It’s been a long time coming, but we FINALLY booked our own photographer to shoot a Day in the Life session with my family – and it all went down yesterday. Before I forget, I want to share with you some thoughts and impressions that are still with me, mere hours after the day ended. 

As a professional in the field, you KNOW I was overthinking it.

When the opportunity to toss my two preschoolers, my pit bull dog, and my own self into a car and drive 14 hours to a cabin in the mountains in Central Colorado for 5 weeks this summer arose, I grabbed on.

What’s the worst thing that could happen? (Don’t answer that)

But then a brilliant idea struck. If I’m basically taking the summer off, I’ve gotta fill my fall calendar NOW.

And so I present to you, the SUMMERTIME UNPLUGGED FALL SESSION SALE.

What would you give for just one more picture of little-kid-you and your still-young mom, playing together in your childhood home?

What about another photo of just little you, fake-smiling for the camera?

 No comparison, right? The former gives us a rush of memory, detail, and connection, whereas the second – cute and all – not so much.

I’m here to tell you about a major revelation I had during this week of solo parenting all over Central Texas.

As a professional documentary photographer, I lugged my 600-pound pro Nikon along with me everywhere we went, determined to make great photos that reflect the realities of our “week full of adventures.”

BUT I FORGOT SOMETHING CRITICAL. When you are your own family’s photographer, there’s something important missing. YOU.

Now, stick with me – this point is actually a bit less obvious than it sounds . . .

A CHALLENGE: picture yourself five or ten years down the road. What aspect of today's family life will you miss the most? Is it a ritual? A character trait? An action? A feeling?

At the end of last year, I met Jordan and her family. She needed quick holiday card photos, so we set up a casual downtown session in time for her to print her cards.

Let’s just go ahead and discuss the elephant in the room: MONEY. Money is a factor, right? We get tempted, then feel guilty about spending on something that isn’t a necessity. Some things vary so much in price that it’s hard to even figure out whether the particular one you want is “worth it.” And when it comes time for family photos, we may wind up hiring that mom down the street who’s recently picked up photography and offers what seems like a really good deal.

But is it?