Mother and Daughter Family Session at Ledges State Park
Ledges State Park Family Session
When I get to shoot for myself, I almost always don’t edit the images for months. It was no different with this session for my cousin, Jenni, and her girls. Jenni is more like a sister than a cousin. Though we didn’t get close until later in life, we are thick as thieves and I love her and her heart so damn much.
I visited Iowa for the first time in years over the summer. My mother and I moved there when I was a sophomore in high school and I moved away shortly after I graduated. My mom stayed, along with a lot of my mother’s family. My cousin Jenni and her family hang their hats there too.
When we made plans to visit, the first thing I did was convince Jenni to let me photograph her and her girls in the water. This session was bucket list for me. I styled the clothing 100%. Jenni is wearing my wedding dress from the amazing We Are Reclamation. Her girls are wearing dresses that I hand-picked to go along with that dress. Jenni and her girls played barefoot in the creek, over the rocks and trees, and enjoyed each other. They let it all go. We just relaxed and I documented the love she has for those little girls and the love they have for their mama.
Thanksgiving is in two days and I have family visiting me. I have been itching to edit this session for months but kept putting it off. I had a super busy fall season and wanted to put my clients first as much as possible. Today, I woke up and realized that I needed to do something for myself too. I needed to do some creative work without pressure. I need to create just for me. Just like I did when I shot the session. No expectations. No rules. No stress. The editing was the same. It was so lovely to pick up these edits today. To put them back down to spend time with my kids and family and then sit down here and there throughout the day.
The result? The most beautiful gallery. I am proud of these and my heart just beats for Jenni right now. You are gorgeous my love.
Sometimes we have to take time for ourselves. To self-care. To renew our hearts. It makes us better in the end. It makes us more alert and confident. It allows us to refresh and recenter. I needed this today. To do something for me.
That being said, I am SUPER excited to get back to editing client sessions on Monday after my family departs back to their homes. When my home is a little quieter. When my beds are empty. When my heart is full. Until then, I am going to soak them up and finally get this gallery out to Jenni. I know she will be showing everyone in my family this blog post and her images with those babies of her. I love you Jenni. Eat some pie for me love.
Want to take an adventure with me and your sweet babes too? I would LOVE to work with you. Check out my session booking info via the button below and let’s plan time together. xo
