4 / Family
The McMahon's wanted a casual, documentary family session in their condo before moving into a new Minneapolis neighborhood. We spent a little over an hour hanging out and doing every day, mundane stuff. I think this was the first session I've ever had with a child less than a year old that didn't include a complete meltdown. Enjoy the pics! Film looks good, huh?! Nothing like it.
This year end post and the content is so dear to me. Its a statement of faithfulness and endurance. A reminder when I feel too weak to finish, I'll be given the strength to take another step and carry on. I don't go into a new year hoping for it to be a hard one, but it does have a unique way of shaping and molding in a way the easier seasons just don't. I want to remember and feel this until it truly informs 2018 and how I prepare for it.
I'm still processing this past year and its impact on me and will be for a while. The cross current beneath all of 2017 (and half of 2016!) has been a house remodel (post coming, soon). I cannot separate my photography work from the remodel, because I was so involved in much of it. It was my second job and seemed full time most of the time. I truly believe I had the perfect amount of photography work, however (and an amazingly helpful, forgiving, understanding and patient wife). These facts enabled me to juggle everything else on my plate this past year, but I never want to try it again.
What a year.
I totally neglected the photography business and feel as though it took a step back after a very inspiring 2016. Momentum seems to have reversed for the first time in 6 years. Now, I'm left dusting myself off (literally and figuratively), picking up the pieces and getting this thing back on the right track. I'm so excited about this, though.
More time to focus. To invest. Less housework.
Thankfully, I am very proud of the work I delivered to my amazing clients and friends this past year. Even though I felt at the end of myself on a weekly basis, inspiration, energy and motivation always came when needed. I cannot thank God enough for that. There have been so many moments of profound joy this past year and God continues to humble me. I don't deserve such amazing grace. You people. This job. All the moments I witnessed with a camera in hand.
Thank you.
Here's to turning a page and starting afresh. But, always remembering the sweetness amidst tough and trial filled years. One wedding, one session, one destination and photo at a time.
I Hope you enjoy this look back. The past two years have been filled with more film photography than ever and I'm finally feeling "comfortable" with the challenge/reward of it. I Hope you and yours start the new year off right and it's one of the best, yet.
Lets create something amazing together.
Peace out to my assistant for the past two seasons. Josiah, you'll be missed but I'm beyond excited for whats next for yah. Thanks so much for all the help, bro.
While family sessions don't make up much of my yearly work, they definitely help push my creativity and keep my heart in a good place. I know how fast kids grow up. I have three of my own. I see them grow and mature and my heart breaks. I want to keep them forever young, but also love watching them learn and grow up into such inspiring humans. Its a miracle I love documenting with photography.
So, here's a post I wasn't going to share, but I'm just so proud of these images and thankful for the families who could've spent this money in a different way or decided to forego photos all together. But, you didn't. You invited me into your life, for a brief time. In return, hopefully I gave you something you'll cherish for a long time.
Thank You.
