Suspending the Sands of Time

The Lindholm Family at The Moorings Village

When the way you ‘do life’ changes so completely, as it has for most of us this past year, memories start to gather sharp focus in a way they didn’t before. Birthday parties, dinners and dancing, barbecues, game nights with friends—all of these seemingly ordinary events have become almost sacred from the effect of their scarcity. Which is why these family portraits in Islamorada, Florida, shot just before the pandemic entered our lives, feel so very special.

I am often asked if I do family portraits in addition to my wedding and editorial photography. The answer is yes. And the reason is below… keep reading.

Once in a while, an email visits my inbox and leaves me filled to the brim with gratitude and complete awe. It’s one of those emails that reminds me exactly why I do what I do. Like the one I’m going to tell you about… 

Ahead of the pandemic, in January 2020, I headed back to one of my favorite beaches in Islamorada, Florida to document the growing family of Maggie + Ryan. I documented their wedding on that same beach ten years ago.

Now, with three darling children, they returned to capture their evolving journey with family portraits in Islamorada, Florida. As the kids played in the sand and chased each other in front of the water, we could never have known how special these moments were, given all the change that was imminently heading our way. 

When I shoot the wedding of one of my clients, I don’t see it as a one-off event. I don’t even see it as a special season that I get to be a part of. I see it as the beginning of a beautiful journey together, from engagement to marriage, to the ongoing growth and changes in their journey—whether their family doubles or stays the same. I am here for it, camera ready.

A year in the life of a child, or a family with small children, is filled with growth and changes and milestone events. From walking, to first birthdays, to losing teeth or learning to play an instrument—so much life can happen in the span of one year. And witnessing that growth is so vital to our connections with one another.

I have reflected on this truth often over the past year, as I recount the many milestones I’ve had the privilege of documenting. This January, as Maggie also reflected on 2020, she shared with me (here’s that email) an incredibly touching sentiment. A story about her mother, and what these photos mean to her:

“When I was growing up, my mom had a saying whenever she came across something really extra special. She’d tell my siblings and I that she was taking this with her to the home. Meaning, when she got to the end of her days, downsizing to a nursing home, she’d only bring along her absolute most cherished possessions. For some reason, that silly saying always stuck with me. Long story short, the beautiful photos you have taken of my family… “I’m taking them with me to the home.”  They are so special. Especially these three:

One.

I see a little glimpse of my baby girl in this one. I’ll never forget how she just walked right up, ready to go first and make the day special. I love her confidence when she’s happy.

Two.

Because I love to think of these sweet sisters running around a beautiful beach all afternoon, pretending to be puppies. Not a care in the world, just barking and digging in the sand, that’s a good day 🙂

Three.

When I look at this picture I can actually hear his little laugh, priceless.

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For me, in my work and in my life, there is nothing more meaningful than creating beauty in the world that truly matters to people and their lives. Documenting the little nuances  and memories of childhood is an honor I find simply priceless. Taking time to reflect on the importance of family and being together will always be significant, but never more appreciated than ever before.

Personally, I couldn’t agree with Maggie more:

What will I pack to take ‘to the home’?
Probably all photographs. 

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“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

—Aaron Siskind

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See another one of my favorite portrait sessions on the beach: