years later that I got serious about learning my options for a camera. I was so used to a point and shoot camera, the thought of a DSLR was very intimidating.

I ended up going into a local camera shop, Christian Photo, and talking to an employee about my needs and budget. I was very upfront that day that I was not in a position to purchase, but I wanted a number, so I knew how much I had to save. I went back six months later and bought my camera. I walked out with a Nikon D3500 that day.

In December 2020 I upgraded my camera to a Sony a7iii. I primarily use a Sony 35 mm 1.4 or a Tamron 70-170 mm 2.8 lens while shooting nowadays. I also have a Manfrotto tripod and a Sony remote trigger, which I utilize to take tripod selfies, like the one pictured.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to purchase my camera and equipment. For Mother's Day, my sister and I arranged to do an extended family session with my family of 6, her family of 4, and our parents. Again, my Manfrotto tripod and Sony trigger were present.

Extended family photos are hard. It's hard to be IN the photo and they're stressful for the photographer too. But being both?! Ugh, it was hairy and I had to call it quits after about forty-five minutes and two kids running away in opposite directions. But I am so glad I was able to capture these images of our families.

My boys also got some great photos with their cousins--who we don't see nearly as much as we want to. And the photos of our parents with all six of their grandchildren is very special.

And although it is stressful and time consuming and sometimes expensive--it is worth it. It's worth it to have these memories. My boys will never be this size again. Even though these pictures were only taken two months ago--they've grown.

Not only take the photos but get them printed and hung up on your walls. Trust me when I say that your kids love seeing themselves represented in their home too. I was able to gift my parents some prints and my dad has plans on using his carpentry experience to make the custom picture frames. I can't wait to see everyone pictured up on their walls. I chose a color scheme for our wardrobe that I knew complimented their wall color well.