Monday, June 8, 2015

The Apel Family ~ Manassas Battlefield ~ Virginia Family Photography

Hey everyone!

Alright, real talk guys. In daydreaming about the future of my photography business after Mission Year, I've thought about how it would be nice to focus on one specific type (or two closely-related types) of photography. Right now I feel pulled in lots of different directions between teaching, being a photographer and small business owner, and volunteering a lot with the church youth group my husband runs. And within photography, I feel a little pulled between weddings and the other sessions I do as well. It's still me - I'm the same person serving others in each of the roles I'm currently in - but I feel like I could be better at any one of them if I were more focused on that one thing. I know I could be better. I would be able to streamline my workflow and make enhancements to the way I do business and serve others with it so I could make others feel loved more and glorify God better through my business. I haven't gotten too much further in my thought process than that, but I wanted to share since this session was a bit inspiring!

This is honestly one of my favorite sessions ever! I had so much fun with Meg, Bob, and little Jack... It was so hard for me to narrow down the photos to edit because I loved so many of them... It makes me feel like photographing more families may not be a bad idea. But that's definitely a reflection of the Apel family too, because this was my first session with a two-year-old, and he did so awesome! 

On another note, this session also made me want to push for clients to invest in wall art. I can't help but imagine these photos on canvases and in frames hung above the couch or the mantle... I hope you can see why! This art and these memories are meant to be put on display, not tucked away in digital files or only in photo albums.

Meg and I have bonded throughout the year at our school, and my husband Andrew and I have loved spending some time with her little family. Andrew even joined us for the session to help keep Jack's attention for photos and keep an eye on him while I did mom & dad only photos. It was definitely helpful to have him there! Thanks Andrew!

Thank you guys so much for all the fun times, laughter, and even bubble struggles (you'll see what I mean ;) ). Enjoy the photos!!



Hi Jack! Such a cutie!







Love this sweet next one.


Hahaha, and these too!







I am SO HAPPY they brought a blanket and a book to read! They read together all the time at home, 
and even though we're in the middle of a field here, I love how these reflect their family so well.






Here's where we focus on Bob and Meg a little more since Jack got a little restless :)
(Meg, I had to get a photo with the elephant in here somewhere!)



Y'all look so great!!








Jack is just so cute!





These next two are definitely favorites.


Andrew was the most wonderful assistant I could have brought along :)






Ahh <3 My heart just melts a little looking at these! 
Their interactions are so genuine and loving.







Love this one of Meg & Bob!



Alright, so bubble struggles... The bubbles just literally would not form!
Jack waited in excitement so patiently!




Oh my gosh... can't help but love these next few of Jack!




I had to put this next one up too, because Meg even said he has a pretty hilarious upset face, and even these can be cute! 
This is also the ONLY time he got upset during the whole session, which I think is pretty impressive for a two-year-old.


And with a tear still on his cheek, he gets SO excited about the blanket. :)



Thank you SO MUCH, Meg and Bob (and Jack)! 
Y'all were incredible, and I hope you adore your photos!


These precious times fly by way too quickly! Flash forward 16 years, and Jack's a senior in high school... Treasure these moments with your loved ones and please do yourself a favor by investing in a photography session! You and your family deserve to preserve the beautiful moments. <3

If you missed Chanté's senior session, check it out here! I'm sure her mom feels like it was just yesterday since she was Jack's size.

Next up will be a beautiful wedding in Elkton, VA! Be sure to "Like" our Facebook page to see sneak peeks and find out when it's posted!

Talk to y'all soon!

Love,
Kelly