Sharing a handful of my favorite family moments from April (except our trip to the Oregon Coast is not included - hopefully blogging this soon!). Images are from dinner out for Emily's birthday, playing puzzles with daddy, how 7th graders do homework, playing with our food during lunch, and a little bit of Easter fun!
This is Corri, my very first Senior Model Rep from Mt. Spokane High School! This session took place on Greenbluff at High Country Orchard and it was the perfect place to kick off the senior season...a beautiful warm May night + gorgeous blooming orchard! Corri has been dancing for 10 years and has played the piano since the age of 8. She plays on a baby grand piano at home. Her favorite part of High School is cheer and dance team. Big sister, Lexi, jumped into a few shots at the end of the session and I just loved capturing these two together. And the cute vintage bikes are really their bikes (not just props!). So fun!
I am thrilled to have Corri representing Leaving A Mark Photography this year!!
This little guy had so many fun expressions and the most beautiful blue eyes! And there is just something so darn cute about little boys in jeans and button-down shirts! One of my favorites from this session is the last image where Orryn is holding Sophie the Giraffe (miracle teething toy). He was starting to let us know that he thought the session should be over and mama picked him up to offer a little comfort. Those unplanned moments always make the best images!
For the past two years I have had the opportunity to volunteer for YoungLives. YoungLives is a division of Young Life that supports teen moms (and dads too!). A "club" event takes place each month where local teen moms are invited to share a meal, watch a skit, create something, and learn more about Jesus. They also receive packs of diapers, wipes, and baby clothing. Volunteers provide childcare for club nights as well. The girls that I have met through this program are stronger then you can ever imagine; some of them are pregnant as young as 13 and without a safe place to live. Many of them are trying to finish school and provide as best as they can for their child. It’s safe to say that most of them are on their own with very little financial resources and emotional support. YoungLives is a safe place for them to be themselves and to hopefully receive a break from the day-to-day struggles they face. I can feel the love in the room on club nights…hugs shared between friends, encouraging conversation, laughter, and kids playing with each other. Our club is growing with sometimes as many as 12 girls + babies coming. I feel blessed to be able to photograph club events and special events like this Mommy & Me session in April. The girls received prints of these images at our Mother’s Day club last night. I see strength, perseverance, and beauty in these images…the sweetest little children loving and smiling up at their mamas.
Learn more about the Mead YoungLives Club here. We meet at Branches Church the first Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. Contact Linda McDonald at lmcdonald@my.whitworth.edu for more information.
