This right here!!! This is why I STAYED a photographer. I have lost my passion/fire/inspiration, whatever you wanna call it, for this career a few times over the years. The thing that re-ignites my love for this work time and time again, is family sessions. Every single time. They remind me of why I first started photography – as a kid I loved capturing my family together. My why is rooted in that first love of photographing my family. Now I have kids of my own, and my passion for capturing families has grown tenfold.
What means most to you in this life? Your cozy home you built yourselves? Maybe it’s your job, or business? Nope, it’s your family, and I can see and capture that love so vividly during family sessions. It completely overflows my cup and I leave family sessions SO excited about my work – and so grateful for my own little family at home.
These days are fleeting – incredibly precious and fleeting. We will never regret prioritizing these days with them while they’re little, and that means capturing moments that are NOT on a phone. You deserve to look back at these days with them for years to come. You deserve to be IN the photos yourself. If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably already somehow nostalgic even though you’re in the thick of it. Imagine how we’ll feel about these days in 10 years? Or even 30? It’s heart wrenching to think about our babies not being little anymore, but we can take heart in knowing we can document this season for them, and for ourselves.
That’s my heart going into each family session. Each family is different. Every family is incredibly special and has their own unique sense of humor, play, and intimacy. I prompt you and your little loves throughout the entire session, and the kids run the show. This allows me to capture moments that are filled to the brim with real life emotion and heart – the way it felt in the moment for you. The way it feels loving them and playing with them everyday. Absolutely priceless. I also make sure to get those stunning “everyone look at me!” photos for your Christmas cards, framed heirloom prints to gift and to hang. These usually take about 4-5 minutes. The rest of the session is incredibly relaxed and spent throwing rocks into the water, playing tag, tossing baby around, or making cookies in your home.
Here is more info on what it’s like to work with me.
The Steyer family and I met up at the beach in our gorgeous hamlet by the sea, in Homer Alaska. They took a few notes from my what to wear guide that I send out, and Amanda created the perfect windy beach vibe for her family. We walked down to the water together and chatted about our toddlers and their trip to Alaska. The kids loved watching the boats zoom by every minute or two, and collected some rocks. After getting a few photos with the stunning mountains and ocean behind them, we ventured down the beach to the piers.
The kids looked for sea stars and snuggled for a minute (so stinkin’ sweet), then we moved on to the wildflower path just a five minute drive away. The pathway on the Homer Spit is BLOOMING with lupines during most of June into early July. I take full advantage of it with every client that will let me! There are endless unique spots for photos on this path, but all of them are surrounded by purple lupines and greenery! The Steyer babies had such a sweet time picking flowers for their mama and running along the pathway. At one point they were giggling at their daddy putting one in their mama’s hair. This is about the time I felt like my heart was going to explode. Filled to the brim!
The Steyer family was so down to earth and full of love for each other. These were their first family photos together. I’m honored to have gotten to peek into their little bubble and capture just an hour of them being a silly, close-knit, loving family.
I’d love to document your family in whatever season you’re in. Reach out here to get started. 🙂
Mary McKinley Photography
Homer, Alaska
907.435.1303
marymckinleyphoto@gmail.com
Mary McKinley is a wedding and family photographer based in Homer, Alaska. Servicing the local area of Homer and the Kenai Peninsula. Often provides services for weddings across the state of Alaska, the U.S. and worldwide.
Mary McKinley Photography
Homer, Alaska
907.435.1303
marymckinleyphoto@gmail.com