Family Photo Sessions | Documenting Your Love Story

Friends, I bet you believe just like I do:

Nothing matters more than family.

The people we choose to surround ourselves with make life better. They make it worth it. I read this quote recently:

Which matters more, the journey or the destination?

Answer: The company

It doesn’t matter what we do or where we go if we don’t have loved ones to share it with. This is why I photograph families. I want you to remember the feeling of loving and being loved.

This feeling is what I channel with my families. I want to show you the love that I see. I know how magical it feels in the arms of the person you love. I know you want to hold your babies close and never let go. I know the smell of your newborn’s head is better to them than any rose. I know that for a child, the best place on earth is in the arms of their parents. To be seen by them, acknowledged and validated.

To be loved, unconditionally.

Photos matter.

I can’t wait to make photographs of your family love story.

Mother's Day Can Be Hard

I wrote this last year and the sentiment still stands. I wanted to re-post with my current feelings. Many of the situations I described previously definitely apply to mamas, mamas-meant-to-be, and people that did or didn’t feel mothered or fathered.

AND- there are many feelings that I cannot relate to or imagine that you may be experiencing.

My point in writing this is to let you know that you are not alone. I don’t know a single person that doesn’t have some complicated feelings around this “holiday”. I think we need to let go of any expectation around Mother’s Day. Why is Mother’s Day hyped up more than Father’s Day? Is the fact that this made up holiday receives so much more attention than Father’s Day proof that dads may not be keeping up with moms? Or is it that dad’s are putting in just as much effort and are not being recognized for it?

Do you have strong feelings either way? Does Mother’s Day trigger sad, angry, or confused feelings for you? Do you wish holidays like this would cease to exist? Or should we celebrate even more holidays like this, such as “Best Friend’s Day”, “Dog Day” (this gets my vote), or “Delivery Person Day” (very important to the online shopper).

Whatever your feelings, I wish you restful and serene Sunday.

I love this quote:

“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” -Oprah Winfrey

To all of you mamas and those that are filling the role of mother, I send you love.

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Published May 8, 2021:

Mamas,

Mother’s Day is a holiday that’s wrapped up in so many complicated feelings. We love our babies (of course) and genuinely enjoy celebrating an incredibly meaningful role: Motherhood.

And yet.

Some of us are grieving the loss of our own mothers.

Some of us are mourning the loss of babies.

Some of us are sad that we have complicated relationships with our mothers, or none at all.

Some of us never had a mother at all.

Some of us are meant to be mothers and are unable to.

Some of us are overwhelmed by complicated family dynamics.

I’m writing this to you, mama, to tell you that you are not alone. We’re all feeling this way and struggling. It’s ok and we’re all normal! Feeling a mix of emotions on Mother’s day or even disliking the holiday doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.

In my photography I get to photograph many mothers and I’m always blown away by their strength and love. We’re all doing the best we can.

I see you, mama. Take care of yourself the way you do your babies. Your heart deserves love and tenderness just as much as they do. You matter.

Love,

Vanessa

The River Sessions | Yuma, AZ Fine Art Mini Sessions

The River Sessions are back, this year happening in June! The Colorado River is the heart of Yuma. If you grew up here like I did, you most likely spent long summer days on the water. The scent of the water and the brush of warm air on my cheek takes me right back to those memories. A little girl still light and dreamy before the weight and rush of the world became known.

Our river is the lifeline for our farming town. It’s beauty and importance to our community is undeniable.

For all of these reasons, it seems only natural to use the banks of our River as the backdrop for the next mini session event!

The River Sessions

A once a year, limited time event taking place this summer. Fine Art Mini Sessions that capture your beauty and love in our river, the heart and soul of Yuma. For couples, children, maternity, and boudoir.

• Your kiddos will experience the wonder and fun of the River with a childhood mini

• Capture the magic of your growing belly with a maternity mini

• Document your beautiful resilience with a boudoir mini

• Connect with your partner as you lose yourself together with a couples mini

Your memories will be preserved with Fine Art Photos to enjoy and treasure forever.