One of my most favorite family sessions to date, and it almost never happened due to a little thing called spam. Now I almost never check my spam folder but for some reason one day I was poking around in there and stumbled upon an email for an inquiry regarding a photo session. It wasn’t just for any old photo session though, it was for a military family session whose husband/father (Matthew) was home for just a few short weeks and would soon be getting deployed again. Now this email was already three weeks old so I was sure that this wife and mother (Meghan) had moved on to another photographer. I mean I came across as pretty rude having not responded for three weeks. So I responded back with my apologies and told her I’d love to chat if she hadn’t found someone else yet. Luckily I had emailed her back just in time. We hit it off the first time we spoke and I’m so grateful to have met this family.
Our military family session took place at Ocean Beach Park in New London. Having never been there before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it did not disappoint. From the carnival rides, to the walking trails, to the boardwalk, to the beach this place had it all. Not to mention the most beautiful sunset that took place that evening. Honestly, it was one of those sessions where everything falls into place and you leave having made new friends.
As I drove home after our session I got to thinking. I put myself in Meghan’s shoes and thought about what it must feel like being away from her husband for long periods of time and taking over sole responsibility of their child and being a single parent. Also, what it must feel like for Matthew being apart from his wife and little boy who only gets bigger by the day. I’m not part of a military family so I never really gave it too much thought. But since meeting this sweet family and hearing just little bits about what life is like for them really made me grateful that I don’t bear that same burden, and being a mother myself, selfishly hope I never have to. But more than that I’m in awe of our veterans, active military men and women and their families who sacrifice so very much to protect people like me and my family. I’m publishing this post on Veteran’s Day for a reason: to thank everyone who has, is and will serve in the military to protect our great country and the freedoms that we are so lucky to have.
Meghan, I hope you and your little guy are back in the arms of your hero very soon! In the meantime, may these memories captured during our session help get you through the tough days.
Here are some of my favorite images from our session.
The L Family: New London Military Family Session
FILED IN: Family
November 11, 2016
