Summer Sunset Mini Session | St. Louis Family Photography | Jordan Parks Photography

If you know me, like really know me in real life, you know that the past couple years have been difficult for myself and my family. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness in March of 2016. I went from living a normal life to becoming extremely limited in many different aspects. We moved from our teeny tiny little house into a much larger home, and it’s a wonderful home for the boys, but the beautiful, golden light that I was spoiled with at the old place disappeared. Being sick and exhausted all the time kind of zapped my creativity. I LIVE for golden hour…that warm light at the end of the day that wraps you up like a cozy blanket. I stopped photographing my kids almost entirely with my “big girl camera.” I stopped doing a lot of things. I had to limit the amount of sessions that I took, which also depleted my creativity.

The biggest challenge that myself and my three boys have faced over the past year is the loss of their Dad, who passed away in April of 2018. Very unexpected. It’s been a challenge to say the least. Ultimately, this has helped me grow as a person. It’s helped me to realize that I am stronger than I ever thought. It’s showed me who and what are important in my life. It has gifted me with a new sense of purpose. It’s not easy being a single Mom to three kids. It’s not easy being a single Mom with three kids living with a chronic illness. BUT. It’s something that I am trying my best at doing every single day. A lot of people ask how we are doing, and I want you to know that we really are doing great. The kindness and generosity that my family has been on the receiving end of is humbling.

This session was EXACTLY what I needed. A new start in a sense. I’ve been playing around with some new editing techniques, and I absolutely am in love with this look. THIS is how I want to photograph your family. I have done many, many sessions like this one, but THIS, this did something to me. It made me fall back in love with my job. I want to capture your family like this. Playful moments, quiet moments, crazy moments. Yes, we will do the posed pictures where you are all smiling at the camera. And I’m sure you’ll be quick to frame those. But those little in-between moments are the ones that matter. Trust me on this.

Thank you Molly and family for sharing your sweet little family with me again. This is by far the most favorite session I have done with you guys:)

Every day is a gift, friends. Get in the frame with your kids. It’s important.

Jordan Parks Photography specializes in modern portraits and lifestyle photography for newborns, children, families and high school seniors. Booking is now open for 2020. To get in touch, email jordanparksphotography@gmail.com.