Candid Family Photos and other random thoughts

As a photographer and writer, it surprises me that blogging is not something I often do. “Blogging more” has been a new years resolution for a few years. My friend Heather would say I haven’t achieved this goal because it’s not measurable. She would say instead of saying I want to “blog more” I need to say “I want to blog once a month.”
So. Starting now I pledge to blog once a month! As I type this I believe I will most likely fail. Maybe I should shoot for 4 times a year instead? No, no. Big goals, big results.
I’ve taken a passive role in my business since I successfully got pregnant last year. It’s time to shake off the dust and shout to the world – I am here! In a media-drenched world where everyone is a photographer, standing out can be difficult. It can also be super depressing. And recently that has made me recoil, instead of ignite. But I’m feeling that old feisty-feeling again (thanks Tiger King!) and hopefully I can ride this wave of self-confidence all the way to the bank.
It does feel good just to type again. I feel this lack of social interacting has made my brain mushy. For example I keep forgetting to close the greenhouse at night (sorry lettuce!). I also keep forgetting which breast I last fed my daughter on. I need a better system. (Am I rambling or is this the greatest post ever? …I recently finished reading Mindy Kaling’s “Why Not Me?” and I feel like I’m channeling her a bit with this post. But definitely less funny..)
This blog post has been weeks in the making. I thought being stuck at home would provide amble time for blogging and website maintenance. But as it turns out my a 6-month-old really knows how to fill up a day quickly.

Now to the point..

I love family photos. I love capturing moments in time when teeth are missing, or to memorialize a family vacation, or welcoming new animals to the farm.
What’s more, I love candid family photos. (As a trained photojournalist I will always prefer candid photos.) I like to start family sessions with a few posed photos, but then once we’re all feeling loose I like to step back and follow you around (in the least creepy way possible) to capture you as a family, naturally.
For all the small giggles, spontaneous snowball fights and quick embraces that are shared. These moments are best captured without direction, correction or guidance. I love capturing the “off-camera” moments. The moments not prepared for documentation. The moments that are not “picture-ready.”
Below are just a few of my favorite candid photos from the past few years. If you like seeing your in between moments captured, drop me a line. And once we can be within 6 feet of each other again, I would love to photograph you and your family.
Side note: I’ve considered offering socially-distant sessions, but I feel the intimacy would be lost if I stood at a 6-foot distance and used my telephoto lens.. Plus, I really like to get in close.

Thanks for looking! Stay safe and healthy out there friends.

Until we can greet again, I’m sending you love, hugs and smiles.

All my best,
Cailey