One of the things I love most about photographing sessions with young children is that you never know what’s going to happen. If you happen to catch me out at a session with little ones, you might hear me singing silly songs, telling cheesy jokes, playing games of peek-a-boo or Simon Says, or inviting some good-spirited tickling! I love the challenge of finding out what makes little people tick, discovering the things that make them light up with joy and excitement. The goal, of course, is always to get some sweet, traditional photos with everyone looking at the camera and smiling, but my favorites always tend to be the photos where they are “in their element” — the ones where I capture them running, exploring, climbing. I always love seeing the true essence of their little personalities shine through, as though I’m able to freeze these moments in time for their parents to look back on down the road and remember the way life was right now.
I just loved getting to meet up with one of my oldest friends, Maria, to photograph her two sweet daughters! Maria and I go way back — we’ve known each other since we both moved to the Charleston area almost 20 years ago. We’ve known each other through the awkward middle school years, through college, through meeting our future spouses, and now into our married lives, careers, and starting our own families. It was so much fun getting to know her sweet girls while we explored and played at Cleveland Park in Spartanburg on this sunny spring morning! Her oldest is a spitting image of her mama, an old soul, curious and eager to explore, fiercely independent. She’s also a protective big sister! During our session, she was always keenly aware of what her little sister was doing and ready to swoop in at a moment’s notice to protect her from harm. And her youngest — the baby of the family, just like her mama — is just the most happy and easygoing little lady, so full of joy and eager to do everything she can to keep up with her big sister!
Maria. Ria. My “other” sister. It is such a treasure to be able to say that we have known each other for so many years and through so many phases of our lives, and I can’t thank you enough for inviting me capture your precious girls for you and freeze this time in your life together! I hope you and your family treasure your sweet photos, and I can’t wait for our next session together!
