When people hire me to do their photos...

What they're really doing is inviting me into their life.

Not in a "Hi, I put on my good face for you today" sort of way...

But a "This is actually what my family truly looks like" sort of way.

And sometimes, those invitations overwhelm me with responsibility.

The honesty...

Personalities...

And REAL moments contained in these shoots...

They're pretty epic. (Just like this picture.)

And they're just waiting to be snatched up and remembered for a lifetime.

But sometimes being real and honest isn't all laughter and hugs and smiles.

Sometimes being real and honest is hard work... and might even require some tears and tender moments.

But the results - one family's entire colorful essence wrapped up in images...

Are always worth it. :)

Mulder family... thanks for inviting me into your life, and for showing me what your family truly looks like. You guys rock. :)

Dear Emely,  

We met in college.

I was a little high school student taking college classes trying to figure out my degree, and you were older (still are!) - a math genius.

You were technically my brother's nerd-friend first, but we hit it off right away. Mostly because we were both homeschooled and loved Jesus.

You used to write me imaginary stories about frogs. It was then I discovered your obsession with the small creatures you adore. (Not gonna lie, it was a little weird at first.)

We would sit in the hallways discussing Calvinism, modesty, the inerrancy of scripture, and easy believism. (Ya know... all those fluffy topics...)

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, you came to sit with us during his first 12 hour surgery. A long grueling day... made brighter by your smile.

Then you started dating this guy named Trevor - a fellow nerd in your class.

It wasn't long before you were engaged and you asked me to stand on stage and watch as you said "I do!" to your new husband.

We've both moved around a lot. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, etc. We were never exactly neighbors.

And sometimes we go a looooong time between seeing each other. (Like two years. Ya know, no big deal.)

But I'm always so thankful when we get to sit down and talk. (Mostly about modesty and Calvinism and stuff like that!)

Because no matter how long it is between our chats, it always feels like we've been friends for ages.

And even if we're never close enough to be neighbors...

My day is always made brighter by your smile. :)

SO fun to hang out with you and your husband. Happy early anniversary!

Love you girlie,

Amanda