Katelin & Charlie [Greensboro, NC Lifestyle Photographer]

There is something really beautiful about being invited into someone else’s home. This is largely why I love lifestyle shoots. They allow you to just be. People often underestimate how fascinating they are by existing in the awe of their own simplicity and natural being. Traditional portraiture asks that you polish up, dress well, make sure the kids are behaved, make sure the family plasters on one emotion - usually a forcible smile - for 60 minutes, and present as one societally polite version. There’s nothing wrong with these images and they are still beautiful, but they don’t get to the heart of who you really are and how you are connected to your loved ones. Lifestyle is all about connection. It celebrates every emotion. It does not require one specific reaction or type of wardrobe. It is as laid back and relaxed as it gets. It probably doesn’t even feel like a shoot. And that’s because it really is a documentary of you. I act more as an observer and a friend. It’s no different than inviting a companion over for the afternoon. I just happen to have a camera, follow you around, get to know your home, and find beauty and tell a story through moments frozen in time.

Lifestyle is the reminder that you are beautiful as you are, fascinating as you are, dang interesting and mesmerizing…as you are. The dynamic color of emotions and micro-experessions captured in lifestyle are things that cannot be cued or replicated in a standard shoot. On a warm, sunny weekend in May, I got to spend the afternoon with Katelin and her sweetest baby, Charlie. We hung out inside and played with the (very compliant;)) cat, spread a blanket on the lawn, chased bubbles, and enjoyed the slow pace of life. I’ve loved watching her wee one grow. My lens has seen him from the outside perspective as he grew in utero, as a teeny two week old, and now at almost one year. I count it an honor and a joy to be part of people’s lives in this way.

From my lens to you, enjoy motherhood on Katelin and her wee one.