I love our family parties. I had plans to sit back, relax and enjoy time with family and friends at this one. I was too pooped from a busy shooting schedule week to really give thought to photographing anything from the day. I was going to casually observe the precious moments and take them all in mentally….or so I thought!
So by now it’s pretty obvious what broke me and compelled me behind my lens just before dark. Sitting right across from one of the cutest 9 month old babies I’ve ever seen and kids beaming with excitement that they got to hold fire! How could I resist?
I just kept thinking—this is the blessing of family and friendship we are sitting in. Swapping stories, playing corn hole, feasting, swimming, enjoying margaritas, roasting smores, catching fireflies and lighting sparklers….what more could you ask for from a summer evening?
So I jumped into action to C A P T U R E just a few moments of the genuine joy and wonder I saw before me. I knew I wanted to preserve these moments of innocence and joy so they may always be pointed back to in remembrance of the smiles found in lazy summer nights with no agenda.
May your 4th of July be filled with wonder!
Jen ~ these are beautiful!! My birthday boy said "What do you mean you did sparklers at the park, we thought they were gone and went inside!!!"
Jen, I'm thanking you with tears in my eyes. The pictures are beautiful.
Oh, and my favorite is the 3rd to last one…the one of Sydney, so awesome!!
Jen ~ I absolutely love these pictures!!!!
Jen,
What a great celebration this was! You took a simple gathering and have turned it into a magical memory with these photos. I can't thank you enough. You posted these on my birthday which was extra-special. I hope to see you soon. My best to Chris and the boys!
Cheryl Pickard
tracie–tell Cam next time we are together we'll do sparklers again and he gets the first one!! yes, my fave was sydney too—the kids are all so focused and amazed they are holding fire-love iit! grandy—love that these bring tears…you know i'm a sucker for things that pull on the heart strings—be it a book, a movie or a photograph! Cheryl—magical memories—that's my chief aim in photographing!!!