I have to be honest- I cried the first time I looked at this portrait. It’s absolutely stunning to me. Jaimee’s smile, hair flying around her face, sweet Bennett playing peek-a-boo with the camera and laughing at his mama. Maybe it’s because I’m a boy mom (Do I actually qualify for that title if I have boys and girls???) and there is nothing like a snuggle from your baby boy. Or maybe it’s because it’s just so real.

Technically speaking there are small imperfections that could be altered to create a sharper image. But doesn’t it seem that striving for perfection steals the authenticity of the moment? This isn’t a portrait I could have staged. We might have tried- but Bennett would be expecting the capture so his smile would be strained, Jaimee would be thinking about me, the photographer, rather than this sweet moment with her son.

Perhaps this is the challenge of photographing families I love the most. Finding ways to take myself out of the frame and spotlight the relationships of the people within the frame.

But enough about me— let’s talk about this adorable (soon-to-be) family of 5!

I have had the honor of watching the Moss family since the beginning of their journey. Years upon years ago Jaimee and I met as college freshman (GO DAWGS!). I remember sitting on her bed in our sorority house listening to stories about the cute guy from her hometown she was dating and weighing options of what to wear on their next date. A lifetime later (or at least it seems that way) we met up in Canton, Georgia for a family maternity session as Jaimee and Adam prepare to meet their first little girl!

We met at one of the beautiful historic homes in downtown Canton. Despite a rainy day, mud puddles that looked WAY more fun than “Mrs. Kate the photographer” and a little tummy trouble these boys were champs! (Including Dad).  Biggest brother Davis was full of fun poses to try and wanted to join me in being the photographer for a shot of their growing boot collection.

(Have I mentioned one of those things Jaimee and I bonded over all those years ago were cowboy boots?? It definitely was!)

Of course- I may have snuck a few pictures of Davis rolling his eyes and making peace signs just to torture him with in years to come. Bennett hammed it up for me as well and took pride in standing with his hands on his belt like the sheriff of Canton during most of his portraits. I love a kid with spirit! Baby sister is definitely in good hands with these big brothers around.

One of the things I told Jaimee during this session (and cringed afterwards) was how excited I was she was “getting a girl”. Okay- full transparency. When I was pregnant with my first boy after 2 girls I loathed that statement. I was perfectly content having only girls. But now that I have a boy I completely understand what people meant. Not that having a boy instead of girl #3 was ‘better’- it’s just really fun to experience all the boyness after 2 girls. So Jaimee- I’m sorry. If that came out wrong just know this. Having 3 boys would have been an amazing experience- but having a girl is just a brand new adventure and I’m glad you are getting that experience. The pigtails and nail polish, the way-too-early wardrobe opinions, and the attitude I thought wouldn’t come until preteen years?? It’s all waiting for you!

Sidebar: It was my first visit to Canton and I was amazed at the amount of people keeping their cute downtown area hopping on a rainy Sunday (because we’ve only had rainy Sundays for about 3 months now) but it turns out they were filming a movie! How fun is that? I don’t remember what movie but I bet Jaimee can fill me in. 

Thank you so much Jaimee, Adam, Davis, and Bennett for spending the afternoon with me and letting me preserve such an exciting time for your family. I can’t wait to meet Baby Sister any day now!

PS- Jaimee, it’s Wednesday;)