I’m not gonna lie, when a photographer asks me to take their pictures, I feel pretty awesome.

Like maybe somebody smells what I’m cooking.

Somebody’s snacking what I’m packing.

Like maybe they’re itching what I’m scratching…you get the point.

Sarah and I found each other in a photographer group on Facebook.

She was looking for someone to document her family in a way that felt as authentic as they are.

She and her fiancé, Jared, each have three kids from previous marriages, making them a blended family of eight.

Sarah didn’t ask for that one picture of everyone smiling, requesting:

 (NO FORCED smiles) If they are making faces so be it. If their finger is in their nose so be it.

I am looking for photo-journalistic, candid, genuine family moments.

So we met at the bowling alley on a Friday after school.

Nobody wore matching clothes or coordinated color schemes.

There were no pinterest inspired props or burlap banners.

The kids were crazy and hungry and whole lot of fun.

The parents were good sports, tying and untying shoelaces, slipping quarters into the vending machine,

raising their voices when things got out of hand.

I just sort of followed them all around, took pictures and laughed, giddy with excitement.

Thank you, Sarah and Jared for choosing me to be your photographer,

inviting me into your beautiful chaos, and trusting me to “see you.”

Truly, you are rocking what I’m rolling…

Jared and I want the best for the kids. 

Not the best cars, careers, lifestyles, or houses. We want the kids to be happy.

Let me give you an example…

Our biggest obstacle as a family is a few levels of blending. We have slightly different parenting styles. 

Balancing discipline between the children is hard. We both try really hard to keep it completely fair.

The most important thing we’ve learned as parents is that kids are individuals with their own personalities.

We admire each other’s enthusiastic love of life, fun, laughter and eccentricities.

We operate in unconventional ways.

We have water gun fights inside. We roll around on the ground because it’s fun.

We’ll watch movies upside down on the couch. 

We don’t want the kids to settle for mediocrity,

but we don’t want them to judge themselves based on our extravagant hopes for their life. 

 

If Brooklynn becomes a starving artist, is happy and proud she is a success.

When Thelma becomes a coach or teacher enjoying her life she will be successful.

Caliber may be a great athlete or he may run his own automotive garage.

If he’s able to provide for himself or family he is successful.

Audrey wants to be a mommy when she grows up.

When she’s able to stay at home and teach her children sign language or advanced math skills,

we will consider that a success.

If Edyn lives in an efficiency apartment with her cat and works two jobs to pay her rent,

but travels and enjoys the nightlife we will be proud.

When Maria reaches whatever goal she may have for her life but is happy we will be proud.

We give our children the resources they need to continue to better themselves.

We will always encourage them to continue to grow and advance in their careers, education, and experiences.