Blessed | Castle Rock Photographer

This is my family.  My beautiful, amazing family. I didn’t take these portraits.  My kind and talented friend Erin  of Erin Blackwell Studio took them. I put myself in her hands and became the one in front of the lens instead of behind it. I stressed about the outfits. I bribed the boys to behave. I convinced my husband it would be fun!  I hoped the sun would stay out, that the rain would wait.  I hoped my wrinkles wouldn’t show too much and that Erin would Photoshop the new pimple that popped up on my cheek just hours before the session.  I did all the things my own clients do when they prepare for a portrait session.  And then… we had fun!  We played and laughed and kissed and snuggled.  Erin caught the moments that were important.  She caught our love.

And with that Erin also opened my eyes.  I saw the way my clients must feel. I felt their nervousness and anxiousness and their excitement, too. I  saw my boys looking so handsome, and my husband smiling at me, and me, I got to dress up and be girly and feel pretty and pampered.  I got to be in the portrait with my family! Finally I was doing exactly what I tell my clients to do – get in the picture with your children!  Kiss your spouse!  Enjoy the moment…

And then came Erin’s notification that my gallery was ready for viewing.  That was the truest form of excitement.  I couldn’t wait a moment longer, who cared if the kids would be late to school, I dashed to the computer to see the results.  And then I laughed. And cried.  And smiled.  And ooohhh’d and awww’d.  The images were beautiful. My family was beautiful.  She captured us together, happy, and in love.  She captured exactly what I wanted and needed.  A reminder that this time is fleeting and beautiful and worthy of commemorating.

Soon a beautiful new canvas will hang in our home.  It will be the reminder that our family had that lovely afternoon together where we laughed and smiled and felt the love.  I know that life will continue to be hectic and crazy.  That it may be another year or two before we do this again.  But that’s ok. I have that moment captured forever.  Jackson at 8.  Holden at almost 6.  Shawn and I in love.  That’s what it is all about.

Today is my birthday.  I feel my blessings overflowing.  It’s not always easy.  It’s not always fun.  Family life can be complicated, marriage takes work, children are unpredictable, careers take precedence sometimes.  But at the end of the day, after I kiss my children goodnight and tell my husband how much I love and appreciate him, I will be able to walk past that canvas, smile, and know how solid and beautiful my family’s love truly is.

Thank you Erin, from the bottom of my heart. You are a forever friend….