Charlotte Family Photographer // The Williams Family // Charlotte, NC
Dana and Kevin aren't just clients; we started out as friends years ago. My relationship with Dana began at work and we forged a genuine friendship. Our camaraderie was evident in the laughter we shared during lunch breaks, desk-side conversations, and after-work happy hours. The bond we developed extended beyond the workplace.
The turning point came when Dana welcomed her firstborn, Rowan. It was a time when the world grappled with a global pandemic, casting uncertainty on various aspects of life. The prospect of capturing newborn moments for the newest addition to their family seemed elusive. Eventually, when Rowan was nearly five months old, we managed to schedule some time together in their South Charlotte home— and it was so worth the wait.
Fast forward a year, and I received another call to revisit and spend more time with this wonderful family. Thrilled by the opportunity, I entered their home to be greeted by Dana's warm smile and a steaming cup of coffee—an inviting gesture that I particularly appreciated, given that the session began early that morning.
Prepared and eager, I embarked on the day's session. Rowan, now more mobile and on the verge of walking, infused an added layer of excitement to the atmosphere. His explorations led him to every nook and cranny, including the well-stocked adult beverage cart. The first valuable moment unfolded as Rowan's exuberance, resulting in a joyful tumble in the hallway outside his room.
Observing the trio—Dana, Kevin, and Rowan, along with their furry companion—naturally connect as they navigated through their morning routine was a comforting experience. The simplicity of activities like reading books, enjoying a bottle, and playing in the kitchen radiated an undeniable charm.
We moved the “documentary family photography” party outdoors and enjoyed some alfresco dining for brunch. Some of my most cherished images were created during this time. Rowan, in his almost-walking phase, delighted in feeding himself oatmeal with his hands, still mastering the art of the spoon.
Although, by the time I got home after the session, he had probably figured it out. That is the hard thing about being a parent. (Well, one hard thing…I suppose there can be many!) Time is a thief and things happen and change so fast when children are little and I can only hope that every family embarks on a documentary photography journey at least a few times so you can look back and honor the moments that otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
What sets my approach apart is a commitment to zero bias and zero judgment. When I step into a family's space, my aim is to capture the authentic essence of their love and the unique beauty found in their everyday chaos. In documenting the ordinary, I strive to unearth the extraordinary moments that often escape our attention.
I am incredibly thankful to the Williams family for once again inviting me to be a part of their story. It's an honor to document the extra in their ordinary, a reminder that each family's journey is a tapestry woven with moments worth preserving.
