12/31/2022
As we wrap up each year I always enjoy going back through sessions and trying to pick my favorite of the year. Never easy to do, but this year was a little easier than most, even though we had some of our best sessions ever in 2022.
In June my dad asked if we’d take photos of he and my mom. I was ecstatic to finally have the opportunity to tell their story, but a bit hesitant because I assumed my dad would do what he usually does and not follow directions or gripe the whole session. To my astonishment my dad followed all directions and allowed us to capture their true story in photos.
My parents have been married for 41 years. In 41 years you can imagine the ups and downs they’ve been through; watched their children grow, welcomed 4 grand babies, started a business and conquered cancer to name a few (go Mom!)
Life seems pretty grand now, but it didn’t start out that way. In fact, when my mom and dad were in high school my mom was given the ultimatum to dump my dad or lose her 1970 Camaro. She chose my dad and said goodbye to her car. 6 years ago, my dad began hunting for that same car, and in 2019 surprised her with a 1970 Camaro just like she used to have, but in a different color. He likes working on cars and has spent a lot of time fixing it up. As much as I think it was a gift for himself as it was for her, deep down I believe it was his way of saying thank you for choosing me. When I thought about their session and how to tell their story, I wanted to make sure to capture the car that started it all.
Photographing family is never easy. There’s a little extra pressure delivering photos knowing you have to see these people for the rest of your life. And with my dad, I may never get a shot at telling their story like I did with this session, but in his own words, “These are the best fu***ng photos I’ve ever seen.”
Mission accomplished.
Here’s to 41 years and many more! Love you, Mom and Dad.
-Jake