My childhood was about as simple and ordinary as it could get. Growing up with a single mother who worked long hours as a bartender, or other odd-end jobs, we didn’t have much.
There were times when we were dirt poor and times when we were mostly poor. We moved around more times than I care to admit.
The time spent with my mom, brother and sisters, as a little girl are some of my most cherished memories.
The most special memories; making chocolate chip cookies from scratch, rocking out on the front porch of our little log cabin as an afternoon thunderstorm passed by, swinging out over a gully on a tree vine more times than I can count, making a pitstop at the boiled peanut shack, the hours spent planting flowers in our flower beds, broken down cars that often led to a dork-knock that led to a telephone call and a conversational glass of sweet tea on the front porch, or hiking around the cabin we lived in (with a dozen cats in tow).
My memories don’t revolve around what my home looked like as much as they do the people.
As a some-what newlywed, it was important to me for my husband to see one of the most influential homes I ever lived in, so we took a trip “home”.
This photo was taken well over a decade after my family and I left Thomson, Georgia. Our home was far from what the houses look like today.
Yet, it was one of the most impactful homes I’ve ever lived in.
Do you see the photo above of my mom, sister and I planting flowers?
OF ALL MY MEMORIES, THAT’S THE ONLY ONE WE’VE GOT US TOGETHER.
My childhood taught me to whole-heartdly cherish time spent with the ones you love and to photograph the hell out of them (excuse my language). You don’t get that time back.
As I shared a tad-bit of my story with you, my hope is that you’re encouraged to lay down the endless chase for ‘perfect’. That you embrace this messy, ordinarily beautiful life exactly as it is. I also hope that as you’re caught up in the busy, the hustle, the schedules of this world— that you make time to slow down and schedule family photos.
I’ve felt the heartache in not being able to return to a moment in a photograph, and I want to come along side you to make sure those tender moments of a mother and child don’t go undocumented.
Photos by my dear friend Jess Nicole.
A little more about me.
01. Camera Shy
I know what it’s like to look at photos and not recognize the woman in them. Over the years through girlhood and motherhood, my body has changed. It would be so easy to hide behind the camera.. but that would mean im not practicing what I preach. If this is something you struggle with, I highly recommend reading this book, it’s helping me to see my body in a different way.
02. Outdoors
Growing up in the middle of no-where Georgia, I learned at a really young age how much I love being out in nature and I love sharing that with my kiddos. We recently even bought a camper, which allows us to travel even more! I’m so excited about planning adventures further and further away.
03. Travel
I love exploring new places, trying new foods and learning about different cultures. Though most of my travels have been within the United States, I hope to travel more internationally someday.
Are you planning a trip somewhere? Tell me about your plans and I could create memorable photographs of your travel experiences!
04. Plain Jane
I’m a serious “Plain Jane.” I tend to like classic/timeless clothes and don’t follow clothing trends. Typically you can find me in jeans and a shirt. IF I’ve ever been caught in anything “trendy” Im usually a decade late. Like the time my mom hand-sewed my sister, niece and me Little House on the Prairie style dresses.
07. Beach
The Outer Banks in North Carolina is one of my most favorite places to go. Literally a month after David and I got married, we bought our first 4×4 vehicle JUST for driving on the beach. About every other year we go with his family and stay a whole week at the beach.
Do you take a trip somewhere meaningful often? I photograph families on vacation in the Outer Banks, invite me along so I can create memorable photographs of the place you love!
Also, let’s not talk about how my hubby has his VA hands totally mixed up. 😆
08. School
Unlike most stories I’ve heard, I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be a photographer. I went to school to be a graphic designer! I even hated the idea of taking a photography class during my degree because I didn’t like the idea of spending so much on a camera. It wasn’t until I became a mom and began reflecting on my childhood that I thought photography might be something I wanted to pursue.
09. Baking
One of my favorite memories growing up is baking cookies from scratch with my mom. Around Christmas my sister and I would help bake seven or eight different cookies to give out to family and friends. My all-time favorite is Chocolate Chip and you can’t tell me otherwise. 😜
Baking is something I’ve loved being able to share with my children.
10. Laundry
I despise laundry. Well, actually, I can wash and dry it all day long. I actually hate folding it and putting it away. If you were to come over unannounced, more than likely there are 2-3 loads of unfolded laundry sitting in baskets.
This reel pretty much sums it up.
“You were so good at being “invisible” and not creating a moment
but instead allowing the moment to be fluid. So fun hanging out with you!”
Katie
FAMILY SESSION
