There is something deeply satisfying about having the opportunity to capture a candid family session of a family in their own home. Especially if it is celebrating a milestone, like a first birthday. Bonus points if it’s during a Global Pandemic.
I am blessed I got to know this family early on in the mama’s pregnancy, as she hired me to be her doula + birth photographer. What has grown from that “business relationship” is something beautiful…we are each other’s mutual admiration society.
We had been in contact regulary throughout the year (she is the Mom behind my International award winning portrait, “Her Cup Runneth Over”), she is often my muse and was once again. As we were talking one day, she graciously offered to sew/make me and my family masks to wear when out and about in Pandemia. When they were ready, I happened to bring my family with me to pick them up, along with my camera, and my Social Distancing sessions were born.
When she told me she wanted to document her daughter’s first birthday, I was giddy! It had been quite awhile since I had gotten the chance to shoot a session, thanks to COVID19, and this gave me inspiration to find ways to shoot again, safely, and to return to my creative zone.
I love casual, organic back yard and front yard shoots like this because it’s so easy for everyone. Of course, cute outfits and headpieces add flair to the occasion, but honestly, for styling ideas I often send Moms to Target online and have them choose a few outfits, and then filter by colors and coordinate with the rest of the family. It can be that easy. They have social distancing friendly online ordering with curbside pickup, so it couldn’t be easier.
I will leave you with a few more of my favorite moments captured during this shoot. The sun was starting to think about setting, and that made for a beautiful warm glow on everything and everyone.
If you are interested in capturing your beautiful ordinary moments, while staying safely nestled in the comfort of your home, please connect with me and lets’ talk about what magic we can create for you.
8 Responses
Oh my goodness! What a sweet little one! You captured her first birthday so beautifully. How fun that you were still able to offer them a backyard session safely during this pandemic.
Thank you so much! It was fun to be creative, and feel some sense of normalcy!
I’m always so amazed by the images you are able to capture, especially from such an active little girl! Living in a pandemic has made it feel like so many of our celebrations have been taken from us but it’s all a matter of adapting and you’ve done that so we’ll. I’m blessed to have been connected to you and cannot wait for future sessions to help us remember such and odd time in our lives! Absolutely beautiful work.
Awwwwww, thank you! These words mean everything in the world to me. So nice to hear my images are helping to bring some joy during this crazy time!
Only the beautiful within would find the beauty on the other side of the lense as you have. Sweet sweet Luna love is always there but You have pulled out the rawness that she posses and the wonder she has for life as it presents itself to her. Squishy hugs to you. Thank you Martha for this post. Peace, love, and more happy times.
THANK YOU DEAR ONE!
Who let you into my backyard?!!!
Hehe just kidding! I wish you were there every day to take photos of us! Not only do you capture Luna’s personality so well, but for the first time in awhile I don’t feel like a whale in photos, it’s so nice to have photos of the three (four!) of us together!
The social distancing photography is such a great idea, I’m so happy you started it!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s SOOOO FULFILLING for me to capture families like this….it’s always nice to hear that it’s equally enjoyed by the families too!