family

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since sweet little James made his way into the world (about a month early, just like his older siblings had). It’s been such a privilege to watch this little guy grow. He is the youngest of five siblings in the Largen family, and from the time I did his newborn photos, after he arrived home from the NICU last year, I could tell he was adored.

This family holds an extra special place in my heart. I met Kandace at a mom’s night for moms of children who went to Budding Voices for speech therapy and other therapies. I felt an instant connection with Kandace and have been incredibly grateful that our friendship has continued to grow. Last year, I had the honor and privilege to both witness and document the birth of her second sweet little boy, Amos Lee. I was so happy when she asked to have her family photos documented again this October.

Bella and Natalie have grown so much, it was almost like looking at two completely different girls! But they clearly remembered me, as they shouted “Miss Brittany! Miss Brittany!” multiple times throughout our time together. In fact, Lizz told me that the first thing one of the girls said that morning, as they were rolling around in the bed, was “Do we get to see Miss Brittany today?”

When Jennifer told me she wanted to do family photos on the beach during their stay in Bethany Beach, Delaware this June, I was ecstatic. She’s family, so I was already looking forward to spending some time at the beach with her and watching my boys play with their cousins, but being asked to capture her family photos on the beach was the icing on the cake. Beach photos at sunset, of this fun family of seven plus some grandparents, uncles and their cousins (my boys) thrown into a few was a fun adventure that we spread out over two evenings . . .

We are safe at home and the front porch pictures have become quite the trend for many reasons. Our houses are the center of our lives and our families, and now so more than ever.

I love having friends that are looking out for me and my small business. I feel incredibly blessed when a stranger posts that they are searching for a photographer, and one of my friends steps in and suggests me. That’s what happened when Katy, who runs Macaroni Kid Pasadena, posted that she was in need of a photographer. My kind friend Tiffany, another small business owner (Budding Voices), recommended me . . .

I first heard from Dani in the spring, after she was the highest bidder on the package that I donated as a silent auction item for the Greater Severna Park Mom’s Club annual gala to benefit Sarah’s House. Sarah’s House, established in 1987 through a partnership between Anne Arundel County, Catholic Charities and the U.S. Army, provides shelters, meals and other assistance to families in need in Anne Arundel County. Dani contacted me soon after winning the package, and I was very excited for her as she was about to welcome her third baby girl into their family this past June. She was excited to do fall family photos with her growing family, so we exchanged some messages and had a few phone calls, finally settling on doing a family session in October at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, Maryland . . .

A welcoming into the church community. A cleansing of the soul of original sin. A choice that her parents are making for her for the benefit of her spiritual wellness. On Sunday, September 22nd, 2109, Penelope Jane was baptized and welcomed into the community at St. Mary’s Parish in Annapolis, Maryland.

Mike, Emily and Sam are an outdoor family. They will spend most fall weekends, plus a week long vacation, in their camper at various state parks and campsites. Emily’s dream job would be planning hikes and outdoor adventures for others, and the whole family longs to live somewhere they can be surrounded by more open sky, more green and air so clear that you can see all the stars at night.

Family. Generations. These things are very important, and we often don’t think of it until we lose someone who is an integral part of our lives . . .