The Gift of Family

This was a wonderful session of four adult siblings who live near and far, coming together at their parents' house to document a moment in time. I graduated high school with the eldest, Ben, and was contacted by his wife to work a little magic.  The kicker is that I hadn't seen Ben in nearly 25 years!  I was extremely humbled that he remembered I was the "artist" of the graduating class, and that he thought enough of my photography to bring me on board.  These images are in descending order of each sibling and their family, so let's dive right in!

Meet Ben + Nicole and their lovely teenage (and near teenage) children.  Their daughter is the same age as mine, so I know all too well this stage.  It really is so important to document kids, no matter their ages, because it all goes too fast!

I love mom + daughter walking hand-in-hand!

Floss Dance anyone?  It's always funny because most kids can and parents... cannot! 

Before kids, it all starts with a couple, which is why I make a point of documenting just parents.  Sometimes the last formal images are from their wedding day, so I like to photograph a little slice of love between the two!

Meet Ryan + Gina and their teenage (and near teenage) children.  This stage can be tricky because kids show up for photos because they are "told to."  I get it, the cool factor has set in, so I have to find creative ways to connect and get them to engage.  The youngest was spicy, and I was there for it!  It's fun to have fun, no matter your age!  

Again, an image made of just the couple.  Ryan and Gina were a grade below me in school, and were dating way back when, so they are true high school sweethearts!  Ryan pulled out the playful card, and Gina's radiance is golden!  

Meet Steve + Kelly and their two kiddos.  This stage is generally energy personified, with the littles being constant moving targets.  Getting smiles requires different interactions, mainly chasing and just letting them be.  

Another adult couple having their moment, sans kids.  Did I mention that I love documenting love?

And, finally, meet Beth and her three littles!  Unfortunately, Beth's husband was missed, as he was unavailable this particular afternoon.  There was a little bit of uncertainty with the youngest, but I always love those reserved expressions.  The other two were silly, so I just spent time running and playing! 

A girl and her twirls!

A generational image with Grandparents, Grandchildren and a Great Grandmother!   Four adult siblings with their parents and grandmother.

These next two images are a recreation from when the "First Five" grandchildren were little.  The goal was to put them in similar positions as the original image.  This is epic... feel free to laugh! 

This is an image of the "Second Five" grandchildren.  It had been a long, warm two hours.  The kiddos pretty much had enough at this point.  But I love the frowns anyway.  When they grow up, they'll have to recreate this... tears and all!  

The End