Snuggle Sunday, Atlanta Family Photographer

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A cozy, fall Sunday morning

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There’s nothing I love to photograph more than a laid back Sunday morning with a family in their home. And what’s a better way to knock out family pictures than while you’re stretching into your day with snuggles and play?

The Tripathy family knows how to do it right. Sundays are for making breakfast while dodging trucks racing by. For getting in all the snuggles you can while tending to the necessary routines. For making loose plans for how to maximize the rest of the too-short weekend. For jumping on the bed and nursing sessions and naps.

This day was a cozy, fall morning at its finest. I hope they remember this day every time the leaves turn orange and the Halloween decorations line the porch.

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A day in the life at the Magic House, Atlanta Family Photography

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Curly kale and red nails…

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The Magic House. Tanya and her family hold a special place in my photography journey. I met Tanya when she was pregnant with her second baby. I had just had my second kid, and I knew that I would not be returning to the classroom. I was interested in seeing what it would be like to try out my new photography obsession on other families, so I asked if I could photograph them. They let me in, and they keep letting me in.

Not only has Tanya become a dear friend, but I have been able to photograph both important milestones and ordinary life for her family. From birthday parties and extended family gatherings, to the stretch into a new house and the stretch into shifted relationships. It’s all part of family life, and it’s all worth remembering what it looked like and what it felt like.

And this time, this time it felt like curly kale and red nails to me. Nourishment and pizazz. Comfortable slippers and bendy backs. Quiet lego moments and Clark Kent superhero vibes. Mystery carrots and cash. Car cleaning and washing made to be amusement.

It’s a reminder to do the regular stuff with a side of party time. It’s a handstand and hands in the air type of joy in the now. Even when the now is different than what the past thought the future would look like, we can celebrate the present light.

Let the magic happen.

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A night out with Conrad in Atlanta, Teen Portrait Photography

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Portraits in the city, a birthday gift

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I’m usually chasing toddlers around their homes with my camera, so it was a welcome change of pace and scenery photographing Conrad in Atlanta.

We met up near the BeltLine as the sun was setting and spent some time chatting away the initial nervousness of meeting someone for the first time. Portrait sessions are always a little uncomfortable at first. There’s a vulnerability in setting yourself up to be seen. I feel uncomfortable at first too. I don’t really love directing people around, and I definitely don’t love the feeling of having an audience of dog walkers and restaurant goers for the photo session.

But the energy always shifts quicker than I think it will. As we follow the gazes and our hunches the camera between us starts to feel more like an invitation for interaction rather than an obstacle, and the audience around us has completely dissipated. I often fall and trip in photo sessions because once I get into the flow, my relationship to the environment changes and I forget about my feet in order to focus on the frame.

As is often the case, we spent longer than I thought we would making portraits. It was play for me, and I hope it felt that way for Conrad too. I’m glad we did because the night gifted us new opportunities to find light.

Conrad’s mom scheduled this portrait session as a birthday gift to him, and I hope the feeling that lingers in these images is the gift that his mom truly sees him and honors the person he is. Which is truly the best gift.

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