Song credit: “Stars In June” by Emorie
I got a call from a father who wanted to gift a session to his wife for her birthday…the next day. She had been wanting family pictures since the birth of their first daughter. A couple months quickly slipped away without finding the time for it. He wanted to surprise her with family pictures. I was excited to help give this mom a gift that I knew she would cherish forever, but I was a little nervous to take the session. My daughter was only 6 weeks old and I had to travel 2 hours to get their house, which meant that she had to come with me. I had barely been out of the house at that point while focusing on adjusting to a caring for our now family of five. Family Stories was still a brand new concept that I had only practiced with my family and one friend so I wasn’t even sure how this would go in a client’s home. I stepped out of my comfort zone with the decision to make it happen even with all the barriers that I saw standing in my way and I am forever thankful that I did.
Because this was a surprise and so last minute, we had to condense the Family Stories process into a single day. First we sat down for the scriptwriting. I asked them a handful of questions to find out what they want to remember about their home, their daughter, and their relationship together. Their warmth, sincerity, and openness brought me so much comfort. Their sister was visiting from across the country. When she wasn’t in the frame, she was holding my daughter for me. Without her, I would have been babywearing, which makes it pretty difficult to move around while filming.
I’m forever grateful that this family welcomed me into their home. This was the first time that I was able to bring to life my concept of putting storytelling first and foremost in the creative process. When I showed them the film for the first time at their Reveal, their tears told me that this is what I was meant to do. Through Family Stories I am able to help people preserve memories in a way that our brains alone cannot process. This stage of caring for a newborn became tangible, visceral, and readily available to relive no matter what is going on in life or how much time passes.
Their love for this beautiful girl is so massive that it can feel nearly impossible to put into words. For these moments, the wise words of Dr. Suess are the perfect fit for the love that this mom and dad pour into this beautiful soul just starting out in life. “Will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
From the day they were created, we wonder who our children will become
Even when she is still a tiny little bundle of poop, puke, and pee parents will look into her tiny eyes and imagine what big things this itty bitty human will do in this world. They have hopes and dreams for her future. Their love for this beautiful creature is so massive that it can feel nearly impossible to put into words. For these moments, the wise words of Dr. Suess are the perfect fit for the love that this mom and dad pour into this beautiful soul just starting out in life. “Will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
Incorporating your favorite books into a family film
Reading to your children is an important part of everyday life while their brains and perceptions of the world around them are forming. As part of a keepsake for your family, consider incorporating reading in your film. As the years pass by, it serves as a reminder that, no matter the challenges, we wish for a world of wonder and hope for our children.
Take a glimpse into their story…
Take the first step