Shannon Holden Photography

Last week, I babysat my two little cousins for an afternoon. Riley will be two years old next month, and his baby brother Hayden is now six months old. They are two of the sweetest, calmest little ones I have ever seen. Even still, I learned that I am officially out of practice when it comes to caring for a baby and a toddler simultaneously! I did this once in my life, not too long ago really, but I’ve lost all those skills. My three year old was home, and she certainly adds her own beautiful element of chaos and drama to any situation. Thank goodness the boys are so sweet and gentle. Riley was anxious to help me with everything Hayden needed, and he even put up with my daughter’s boundless energy with amazing patience.

Watching all the children play, I found myself just gazing at Riley and Hayden, two of the most gorgeous children I have ever seen (along with my bias for my own kids of course!), and a light bulb appeared above my head. I just happened to have my studio lights all set up in the guest room, as I’ve been working on some other portrait ideas. Truly, I did not plan on being a photographer that particular day. It was dark and rainy outside, so natural light photographs would have been near impossible anyway. But honestly, fellow photographers … could you spend a few hours with children this precious and not pick up your camera? No, I couldn’t either.

Their mommy didn’t even know I created these photographs until 20 minutes ago, when I called to ask her if I could put them on my blog. Surprise, Kim! Your children are such incredible blessings!

I love this family! I had the privilege of working with them every few months through Beau’s first year, and big brother, Tyler, joined us for a few sessions. It was such a treat to see them again, both boys a year older and getting cuter by the day! Tyler was an angel for our session, so happy and cooperative. Beau was a busy little guy, but he gave me plenty of adorable smiles and just the right second. I love seeing the relationship that grows between brothers at this age. It always reminds me of my two boys in their younger years. Aside from the 100,000 mosquitoes that decided to join us this evening, it was an all around great session. (I can’t tell you how many little black spots I’ve photoshopped out of the images – there was an army of those little evil bugs trying to get these sweet boys!)

Steve and Jennifer, as always, it was a true joy to work with you to create these portraits. You are such a fun, beautiful family. I’m so glad I got the chance to see you again!!

I’m sure my blog readers will recognize these two handsome brothers from earlier sessions. Both brothers have summer birthdays, so our session was timed just right to celebrate both of them in portraits. I saw this dear family on one of our recent scorching days. This heat has posed quite a challenge for sessions lately, because my subjects and I are perspiring within minutes outside. Even at the early morning hour for this session, the temperature gauge in my car already read 85 degrees. Whew!

Like most children, Benjamin and big brother Bryant, love water play. Having some fun and cooling off with the water hose seemed like the perfect ending to our session. I was so glad that their mom suggested the idea. The light was ideal and the smiles were even brighter. These are some of my favorite recent images. I am determined to capture some photographs of my own children playing in the water soon. These are some of those classic memories of childhood that we cherish forever.

I am having a hard time finding words to adequately express what this session meant to me. A beautiful family, gorgeous happy children … just like so many of my clients. But this family holds a place in my heart, even though I’d never met them before this shoot. They are the recipient’s of last year’s Giving is Awesome initiative. You can read more of their story here. We opted to wait for Spring to capture their family portraits, and I was so thankful for a beautiful, warm evening for their session. This was the day the Lord made.

I’ve thought a great deal about Jen, her young sons, and the husband and father they miss so much. I’ve thought about their legacy. Though I never met him, from what I’ve heard and seen, Michael left a legacy that will touch countless people in this generation and more. Through his work at our church, and through his life as a friend, son, husband, and father, he left a mark upon the Earth, one of courage, devotion, hope, and humility. God had great purpose for Michael, a purpose he fulfilled with love and glory for his Savior.

And now having met Jen and gotten to know her just a bit through our portrait session together, I admire her even more than I did before. I am so inspired by the legacy she is creating. I have seen the love which she showers upon her sons, surrounding them with security and warmth. I have seen the faith she has shown through this past year, though I know there must be days when it is so difficult.

I had two personal goals for our session together. First and foremost, I wanted to capture the joy and bond that Jen shares with her children, with images that she and the boys can cherish for a lifetime to come. I hope the boys will enjoy looking back at these photographs when they are grown and fathers themselves. I also wanted to include some memories of Michael, to show his enduring presence in their lives. For that purpose, Jen brought along a stuffed dog from Michael’s childhood, a Starting Point Bible (published by our church, a project in which Michael played a key role), and a photograph of him.

I admit, I cried a lot of tears as I edited this session, and I also said a lot of prayers. I’ve thanked God for introducing me to this incredible family, for the lessons they’ve taught me, for the faith with which they have inspired me. I’ve thanked him for the sweet smiles of these two boys, in which I can see the legacy they are inheriting from their mother and father. I hope our paths might cross often in the future. I know, regardless, I will be forever blessed having met them.

Much love to you, Jen, Kaleb, and Noah. Thank you for being you. May God forever surround you with peace, strength, and his eternal love.