A Gift of Legacy and Memories
When one of my long-time portrait clients told me she wanted to surprise her mom with an extended family session for her birthday, I almost cried. This was the reason why I became a photographer in 2018.
I still remember sitting at my mom’s house, and she was showing me some old photographs of my grandmother. Those images brought me right back to our time together. I could hear her laugh, remember the amazing dishes she made for my birthdays, and I swear I could even remember her scent.
That’s the power of photographs. They’re not just “nice pictures for social media.” They’re heirlooms. They’re legacy. They’re the stories we leave behind.
My client and her sisters poured so much love into planning this surprise session at the beautiful Blooming Hill Farm in Monroe, NY. Together, we mapped out every detail, from the family groupings to the must-have photos, to make sure their mom had a gift she’d never forget.
A few weeks before the session, I brought my daughter with me to scout the farm. The venue manager was incredibly kind and gave us a quick tour. My daughter and I wandered around taking test shots, soaking in the scenery, and browsing the fresh goodies in the farm market. It was a wonderful mother-daughter adventure.
On the morning of the big day, I arrived early to look around one more time and hide before the family arrived so we wouldn’t spoil the surprise. As soon as they revealed the session to their mom, I stepped out from the parking area to greet them. I’ve photographed this family for years, so their excitement to see me felt like a warm hug. I felt the same way too!
The day couldn’t have been more perfect. Sunshine, fresh air, and the kind of energy that only happens when generations come together. We took some photos around the farm – the open fields, the front of the barn, inside the barn, and the cozy picnic area.
One of my favorite moments was when my client’s sister asked if we could try this “skip-hop” photo trick she’d seen on social media. I’d seen it too and had secretly been wanting to try it. The photos came out even better than I imagined! (You can watch the behind-the-scenes on my YouTube Shorts.)
After I delivered the gallery, the messages I received made my day!
“We are all thrilled with the photos and so glad we gifted these to my mom for her birthday!”
“Thank you so much for such a beautiful memory of my family! Your patience and talent shine through!”
“The scoot/skip ones are a big hit!”
This holiday season, consider gifting a family portrait session to your parents, your grandparents, or your own family. These moments become treasures, ones your children and grandchildren will hold onto long after the holidays have passed.
And don’t forget to print your photos, too! (Here’s a blog explaining why printed photos matter so much.)
Interested in booking a session for your family? Click here to learn more about my portrait services.
