Happy New Year! 2019 was a great year. I consider myself so lucky to have photographed so many delightful children, so many kind adults, so many gorgeous flowers.

There is one thing I noticed in taking all of these photos: our collective obsession with perfection. When we take family photos, we want "everyone looking and everyone smiling!" It's the imperative for family pictures. In 2020, let's allow ourselves to enjoy the people we love *as they are in this moment in time.* That includes your crazy kids. That includes *you.*

I always say this and it bears repeating: GET IN THE PHOTO. You're surrounded by people who love for who you are. They love you even if you haven't lost those last 10 pounds. They love you despite the fact that you haven't had time to get your roots done. They love you even though you haven't bought yourself something new to wear in a few years. Your family wants these memories of you and all of your wonderful imperfections.

Children are already perfect; we treasure them just as they are. So the logical thing is to hire a photographer and pay her lots of money to capture that perfection. Then those kids go and ruin a perfectly good photo by crying! Even worse, they're running around and not listening! Ugh, they're not even smiling at the camera. And their hair is so messed up! Now everyone is unhappy. What happened??

Enjoy the crying, the sulking, the running around. They might not look at the camera and smile for every photo (I'll do my best!) but give yourself permission to enjoy the photos of their tongues sticking out. It's ok. Give yourself permission to step into those photos with them, too. Enjoy the chaos! By the time they're able to sit completely still and pose for the camera, they'll be that much closer to leaving the nest. 

I want to offer something new in 2020: "Day in the Life" photos. Put everyone in PJs or sweatpants (whatever is comfortable) and I'll hang out quietly, a fly on the wall, capturing your family in those precious moments at home that we rarely get images of. I'll make a lovely black and white book for you to treasure. What do you say? I'm booking these all year so just choose which time of the year is least crazy for you. Make it your gift to yourself in 2020. BOOK A DAY IN THE LIFE

Happy New Year to you and yours. Let's always believe in ourselves. We are infinitely capable of change and growth. Here are some not-so-perfect images for you to enjoy.  :)

Peace,

Dawn           xoxo