Imagine holding a plate in your hands. Each week, as you look at the week ahead and prepare for all your family’s activities and commitments, imagine adding something to your plate. The plate gets fuller and heavier, making it hard to hold up. Mama, let me take some of that off your plate.

Does the thought of getting family photos sound more stressful than fun? I’m not surprised. Normally, planning a Niagara family photo session falls on mom's shoulders and adds a lot of to-dos to her already full plate. She has to find a photographer, book a date and location, find outfits for her family, and get everyone ready on the day of…

Throughout life, we often encounter the term "investment." We're encouraged to invest in our education, homeownership, career development, stocks and bonds, and various other endeavors. The list could go on indefinitely. However, what's seldom emphasized is the importance of investing in our own happiness, which can be equally, if not more, crucial than all the investments mentioned combined.

Looking back on my family photos brings me such joy and happy memories. Photos carefully hold our memories for us. I might not remember what I had for dinner last Tuesday, but I’ll never forget my son’s giggle when he was a toddler or the silly songs my daughter would come up with on guitar.

All I need to create timeless family portraits you’ll love forever is a family willing to let go and have fun. I’d love to explain. As moms, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We compare our family to others we know and see online. You might see someone’s family portrait and think that’s not possible for you. You might believe the myth that some families are just photogenic. Or, like many of my clients with young children, you might worry about how your kids will behave during the session.

As moms, we work so hard to ensure our family has everything they need. We make dinner every night, pay the bills, plan celebrations, and take care of every moment in between. You work so hard to care for your family, so let me take care of you with full-service family photography. 

Documenting each of her important milestones during her first year is a gift for yourself and your child. You’ll be able to watch your baby grow through professional images throughout the rest of her life. This is exactly why I created the First Year Collective with my clients in mind. This package includes 3-4 portrait sessions throughout your baby’s first year so that you can document each exciting milestone. I would love to share other hidden benefits of a First Year Collective with you. But first, I’d love to properly introduce the First Year Collective.

This beautiful family has a very special place in my heart. You see, Christine Edwards is my beloved hair and makeup artist. When her family experienced a house fire earlier this year, I was heartbroken for them. Luckily, her family is okay. Sadly, they lost a lot almost everything after the fire, including beloved family portrait wall art. She was able to save a few things from the fire, which she shares more about below.

I’m so excited to share this incredible family with you! I actually met Danielle several years back through a mutual connection. We stayed in touch through social media, and I’m grateful that we did. In 2019, Danielle and her amazing husband, Dave, decided to open their home to foster children. Danielle kindly agreed to be interviewed for my blog to share her family’s story. I can’t wait for you to read their incredible story.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of those Pinterest-worthy family photo shoots? Typically, the burden of the planning, the shopping, and the getting dressed up all fall on the mama’s shoulders (sound familiar?). But at Reflections of Life, I do things a little differently. I have four sweet little (and not-so-little-anymore)…