Walker Photo Session

I couldn’t figure out what it was…buzzing on my arm. Apple Watch…alarm…still dark outside…sunrise photo shoot!  I grabbed my gear, prepped and packed the night before, and jumped on the golf cart to get set up on the beach before the sun could start to peek over the horizon. As the darkness was replaced with an explosion of fiery hues of gold, orange, magenta, and violet, I saw my clients coming through the beach access for the portrait session. I had planned it in my head the night before.  Braydon, Amelia, and little Josie looked so amazing in their wonderfully coordinated, but not too matchy, outfits of navy and cream that I knew would photograph beautifully on the beach! But wait…Josie’s little nose was red, her eyes were watering, and her head was sleepily on her Mommy’s shoulder. When I came up to introduce myself to them, I found out Josie had been sick. At 19 months, she wanted no part of this strange woman who wanted to take her picture at sunrise, and I didn’t blame her! It was now my job to reassure her Mom and Grandmother that I had this completely under control – and that I was not worried one bit…yeah right!  I realized my Type A, “plan the session out in my head” personality was going to have to adapt to get great pictures….

We started with Amelia and Braydon, to give Josie time to get used to seeing me with the camera around her siblings.  After awhile, she started to warm up and to explore the environment, and so I just let the moments happen…and “chased” them…a lot! But out of that, something wonderful emerged. I saw such trust in an outstretched hand – and such tenderness in Braydon’s hand that took Josie’s to help her step out of a tide pool, making sure she did not fall. I saw such love in Amelia’s arms that wrapped around Josie. Amelia whispered something in her ear as they looked down the beach as it came alive in the morning glow. It made me reflect, as I was taking the pictures, “These children were…are…so special!”

I just want to thank Karen Walker (their Grandmother), Jenn (their Mom), and the whole family. Thank you for trusting me to capture these moments with such beautiful and special children! It was my joy, and I appreciate the faith you had in me. 

Blessings…

Lisa