Have you ever had a moment where you see another family and it shows you a flash forward to your future? I often reflect on how the hard moments of motherhood sometimes cause me to lose sight of the wonderful things about this season of life — the things I know will miss when time has softened and faded the memory of the challenging times. As I watched the O’Connell family laugh and joke with one another during our sunrise family session in downtown Park Circle, I had several moments where I caught a glimpse of what my life might look like ten years from now, and future-me felt a definite wave of nostalgia for the season I’m in now!
When a family books a session with me, I always ask what it is that they want to remember about this time in their lives. Jamie’s response was so thoughtful, and it gave me pause: “We want to remember the transition from childhood to independence. We want to remember times when we were counted upon, as the kids are gaining autonomy quickly.”
During the time we spent together, I could feel the push and pull of this season for Jamie and John — that balance between continuing to lead and guide their children while also stepping back to allow them space for self-discovery. I couldn’t help but reflect on about how the season of parenthood I am in right now is so similar as our son becomes more and more self-sufficient; it made me realize just how much every stage of parenthood is about learning to let go just a little more as your children find their own way in life!
Jamie and John — You have such a wonderful family, and I loved getting to photograph the four of you! It was so obvious what a great team the two of you are, the deep love and friendship that you have for each other that you model for your son and daughter.
And speaking of your kids, they truly are such great young people! I loved getting to see their personalities shining through — thoughtful, creative, witty, among other things — and I know you must be so proud of them! I hope that you treasure these photos and always look back on them and this time with fond memories!
During the time we spent together, I could feel the push and pull of this season for Jamie and John — that balance between continuing to lead and guide their children while also stepping back to allow them space for self-discovery. I couldn’t help but reflect on about how the season of parenthood I am in right now is so similar as our son becomes more and more self-sufficient; it made me realize just how much every stage of parenthood is about learning to let go just a little more as your children find their own way in life!
Jamie and John — You have such a wonderful family, and I loved getting to photograph the four of you! It was so obvious what a great team the two of you are, the deep love and friendship that you have for each other that you model for your son and daughter.
And speaking of your kids, they truly are such great young people! I loved getting to see their personalities shining through — thoughtful, creative, witty, among other things — and I know you must be so proud of them! I hope that you treasure these photos and always look back on them and this time with fond memories!
