Family Photography in Montgomery
Ashley Newman Photography
Big families, small families. Families who have lost. Families who have adopted. Families with disabilities, or special needs. All families- it doesn’t matter who you are or how you made your family. It only matters that you love one another and want to document that love.
But it can be hard to gather the courage and energy to face the camera. I relate to that sentence so much.
I personally have a lot of reasons I do not like to have my picture taken- my family is big and loud…I never get to properly take care of myself and don’t feel like myself when I look in the mirror some days (mom life, I know you get it), and honestly it is just hard. It can feel overwhelming to plan outfits and prepare on top of all of it. My oldest child has Down Syndrome and ASD. Most days aren’t hard, but when it comes to family picture day- he legit hates the camera. Pair that with his tendency to elope and run away and a family photo session is basically a disaster waiting to happen.
The tall grass bothers him. He doesn’t want to just sit still and smile or pose. My other two have already run off. The photographer didn’t realize how much work we would be…lol we are a hot mess express. Can you see it? All of us running around a field chasing one kiddo who genuinely hates the process?
I get it. I truly do. But every year, I make myself get up, plan outfits, hire a photographer, get professional hair and make up done and chase my children in a field. Because the pictures I get from it are worth all the effort it takes.
If you feel worried or overwhelmed by a part of the process- I understand you. My own experiences with my family guide me when I work with others. My children color my world and have given me my heart and passion for what I do.
Having left my teaching career to pursue my art and stay home with my children, it is truly an honor to be able to continue to work with all different families.
This sweet family has such a depth and bravery- I am truly blessed to know them. Documenting a story where a piece is missing is hard. It’s hard on everyone involved but there is a tenderness and love that must be present. An understanding and gentleness that you have to bring with you in order to tell it properly.
The sun was bright behind them and lit them with a brilliance that made my heart soar. Even through the wild, the storms of life and the crazy of raising three children, we made some real magic happen.
I hope to be abed to show that same magic to every family that trusts me with their photos.
