The McAffrey Family

Savannah, Jaymin and Otis are near and dear to me. It was such an honor to be present with their ever-growing family in their home near Charlotte, North Carolina, receiving the warmth and joy that bounces like the light. As a family photographer, I value the slow ways. I take my time, always with the philosophy that I am not capturing moments, I'm receiving them. My eyes are taking in an unfolding gift, and the camera is a friend that extends the moment.

When my children were small, I was always taking the photos in our home. There aren't many with me in them, there in the every day of feeding, playing, resting, nurturing. And now my children are teenagers and life looks so very different. Savannah is a photographer too, and I know how much of a gift it is to be able to step away from being the documentarian of your own life, and let someone else see you for a moment. I had the honor too of photographing Savannah’s maternity session. It was a time of great unknowns and mixed emotions, with a desire to just be present and allow what will happen to unfold. Now, with a second one on the way, I got to return and witness the bright spark of joy that Otis is to anyone who gets to meet him, and the ease with which Savannah and Jaymin weave through the house with him.

I'm besotted with family photography sessions like this - natural, unguarded, playful, present. I receive as much as I give.