Home is where your story begins.
That’s why I love anytime that I get to document a family in their home or on their property…it adds such a special touch to a session, and this one was truly meaningful. Mom (Nikki) reached out to book this session, but was really candid with me that this was a challenging season after a deep loss for her family. They were walking with fresh heartache, but her husband had purchased these images for their family. It wasn’t until we got closer to the shoot that Nikki was reminded of how important these moments are, especially when someone you love is no longer around. Her words really struck me: “Take the picture! Those memories are so important.” I could tell this session wasn’t just about capturing smiles, but about holding onto the precious moments they share as a family.
This quartet lives a full and active life on their farm, and that’s why Nikki and I decided to do the session right there, where their roots are. Joel farms and works in crop insurance, while Nikki, after a decade as a TV reporter, now teaches TV and radio classes at Iowa Central Community College. Their girls keep them busy with 4H, mini-milers, basketball, wrestling, and t-ball, and they’re a gang who is always on-the-go! Although it was important to incorporate the land and their lifestyle into the photos, that wasn’t just a backdrop.This is their home, their livelihood, and where they’ve built their life together. Before the session, I visited the farm to check out the lighting and get a feel for the best spots. I’m so glad we did that because we ended up using some unexpected places; like the creek, their crazy dog, and even their kitties! These impromptu moments turned into some of their favorite shots (and mine!).
Mom shared with me that her daughters, Ava and Jill, have such different personalities, and it was beautiful to see that come through in the photos. Ava, at 10, is blossoming into a young lady, while 6-year-old Jill has a lively, sassy spirit. Throughout the session, I made sure to let the girls be themselves. I’ve got kiddos of my own, so I completely understand the unpredictability that can come with children! That’s what makes these sessions so fun: capturing their real personalities in those little candid moments. One of my favorite parts of the shoot was just letting the kids play. We got some great shots of them jumping into the creek, which turned out to be such a carefree and natural moment. We also included their beloved farm animals, and I’m so glad we did.
Although she had concerns about matching outfits, Nikki and I worked together, and I helped guide her through color palettes and outfit coordination. I want every family to feel confident and comfortable, and sometimes the little details, like accessories, help make that happen.
But what really stood out during this session was the love this family shares and the significance of these memories. The photos are not just pictures to them; they are memories, moments frozen in time that they can look back on, especially during hard times. Nikki said something that really stuck with me: “I wish we could have taken a full family photo with my dad before he got sick. That would have been so valuable to us!” Her words remind me of how meaningful, and sometimes sobering, capturing life as it is, before time slips away.
I’m so grateful that the Rasmussens chose me to be their photographer, especially for such a personal and emotional time in their lives. We first met through our daughters’ kindergarten class and wrestling, and from there, our families connected. Knowing their story, and being able to provide them with these memories, was a truly humbling experience. At the end of the day, it’s moments like these that remind us all to take the picture: no matter how you feel in the moment, those memories will become more valuable than you can ever imagine.
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