On a normal Wednesday morning, I made my way to the Byrd home. When I approached the door I could see the older two girls peaking out the window with smiles. I was warmly welcomed by them and their Mom, Ashley. I was there to capture them in their element, no posing or prompting, normal and ordinary moments – this was a documentary session.
“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”
Bene Brown
We spent the next couple of hours playing, baking, twirling, reading, smiling and shedding a few tears. While the baby slept in the bedroom, the two girls eagerly helped mom add flour and salt to their sourdough, which would become bread later that day. The process of washing hands, measuring and adding ingredients to the dough was lengthier with their help, but I don’t think Ashley minded one bit.
Next was some fun, including dancing, twirls and picking out a movie for background noise, as the girls quickly moved into their room for some reading fun. Capturing moments of this time was simply the cutest as both girls “read” for well loved books. I especially loved Cassidy’s enthusiastic retelling of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” complete with bear roars! The day wasn’t complete without nap times, more baking, snacks, and cuddles and hugs.
Birth stories and capturing moments in my own home have been the limit of my documentary photography. I wanted to see what I thought of doing it for another family and was thrilled Ashley agreed to let me capture moments of an ordinary day. I loved the process of being patient to get the right shot without giving direction. Documentary photography requires patience and a slowness to capture the moment. I think those ordinary moments became extraordinary as I captured them.
Session Location: Home | Arnold, Missouri
Session Date: March 27, 2024
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