Documentary Family Photography & The Buckey-Brown Family

When I tell people that I am a Documentary Family Photographer, I often get confused looks.  I think the idea of an un-posed, no prop family photography session, which potentially takes place in your home, feels strange to people.  They aren't sure that their house with clutter & kids with messy hands will really be photo worthy.  Then add to that the idea that my photography is storytelling and aims to tell the real story of your life and family as they naturally are and it just seems - well - boring and scary to most people (even if they know neither my photography nor I are scary or boring).

So, I want to share with you the story of the Buckey-Brown Family.  Before the session, Crystal and I had already spent an afternoon together and been talking for weeks before, because the way you tell a family's genuine story is to truly get to know them.  I knew that their lifestyle was very minimal and natural.  I knew some of the activities they did on a typical Saturday morning together and the little details that made them who they were when they were together.  And I also knew the important things Crystal felt like she, as a fellow photographer, most desired to have as a part of her story.  And while nothing in life ever runs perfectly (can I get an amen?), there is always something perfect & beautiful about just being you.

Setting the scene is important when it comes to telling a story, and the outside of your home is a crucial piece of that.  First on the agenda once inside?  Morning snuggles, baby bath, and some play time with Dad while Mom worked on getting ready for the day.  It's a rough life being a little one.

Parenting is a tag team job without a doubt, so while Dad takes a shower, Mom is up to bat.  As a family focused on a more natural way of life, Mom has been making the same morning smoothie for many years, and now her little helper gets to be a part of that with her.  These are such treasured memories to have documented!

Once Dad was finished, the family gathered together and then moved to the bedroom to pile in for some play time.  Books are a great toy at this age, even if they sometimes end up as a teething toy.

As with any little one, her attention span shifts quickly, so down the hall she and Mom headed to play in her room while Dad went to start working on his own breakfast.

A hug and some playing with Dad while Mom finishes getting ready for the day, then it's off to a natural breakfast even for the littlest one.

As anyone with a small child can tell you, pets are always ready to clean up after the meal.  And post breakfast often requires a clothing change!  A quick potty stop, a moment to play with the door, and then a pause to nurse.  This little one was definitely on the move.

Finally all in one room, the entire family decide to hang on the couch for a bit, including all 5 of their adored dogs!  Standing at that window has become a recent love for the little one and her parents, so this moment was especially reflective of their family.  Real life is simply beautiful.

Playing on the couch with a little one is so much fun.  Giggles and tickles and kisses and hugs.  Any parent can tell you it's definitely a time worth holding on to.

And it's a great place for some semi-intentional family portraits.  =)  There was time for a little more play in the beloved Ergo carrier as the morning began to wind down.

Before the all important morning nap, trying to fit in Daddy's shoes is a must for this little one, as is a quick stop at the fridge to have one last little nibble.

Then off to bed to take a little snooze with Daddy.  Aren't easy Saturday mornings the best?!

I loved being able to spend this time with such a precious family!  And I hope this also allowed you to see how much beauty and joy is found in the simplicity of real life.  Not so boring or scary, right?  =)

Until next time,

Napping Time

A few years ago, before E was old enough, I remember seeing a photo of a toddler sleeping in their bed.  It was fantastic and I thought how much I hoped to one day be able to photograph my own child napping.  Since our daughter is sometimes a light sleeper, and my camera was a middle level camera, taking pictures in her dark room hadn't yielded the results I was hoping for.  So, a few days ago, I went in to check on her, and boy was she OUT - and adorable with her hands above her head!  And I thought, maybe, just maybe, with my upgraded equipment that was better in low light and quieter at shooting, I might be able to snag a few.  I grabbed my camera and slllooowwwly pulled back the curtain and quietly turned the blinds one crank at time until just the smallest amount of light came through the blinds.  Then I tip toed around her bed.  I love so much about these that I just can't even tell you.  They are her and so many details of her that matter right now and I know I will look back on and remember fondly as the Momma.  Maybe this even brings back sweet memories for you.

Until next time,

February 5 on 5: Something New

We've all had that moment, right?  That time when we were so excited about something new, that we sheepishly found a way to use it before it was really time.  Enter my daughter and her new rain boots.  With no rain in sight, and a lovely warm winter day, she decided that her rain boots were just the accessory for her outfit.  That face right there gives away her scheming.  She knew she wasn't really SUPPOSED to be wearing those new boots as she glanced around the corner.  Hmmm ...

A quiet few steps over to snag a bite of cookie from Dad, and then a slow walk back to her stance, all the while holding on to her new camera that had been destined for the donation pile.

A smile at Mom; a giggle towards Daddy.  All too funny to not chuckle at.  Wondering the whole time if she would she be allowed to pull it off.

Well, she was wearing pink ... and these boots WERE made for walking, right?

But YOU don't need to get walking quite yet.  Head on over to Jen's blog and check out the rest of our 5 on 5 circle!!!

Until next time,

Wood Working

I'm sure I'm not alone (and it comes as no surprise) that when my husband goes into his wood shop, he does not typically invite me.  And he CERTAINLY doesn't welcome me with my camera.  But, over the years of both our marriage and being a parent, I have learned to lightly tread into a room so that I can just watch my people be, well, my people.  I am always eventually seen, but I relish in the time that I am able to just soak it in from afar.

I get lost in the details of the man I married some days.  His attention to details, strong profile, hard working hands, and looks of concentration - all things I deeply love of my husband's.

 Until next time,