when ellie came to me asking to do a shoot in the mountains right away, i was all for it. not only will i take any opportunity to go up to the hills, but i was looking forward to seeing this family. what sweet sweet humans.

as silly as it sounds, editing my photos is somewhat of a spiritual experience for me. i can come down from the high of shooting – the joys, the laughs, making little kids laugh by saying “BOOGERS!”. i listen to a good songs. thoughtful podcasts. sweet silence (and sometimes my own two kids running through the house). and even though, as i look, sometimes i beat myself – the angles i chose, the neglect of a stray hair, not knowing why the bright light is making my camera stubborn, my awkwardness – i can’t help but be in awe of the goodness in my photos. the people in my photos. a connection is formed without them knowing. maybe some would say that’s weird, but i love the relationships that are formed from what i do. from discovering the beauty in my clients. i don’t think it’s easy for anyone to stand in front of a camera, but this family did it effortlessly. joyously. their loving (and piercing *cough cough ellie*) eyes sucked me into each photos. their kind and quiet spirits. and these two little girls. they are delicate, strong, and free.