The Summers were one of the very first families to hire me when I decided I wanted to be a photographer. Justine, who is also my cousin, said she was trying to get updated photos annually and asked if I would do them. We met at a park near their home, I picked out a spot and starting shooting. Almost immediately I knew it wasn’t going how I wanted. The lighting wasn’t right, the colors were off and I didn’t know how to pose anyone. I wasn’t sure how to fix it and I felt a little defeated, but thought editing the photos might save it. It didn’t, at least not to the point I was hoping for. I had imagined them turning out so much better than they did. But the next year and the year after that, they continued to hire me. And when I walked away from this most recent session with them, I was confident in the images I had taken.
I thanked them for hiring me again after that first time when they really didn’t get much and Justine said something that stuck with me. She told me she had still printed those pictures and had them in her home. I thought about that and realized that while my job and my goal is to take and create beautiful, cohesive images that can be used and loved for years to come, having any photos of your family is better than none. I’m so thankful that as my skills and knowledge have grown and improved, that families like the Summers have allowed me to grow with them.
I love that comment by Justine, and as an early client of yours as well it’s true! Have always loved the moments you’ve captured and also appreciate your growing talent! 💛