Batista Family Session

These days, I’m finding myself surrounded by pregnancy. It just seems to be that stage of my life that my friends are growing their families and I’m absolutely fascinated by it all. So I was delighted to hear from Ali who wanted to document her sweet growing family and growing bump. I met with Ali, her husband Nando and their daughter, Everly at my favorite spot in Loantaka. At 18 months, Everly was ready to run through high grass, stop to admire the wildflowers and follow whoever was holding the tin of Altoid mints. Some of my favorite shots of her were captured with mints shaking in my hand - whatever works! She was an absolute doll and total daddy’s girl. That combination made for photos that melt my heart into a puddle.

When I picked up my camera again with the intention of pursuing photography professionally, I always imagined weddings. Tulle, lace and all the beautiful things I fell in love with while planning my own wedding. But the finished product of these photos and the process of achieving them in the soft glow of an overgrown field took me by total surprise. Yes, weddings are absolutely beautiful and I will continue to squeal over a gorgeous florals and full tulle ball gowns but there is something quietly beautiful about photographing families.

When I look at these photos, I imagine Ali years from now with her two daughters, telling the youngest that she was in her belly and these photos were their first official family portrait. I imagine Nando looking back at them and trying to remember an exact time when Everly grew too big to fit on his shoulders or be tossed up in the air. I see a family with so much love and life stopped in a moment that they’ll look back on and smile when they say “Remember when…”

Those quiet moments of beauty...that’s what I’m after.