December 5-on-5: Trimming the Tree

Every year I purchase a new Christmas ornament for each of my children, so that from the time of their very first Christmas to their eighteenth, they garner a pretty little collection that they will someday use on their own tree in their own home.

By far, my daughter, has been the most enthusiastic ornament lover in our family. Her excitement each year as she goes through her box of ornaments elicits memories of my sisters and I gathered around our very own boxes ohhhing and ahhhing over the ornaments our mom had hand picked for each of us. I remember the excitement I always felt when we would begin the Christmas decorating and nothing was better than going slowing through my box of ornaments enjoying every single one like they were brand new treasure.

This year the tree decorating was left to just 3 of us, but Lauren couldn't stand not having her two older brothers' ornaments on the tree, so she went through their boxes, too, exclaiming with joy over each one that was her "favorite". 

Our tree decorating definitely has different dynamics these days, but I'm completely thankful for the joy Lauren brings and the child-like wonder. It is a good reminder of days gone by and of new to come.

 To see more un-posed photography that documents daily life in 5 photos head on over to the wonderful Amy Thelen, a Portland, Oregon Family Photographer

A Beautiful Five Years- Britton Michigan Documentary Photographer

It was a beautiful summer evening. Perfect for capturing the details and love of Zach, Debbie and their daughter.  An added bonus was that it was Debbie & Zach's  5th wedding anniversary, what could be more special than to document this time in their lives. 

We kept it simple and all about who they are right now.  What follows is a beautiful story of a family. A story that is unique to them.  It involved playing with water, tossing pears to their dog Birch, feeding the neighbors fish, making amazing bruschetta, capturing the beauty of their two-year-old daughter, and celebrating their anniversary in the very spot they were married five years ago.

In essence it tells of their love, their commitment, and their connection to one another.  It's their life, their love, their story.

 

 

Are you interested in a relaxed family photo session that tells the story of your family?  Visit me at Sycamore Lane Photography to find more information and details on how you, too, can have your beautiful memories preserved for generations to come.

Kalnbach Family Documentary Session- Hillsdale, Michigan Photographer

Documentary photography is completely about telling stories, so when Beka suggested we go fishing for their session I couldn't have been more happy.  It was an activity that she had done before with her children, so I knew it would be perfect for capturing the memories of her family at this stage in their lives.

It was a beautiful evening and the kids were having so much fun.  They weren't being made to sit still and look at the camera. They were free to move and play and catch fish.  We were tear and frustration free!

 The beauty of a documentary session is that if the kids tire of doing your slated activity we can always move on to something else.  We decided a trip to the play ground was the perfect filler before we headed to their house to make s'mores.

 As soon as we got to their house Beka and the kids changed into their pj's and then s'more making began.  Who wouldn't want these photos for their keepsake boxes, photo albums, or wall art.  None of these were staged.  I didn't ask the children to do anything.  The following is childhood in all it's beauty!

If you are interested in learning more about documentary photography head over to my website Sycamore Lane Photography to read more about it and check out my available packages/pricing.