Reflections by Luna

Like my previous article talking about advice for mothers/families experiencing a loss, I also compiled a list of things that women who have experienced a loss want others to learn not to say during or after their loss. These are things that don’t help us feel any better and even sometimes make us feel worse. One thing I have noticed while going through my own stillbirth as well as talking to other moms, who have experienced a loss, is people seem to think that losses farther along in pregnancy are harder than those early on. Or that if you have a loss after you already have kids that it’s okay and you should just focus on the other children.   I surveyed some women who have experienced losses and these are the things they wish people WOULD NOT say when they experienced their loss. ·         At least you weren’t that far along” , will your next baby replace the one you lost, when are you going to try again? ·      ...

Dressing for the seasons SPRING The birds are chirping, the buds are blooming, and the snow has officially melted. That means it’s time for your spring family session. Here are a few wardrobe tips to ensure the whole gang looks smashing: - Play up the fact that it’s spring. Have a necklace with a butterfly pendant? Perfect! An insect-printed tee? Yes, please. - Channel the colors of spring. Seriously – look out the window for inspiration for your family’s color palette. Greens, pinks, yellows, beige, khaki, and blues all work exceptionally well. - Layer up! Spring can be both warm and cold at once, so come prepared. We love spring scarves, light cardigans, vests, etc. SUMMER It’s hot outside, but fear not. Here are some cool wardrobe tips to make sure your summer family photo session is a hit: - Wear light fabrics that let you breathe, but still look polished. - Really play up the summer accessory factor. I’m talking sun hats for the ladies an...

Christmas time and the holidays are one of my favorite times of the year. Its a special time were families become closer and really focus on what is important things. Sometimes family is far away and you can only talk via phone or video chat. But sometimes they are able to come and visit. This year was a special year for the W family. For the first time in several years. the entire extended family was together. 6 families, 22 people, all in one house. 4 generations. I had the privilege of photographing this family on Christmas eve. There was so much love and excitement. Sisters, cousins, aunts, grandparents, great grandparents, grandkids, and great grandkids. All together sharing joy and laughter. I love capturing memories like these. The patriarch and matriarch of the family were still very much in love which was shown when they did their couple pose they immediately kissed. The rest of the family just cheered them on. They created a beautiful legacy and it was a gift ...

There are special moments and then there are moments that take your breath away. I am sure that is how this couple felt when they met way back in high school when they were 15. They have been together ever sense and as B said "They just don't make men like that anymore." She definitely got a keeper. Their kids were just as cute. They adored each other just as their parents adored each other and their kids. My favorite part of this session was capturing the one picture I wasn't planning on. It was a spur of the moment picture that turned out amazing. While I was taking their couple pictures the little ones were crawling around. I was able to capture the kids playing and being kids as well as the emotions and love the parents have. It was again one of those moments that take your breath away. Did I plan that shoot? No. But it is probably my favorite shot from the entire session. I love how it turned out. Oh and if your wondering... The best way to get an 18 month...

The family dynamic of this family was a little different than those I have photographed before. There was a 7 year age gap between the kids but you could hardly tell. They acted like best friends. When I asked the brother to give his sister a piggy back ride, he only hesitated for a second and her only reaction was "I hope he doesn't drop me. But she loved every second of it and you could tell they had a strong bond. The family picture with them holding hands was a little different for them but when I added in a fun prompt of "look at the funniest person in the family" it started everyone laughing as they looked at the dad and they all seemed to relax. You could tell how close knit they were. No matter how I arranged them, they always had a smile on their face. Probably one of my easiest families to photograph. I really enjoyed capturing these memories for them and hope to continue to do so in the future.