When the weather wasn’t quite cooperating with us for our original idea of a colourful Fall family session, my dear friend asked if I would do an in-home documentary session for them.  I was thrilled to do something that’s a little bit different than my norm, but that was driven by a deep desire to capture authenticity.  There was no posing, no “smile for the camera”, and nothing fake about this session at all.  We captured all the things that they love to do on slow family mornings together with their little one at this stage of life.

We cuddled, did art projects, bounced on the bed, played puzzles and towers, and had tickle wars with daddy.  What’s even more special about this is we did it all in E’s first home.  This is the place she was brought from the hospital.  This is the place where she learned who she is.  This is the place she experienced safety and love.  And 10, 20, 30, even 50 years from now, she’ll have these photos that she can show to her children’s children and say there is where your Grandma grew up and this is what her life looked like in 2017.

I have photos of my grandparents standing at attention for the camera, sometimes in wedding outfits and sometimes not.  But what I wouldn’t give to be able to SEE their lives.  To see their homes.  To experience a glimpse of history forever documented in an intimate way.  It makes my heart sing (and my hormonal post-baby emotions tear up a little) to think that this is the gift my friend has created for her child to pass on.  There are well over 100 photos from the session that go together to make their story complete, but here are a few of my favourites from throughout: