If you are anything like me, your kids are your world. When the missus and I decided to add to our family seven years ago we expected some growing pains but we also knew there would be bright days. Looking back, my oldest son’s birthday was Tuesday, these seven years have been an incredible journey. But as my youngest ends his days of breastfeeding, my wife and I find ourselves in a new chapter of our relationship.
There are places where we have definitely grown apart, but a lot of places where we have grown together and grown up.
With Valentine’s right around the corner, I wanted to just urge you parents to take this week to rekindle those embers. Don’t wait until the 14th to do some grandiose expression (don’t get me wrong, DO something incredible… but don’t wait until the day itself!).
In case you are at a loss for ideas, I’m going to give you five great ideas that you can do without having to hire a babysitter!
 

July '19 we relocated to the Tampa area! It has been an incredible experience. The people here are so friendly and I really feel like I have a place in the community. Within a month I had several regular clients, who I love SO much!! I can't wait to continue growing in my craft.

Growing up, I wasn't very artistic. I remember a specific occasion when my sixth grade art teacher smashed any hopes and dreams I had of being visually creative. It was the year I turned to music. But in high school I picked up two years of photography for a challenge. I wasn't very good, honestly. Too shy to ask people to pose for me I ended up shooting mostly trees and barns (I grew up in Fargo, ND where there are an overabundance of both).

Jump ahead half a decade and I'm looking down at my new born son as he takes his first breath and looks up at me with his bright blue eyes. Never had I ever felt a need to photograph something as much as I did in that moment. I realized with each passing breath that every moment spent was another I could never get back. I picked up the camera once again, this time with a purpose.

Documenting my family as it grew and added another baby and then started to mature has been the greatest honor I could ever have imagined. Watching my wife as she has become the woman and mother I knew she would be has been amazing to capture and be a part of.

As my family grew and strengthened, I stepped away from my music and whole-heartedly stepped into the role of documentarian.  Learning from my family, especially the babies as they started to walk and then run has given me the tools to document any situation and capture the moment. Now I turn my sights on your family, your event, your moment. 

In the Fox River Valley, especially Batavia, we have some gorgeous parks and neighborhoods. I look forward to meeting your family where they are best. Show me your true self and I will capture that moment and freeze it in time.