Connecting for portraits

My work gives me many joys, the number one of which is connection. The first piece of that is easy to describe, and this session exemplified it. Heather and I have crossed paths many times, as community volunteers, where she provided diversity and inclusion education. I was continually wowed by Heather’s wisdom and her ability to share that knowledge in a comfortable and accessible way. I was also fortunate to receive valuable coaching from her, as I made decisions around building the second career that landed me at Habitat for Humanity. So, when I get the chance to connect with someone like Heather, in the context of meeting her family, it really is something I see as a huge gift that allows me to deepen my connection with her.

However, there is another piece of connection that leaves me very fulfilled in my work and that is watching the others connect. The ease and love that this family has with each other, the way they grab each other’s hands, the way they share laughs, and the way they seem to “just know” how the other is about to react and how they give space for each other, was so peaceful (and yes, I did just use the word peaceful for a family with two children under the age of 5) and fulfilling to witness. I don’t have the words to explain how I am richer from these experiences of capturing connection, but I can tell you it leaves me grateful and a stronger person in this world.

I am also super thankful that these four met me early in the morning, at one of their favourite parks! Fact: if you are a morning person, and willing to meet me early, I will be a little extra pumped for your session where we won’t have to share park space with others or fight with extra bright light. Thank you Evans family for sharing yourselves with me on this super fun morning!