It wasn’t that long ago that I decided to officially start doing family sessions. I used to dread doing family sessions, but as I changed the way I work with families, I have completely shifted and now come to absolutely love them. And as with any area of photography, there are sessions that are great and there are sessions that are phenomenal. This family session is one that I hold very close to my heart. Knowing the family in front of the camera makes the moments become even more special.
I met Mariana when I was studying photography. We were a group of students who were always in the photo lab, day in and day out, and she was one of the students. Mariana was one of the people always happy to see you, always happy to help you in any way she could, and always just bringing a sense of warmth everywhere she went. She and I actually ended up graduating together. Caps on, throwing our hats in the air, and then parting ways – onto our journey into real life.
A while later, after I had my daughter, I got to hear that Mariana was pregnant. And such a terrific timing, as I was just starting with maternity photography. We planned her maternity session and the excitement was high. One day she texted me that her baby daughter was born, early. Her family had some time ahead of them in the NICU, and she kept updating me on their journey. It was such a joy getting to follow along as they made their way to bring their baby daughter home.
And this little girl, with a warrior soul. She kept proving everyone wrong, graduated early from the NICU and has since kept surprising everyone with her progress. I am SO honored that I have gotten to follow along on her journey, and slowly getting to know her.
This mighty little girl is an absolute joy to be around. Truth to be told, she is one of the happiest kids I have ever met. There’s not many moments where she isn’t full of giggles. The absolute hardest part of this family session was narrowing down the images, because little Athena is just stealing the show in each and every photo, making it almost impossible to take any out.
Thinking back to the days in the photo lab, I already knew Mariana would become an amazing mama. She is so caring, looking out for everyone. And look at the family she has created. Getting the chance to capture this family, and spend some time making memories together was such a heart warming event. There’s so much love in every single moment with these three. I don’t know if starting off your family journey in the NICU makes you stronger, but I can tell you that it surely can’t make you weaker. The proof is right here in these photos.
