Photography is my passion and the past eighteen months has offered many opportunities to capture the beauty that surrounds us as we’ve explored new trails and discovered hidden gems in our own backyard.
Despite my frequent outings, I have missed capturing those special times when generations gather for a family photo shoot. This summer the gift returned with sheer joy and deep felt connectedness.
My Aunt Ann turned 88 this month and I was asked if I would capture a few pictures with her four newest great-granddaughters! As I prepared for the photo shoot, I wondered how many babies my aunt could hold. She is a strong woman, but let’s be reasonable!
I arrived early to get a lay of the land. I always prefer outdoor photography but wasn’t seeing a viable plan… until my cousin walked next store and borrowed the neighbor’s patio couch!
Draped with a family heirloom, we created a perfectly comfortable and safe background for the moment.
As moms and dads worked to dress, distract, comfort and position their cherubs around my aunt, I just kept shooting pictures. My Fitbit clocked that I burned more calories in that hour than in the two hour rock climbing I had done earlier in the day!
My Aunt Ann is the last of her generation for my family. Technically, she is not a blood relative, and yet she is the one my sisters and I have turned to over the years. The one who we still share ‘sauce night’ with, whenever we’re all in town. She is living her life fully, and passing this love onto her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. How privileged I am to have been asked to record this legacy.
As each little one was placed in her arms, I could feel my aunt soaking in every moment. It was surely surreal for her, as infant after infant cuddled safely in her arms.
Perhaps it was the twilight hour, or that each baby had been fed and change, but they were blissfully perfect! I sensed that they too, in their heavenly innocence, were keenly in tune with the sacredness of the moment. How they reveled in it.
Photographers all have those marked moments when they are able to capture a ‘priceless’ shot. For me, this was more than capturing a beautiful image. It was a priceless occasion, when a lifetime of family, memories and connectedness all funneled down to the masterpiece of the moment. In a time when the world needs to be reminded of what holds us together more than what divides, that evening was a blest moment for me.
This brief, but remarkable life pause graciously reminded me of the blessings of generational love and how the gift of family can never be under-estimated.