A two year old’s day at the beach // Maple Bay Natural Area

Imagine you are halfway into your drive to meet your photographer. You realize that you accidentally left the clothes you were hoping to have your son wear for the family photo session. UGH. Instead of completely loosing it (or at least not in front of me) Jessica just kind of looked at me, shrugged, and said oh well. When her son reached the beach he walked straight into the water before any of us could really try to direct him elsewhere - easily up to his waist. Both parents laughed. And joined him. And played. And we talked about how this is kind of just what things are like at this phase. Instead of trying to force their son into something else, at that moment they just let it go. Parenting is really all about letting go - maybe that’s why the song from Frozen is so popular with both kids and adults ;)

And I say this from a non-judgemental place, because if you bring treats for your kids, or entice them to cooperate with ice cream after your session, or if you just let me document whatever the hell happens, I am here for it. I understand the dynamics. This session certainly has fewer “formal” photos, but man... Some of these are right up there with my top fave images of the summer. Somehow the lighting had a completely cinematic feel as Jessica was pulling a water-logged diaper out of her son’s shorts. And I just kind of fell in love with all of these moments because this is absolutely real life.

This is the third time I have photographed the Carter-Whitmans (previous sessions here and here) and I am so incredibly grateful that they keep inviting me to watch them grow as a family. What an honor.