The New Norm: The Drive-By Birthday

In the wake of these unprecedented times, COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives, changed the way we interact, and caused pain and uncertainty for many. However, through these disruptions new changes have emerged that I love. Aside from having my family home with me, Zoom hangouts with friends and the invention of the “drive-by” birthday caravan have to be my fav. Though we cannot hug and kiss the ones we love, there is still an outpouring of support and devotion for our friends family and neighbors.

As "un normal" as our birthdays might feel like right now...it is so important to continue to document these joyous occasions.  

Day in the Life: Meg + Leo

I have recently met Meg, floral designer and business owner of Rockfarm Gardens. After spending time shooting her gorgeous terrariums and lush ecosystems contained within a recycled glass vessels, we switched our focus to mom and son Leo. I spent an hour with Meg and babe, following along in their daily mid-morning routine.

Jumping on the couch, playing and displaying his toys, and trying to school mom in the art of fishing were just a few of the highlights during out time together. It just goes to show that you don’t have to “do” much during a “day in the life photo session.” An ordinary day has so many little moments worth remembering.  The way your littlest clings to your leg, carries a baby doll in each hand, or lays their head on your chest.  This won’t last forever.   Checking under the bed for monsters will soon be a thing of the past, so let’s document these moments before they are gone.

Day in the Life: Berdahl Family

Folks have asked what is the process of the process of each day in the life session. It is a simple one! Plan to spend some quality time with your kids and let me capture you as you are in this very moment – It may just be the most relaxed photo session you’ve ever had. It is important to note that this not your typical photo session, documentary photo sessions are not photo sessions in the traditional sense.  The process looks more like me dropping into your life at a time you would want to remember, to make pictures that will truly matter to you.

When the Berdahl family reached out to me they had exciting news. Their youngest had just received a cancer free diagnoses and they were thrilled to showcase their life with two healthy children.

WORRY YOU’LL BE TOO BORING?  NOT POSSIBLE! A lot of parents worry that they won’t be interesting enough for a documentary session. All the pictures you see in my portfolio are of regular families doing their regular things – there is always magic to be found in the everyday moments.

CAN’T FIGURE OUT A DAY THAT WOULD WORK FOR A SESSION? ANY DAY WORKS.  Whatever happens during our time together, that’s ok! Your kids have ballet class – I’ll join! Big sister has a soccer game – that’ll be fun! Mom may not be home all day – let’s capture what happens while she’s at work.  Kiddo’s bestie might stop by – that would be amazing!

Family Reunion - Newport, Rhode Island

I have to say, when you get a family together, whether large or small, it is a ton of fun! I love shooting family reunions, and family get-togethers. The time whizzes by as you learn everyone’s name, where they are from, and who is related to whom.

I was honored to shot a Newport couple, one of which was celebrating a milestone birthday. Family flew in from all over the U.S. to celebrate. We gathered together in King’s Park, overlooking the Newport harbor for prior to party.