Look at each other and laugh.

This is one of my favorite posing prompts because typically it begins with fake laughter, weird looks, and awkwardness but results in real laughter and beautiful photos. At our session, I used it with Brian and Ethan, expecting the usual transition from goofy to real, awkward to awesome. Instead, what I got was two guys who didn't really know what to do, and Brian actually pushed Ethan out of the frame while he looked and laughed. It was hysterical. I suppose ultimately, it worked out because then the two of them cracked up (so did the rest of us) but the path there was not the usual one for me.

But you could say that about most experiences with the Grout family. Each one is an adventure. Nothing is ever boring with them around, and things don't typically go the way you might expect. This photo shoot was no different. From the moment we started talking through Sarah's shot list, we knew there would be bumps, detours, and distractions. The goal? Capture this beautiful family in the midst of it all, and embrace the chaos. (Sometimes that's just what you have to do in life.)

Brian and Sarah have definitely learned to embrace the chaos over the last few years. 3 kids (one a graduating senior), 2 dogs, a cat, and a gecko leave little room for relaxing and down time. Add in work, pastoring a church, and any attempt at a social life, and you can understand how chaos might ensue. Despite it all, their love for God and for their family shines brightly. They are lights in this broken world, and those who know them are better off for it.

Every time someone chooses me as their photographer, I feel especially honored. There's something so extraordinary and profound about having the opportunity to capture memories and milestones, relationships and personalities. Photo sessions are about so much more than a pretty picture; they're about capturing the moment because we all know time slips away all too quickly. But because of my relationship with Brian and Sarah and their kids, this session was even more special than usual. Joe and I have known their family for a little over 5 years (although it feels like we've known them our whole lives). And they have become our "chosen" family. So having the chance to photograph this session was an incredible privilege. I'm so excited about how it turned out. Thank you, Brian and Sarah, for trusting me with this session! We love you bunches!