Identity check, aisle 4

Scene: Trader Joe’s, early evening.

The hum of conversation, the clink of bottles, the faint smell of cinnamon from the seasonal brooms in the entrance.

Kira and I are doing the most glamorous of errands - shopping for snacks - and giggling about something obscure in the checkout line, when a kind-looking man from the next line over strolls by and drops a question that takes me completely off guard -

What’s the age gap between you two?

Sir.

What?

Did he…???

“Well… um, I'm her mom, so? Like 27 years?”

I’m wearing jeans and a t-shirt and white sneakers, but in no universe do I look like I’m still in my 20’s, nor do I want to be, and am most definitely not the sister to this almost-10 year old girl beside me.

He is slightly embarrassed and laughs it off. So do I. And I mean, I’m flattered. But part of me is actually a little annoyed.

All my life I’ve been seen as younger than I am (36 if you’re wondering) - and before you roll your eyes about how that’s not a bad thing, trust me, it comes with it’s own set of downsides.

I have never felt sophisticated.

Never the type who carries “handbags” or who wears loafers and pants referred to as slacks.

Sometimes I still get carded and I want to say - I’m a mother of three, a homeowner, and and a damn professional, okay, I’m not sneaking this $7 bottle of wine into the sorority house.

an image of 3 actual sisters that really makes me hopeful for moments of delight with teenagers

We’re watching little 2-year-old Aaron tumble around on the floor, smothering the dog in well-intentioned but very unwelcome hugs, when Matt says, “Can you even imagine what it’s going to be like when Aaron is 10?”

The thought feels impossible - equal parts ache and wonder.

When Aaron is 10, Kira will be 18 and graduating high school.

My guts flip.

But when I soften my gaze, I can see it differently: life is so long.

One minute they’re toddling beside your cart, and the next they’re being mistaken for your sister.

But there's so much in between.

I didn't miss it; I've been here the whole time.

I know there’s a storyline trying to convince us that life is short—but honestly, that idea doesn’t make me feel more present; it just makes me anxious.

Seeing life as long, as spacious enough to hold many versions of ourselves and our families… that makes me excited to wake up and keep living well within whatever part of the story I'm in.

I love photographing families right in the middle of it all—when time feels slippery and ordinary and full. I sent a client some sneak peeks from a session last weekend and she wrote back - If I’ve learned anything, it’s to prioritize making (and capturing) the memories with your family. Then as an aside - But WHY does W look like a teenager?! ☝🏼

He’s also about to turn 10 and I photographed him as a newborn. Time really is wild.

Guilt or shame-based marketing is my least favorite approach, so please don't hear me saying “time is fleeting, you’ll regret it if you don’t get photos with me.” Ew.

There are lots of ways you can notice your life that don’t include hiring me, and I hope you’ll take the time to do them.

Noticing is gratitude in action.

Simply noticing makes moments feel less “fleeting” and more like what they’re meant to be - moments in the line of a long story.

But if you’d like to collaborate to make photos that help you more clearly notice the part of the story you’re in right now, I’d really love that, too.

Fall is full, but I have some room in December for cozy wintery vibes (Decorating the tree? Baking a favorite family recipe? Extended family gathering together for the holidays?).

I’m always here and up for whatever seasons are sinking into your heart the most.

Just hit reply to get started.

This image was from a few years ago in a backyard extended family session around the holidays and to me, it feels like it screams “fun is ageless and we have fun together.”

// new + noteworthy //

In support of shopping local, we love these little charm necklaces that you can find at both Shenanigans and Whimsies in Charlottesville. Kira got one for Christmas last year with a few charms and we recently purchased one with two personalized charms as a birthday gift for a friend.

The soup recipe I raved about but never actually linked last week.

A poem that finally describes why I love waking up early.

The October gathering is happening next week and it's my first kid-friendly event that I'll be bringing my own crew to as well. Come join us! 👇🏼 More details to the Local Gatherings list here - make sure you're signed up for all the details on this and future gatherings for local families!

For Photographers

The Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind

Feb-May online | March 26-29 In person

Learn more!

CREATIVITY | FAMILY | SIMPLE JOYS

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