Mother & Daughter Connection

What I see in mother daughter relationships is a connection unlike any other. Then again I think all relationships are their own unique connection. I don't think this one is any more special than another, but I think that all the connections we have as humans are so very important, vital to our ability to thrive and be happy. I have a daughter and I know that nothing will ever compare to the love I have for her. And I am sure other people feel the same about their children be they boys or girls. 

I believe that our happiness is tied to our relationships with people. I have always thought that how we treat others and the level of depth in our relationships often shows how happy we are. Working with people to capture these connections with each other is something I really value. It drives my work. 

I understand the importance of these relationships through the lack of one to my own mother. I am not saying this to garner empathy, but rather to say that I have spent much time thinking about it and seeing how it has shaped my life. I know that I appreciate the people in my life that much more because I grew up without a connection to my own mother. I seek to capture the importance of this love for others and for the future generations of the family that I am working with. I watch how laughter and love shapes our daily lives and gives us something to fall back on when we are stressed or frustrated with the things that life throws at us. The foundation of our lives is our family. Whether that family be by blood or by choice. 

I was adopted by a family 15 years ago and they have given me the same love they give to each other. That post is coming up next. In the meantime here are some of my favorites of this mother and daughter (and some fun portraits we did individually as well). Stephanie is one my stylists for glamour make over sessions. She is an amazingly strong and kind woman that I have grown to love. Her daughter is a reflection of this strength and beauty. I am so glad that I got to capture them together. I am working on some big canvases to hang in the dining room of Stephanie's home. To remind her, on maybe a day when she is feeling down, what joy she has in her life. Because really one of the best things about being alive is the joy and love we share with each other. 

In life and love  - Jen

Baby Ethan and his grown ups.

There is something very special about getting the chance to capture a family before a member leaves on deployment. I was so thrilled to get to meet this family, hang out, watch them interact, and give them some beautiful portraits of when baby Ethan was still so small. Dad will be back at the end of the summer and we hope to catch up again then for more portraits when Ethan will look totally different already! I have been watching him grow through Facebook portraits that mom has been posting. He is super adorable and such a happy little guy. Such is the joy of having a baby! I loved too that they brought in their first family member, their dog. She was so very shy, but she did a great job and was so glad she got to be included. 

Here are a few favorites from the day together. 

In life and love - Jen