Guest Blog: The Stories Behind the Portraits

We all know how hard it is to capture the perfect family photo. Even with the invention of the selfie stick, there is always something that makes it impossible. Bad lighting, kids that won't sit still, the baby needs a diaper, someone is missing (usually mom)... the list could go on. I am a mother that takes way too many pictures of my son. Before he was even 2 years old, I had almost 3,000 photos of him backed up on my laptop! The worst part was that I was barely in any of those photos. I had many photos of milestones, smiles and my favorite, precious moments of him and his dad. But as time went by (and it goes by so fast), I wanted professional family portraits that I was proud of and that would capture the way I saw my family.

We had our first professional portraits done as a family about 3 years ago and we have done so at least once a year ever since. I always love seeing my family enjoying one another and our love for each other captured in a single shot, especially since we are always so busy. Family portraits have become very important to me, as I'm sure it is to most moms.

This week I have asked my friend and local photographer, Nikki Gunter-Richardson of Nichole Lynn Photography to share some of the stories behind her portraits. When I met her, I fell in love with her portfolio, but it was the stories that really got to me. Some stories were happy and some were sad and heartbreaking, but you'd never know because of the level of professionalism Nikki provides. Her portraits are lasting still memories that capture her subjects just beautifully. I would highly recommend her to friends, family and of course my clients.

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Kristin and Lucia
After being in labor for most of the night with her fourth child, Kristin had about 30 minutes to just enjoy her sweet newborn before her three oldest children got to meet their newest sibling. I love how peaceful baby looks in Kristin’s arms. The Denninger family asked me to document the birth so they could be fully present with one another, and with their children, as they got to know the newest member of their family. I felt so honored to help capture this occasion and to capture this moment of calm for Kristin before the bustling life of a mother-of-four set in.

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This is from a portrait session I did with the Simora family. They were chosen for the June cover  of Neighbors of Briar Creek, a magazine geared towards members of the Brier Creek Country Club. The family wanted to reflect their laid back and loving dynamic by having the portrait session in their backyard. Towards the end of the session, the Simora children were a bit antsy...something about ice-cream that was promised in exchange for their cooperation! Now for the story behind the photo: I set up a shot where the kids could tickle mom and dad, who in turn started a tickle war! We ended on a total high note and this capture of the tickle war ended up being my favorite of the day. It’s a great shot of the family and shows what a loving and close bond the family shares.

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Kristin came to me last winter for a mother-daughter portrait session. During our pre-session consultation Kristin told me that she and her mother had spent the last few years overcoming some personal struggles. During this time, Debbie’s son passed away unexpectedly. After all these struggles, and Debbie’s sudden loss, the two worked through their grief on a spiritual journey. As a result, the mother and daughter are closer than ever, and look to one another for support and friendship. It was a privilege to meet them, hear their story, and document their beautiful relationship. 

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My next blog post will also feature Nikki. You will have the opportunity to learn more about her and her business in part two of her guest blog, the interview. Visit her website www.nicholelynnphoto.com for more information.