At Home with the Wsols, Atlanta Family Photographer

A Bushel and a Peck of Peppers and a Hug Around the Neck

I arrived just in time to wake up Fin from his nap. While Fin was waking up and stretching out, Vivian was excited to introduce me to their new kitties they named Gigi (for Glitter and Glamorous) and John. I bet you can guess who got to name them. Carrie was kind to want to put up the cats knowing that I am allergic to them, but I wouldn't have it. One of the best parts about documenting a family in their home is being able to include pets in the family's story. This year, I was missing Roy, their dog who was in their pictures last year but didn't make it to this year's pictures. Gigi and John have clearly brought a lot of joy and playfulness to the family in Roy's absence. And this session was not short on joy and playfulness. From tickling feet on the couch to window jumps, to goofy giggles, we had a whole lot of fun. We spent some time picking some (a ton) of peppers from their garden (be jealous, I got to take home a bag of those peppers) and wandering around in their backyard. After bringing them in to wash them, they were temporarily used as play phones before they were eaten like apples. It's always a pleasure spending time with the Wsols.

A Morning with the Rulon Meza Family, Decatur Documentary Family Photographer

Bouncing, Balls, and Booboos

I love these boys. I love this family. We've known each other for several years, and I was so excited to be invited to come into their home to document their morning. When I get to observe families, I'm always amazed at how much parents do in such a small time, how busy that time is, and how quickly it passes. From helping kids get ready for the day to monitoring playtime inside with cars, blocks, and dress up, to the caregiving needed after a head bump, parents are working hard. It's always easier to notice from the outside.

After playing inside for a bit, we went outside. The boys showed me their new tent and spent some time spinning around on their swing before playing soccer. It wasn't long before we were on the trampoline dodging balls and noodles and leaves and acorns. Then there was a face plant in the grass and we were back inside for mending. Throughout the day, the boys took turns getting hurt, and I got to witness the sweet comforting of a mother. The boys got a little Halloween candy for an extra measure of healing, and then we were off to the nearby park for some log jumping, swinging, and fishing for leaves. Such a beautiful fall day. Such a beautiful family.

A Morning with Steph and Hadz, Atlanta Documentary Family Photography

A Girl and her Curls

I'll be honest. I have some major curl envy. It was no secret to my camera. My mom always wanted me to have curls, and so she gave me perms all through my childhood. As you can imagine, they were not flattering...maybe that' s why I can't help but be transfixed (and quite a bit envious) of a good tight curl. The personality of Haddie's curls are matched by the girl underneath them, fun and quirky with a mind of their own.

It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since the last time I documented these two, and I'm struck by the changing ratio of child size to mom size. Kids, they get bigger, they get more independent, they get smarter, and in some cases they get even more expressive. If you know Stephanie, you know the apple does not fall far from the tree. After spending some time at their home, we went to Haddie's favorite park, along with her unicorn stuffed animal, to play and build fairy houses and feed the ducks, a typical weekend routine for these two. This is the kind of morning that I love to be a part of, the kind of morning that Haddie will remember years from now through the images that match her memories.