The Ballard’s are some of our oldest friends. We have known Dave and Ginna from our pre-children, early married days. Over the years we’ve taught Sunday school together, done play groups together, and {occasionally} lamented about the fun and stress of raising teens. Ginna and I visit often, swapping parenting wins and mom fails. Watching Dave and Ginna’s daughters grow and become lovely young ladies over the last 16 years has been a treat! Hailey and Emma are close to the ages of my boys, and their friendships have evolved over the years. In preschool they were buddies, late elementary through most of middle school they didn’t exist to one another, and now that they are teens, they are forming friendships that hopefully will last for a lifetime.
Relationships Matter
Photographing the same family multiple times over the years is special for me. I am a relationship person. I believe that’s what led me to spend 20 years of my nursing career in Pediatric Oncology. Creating special friendships with my patients and their families was very important for me. I value cultivating a relationship as a photographer with my clients and seeing how they change over time. I am always excited to have new clients, but having families return to me because they see the value in the experience and portraits I provide is incredibly rewarding! Looking back at at the Ballard’s earlier family portraits reminds me how quickly time flies and how much the girls have changed from when they were little to now as teenagers.
The Challenges of Teens and Tweens
Having older kids – tweens and teens – is challenging on many fronts. Time is so limited because of multiple activities, school and church functions, etc. Additionally, daily interactions can be emotionally exhausting! There are times you want to wring their necks and moments where you couldn’t be prouder of the humans they are becoming. I understand finding time to schedule a family session is challenging! In my opinion, teen years are one of the most important times to capture your family. Your children change so much in their teen years. THAT NEEDS TO BE DOCUMENTED! Middle school is often an especially awkward time for kids, consequently, that is why you need more than just the school photo of your kids! Senior portraits are years away, and the changes in 12-16 years olds can be dramatic! I know that has been true for my boys.
Hailey and Emma are beautiful inside and out! They are both smart and talented, and I look forward to what’s in store for each of them. In the meantime, Dave, Ginna, Wayne, and I will continue to celebrate and lament together as we weather these teenager days!
Let’s update your wall portraits!
When was your last family session? Are the latest pictures on your walls and in your frames of your kids in elementary school? Is the dreaded middle school picture the best you’ve got? Call me and let’s update your wall portraits and embrace the teen years! Click here to contact me to schedule your family portrait consultation.
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