Documenting Family Transitions in Damariscotta Maine

This peak fall family session encapsulated joy and play! Brooke wanted family photographs of this season of their lives, as they were growing from a family of five to six. We met early on a weekend morning at Coastal Rivers Nature Center in Damariscotta, joined only by a few bird watchers visiting the preserve. We took it slow, taking breaks for snacks, rock collecting, racing, and stops by the river. The photographs reflect the families playful dynamic, the smiles, laughs, and curiosity - preserving a moment of transition.

Incorporating joy and play into family photography

By the water, we crouched down to inspect the rocks, searching for treasures, and sharing discoveries. Up through the meadows and on the grass, the family piggy-back raced down the trails and snuggled together under the trees. It’s my job as a photographer to see you. Brooke’s family was full of joy and laughter - and the photographs are a reflection of this love language.

Your family photographs can be completely your own. In fact, they should be 100% you - including where we go, what you do, and what you wear. My own definition of family photography continues to expand, and I seek opportunities for family photography that showcases the beauty in your everyday life (not some highly perfected pose).

Family photography at Coastal Rivers Nature Center in Midcoast Maine

This coastal preserve in the Midcoast is one of my favorite little gems of the area. With trails weaving through meadows and forests, and access to inlets and the river, outdoor sessions here create opportunity wonder, play, and quiet. The kids led the way through the different grassy paths and down to their favorite spots by the water, where they explored the rocky coast and climbed over the rocks and logs. Taking moments to pause and break allowed opportunity for some moments of connection and stillness (some of my favorites)!

Because we had over an hour together, the session was not at all rushed. As a documentary photographer, I focus on balancing a few of those ‘for grandma’s fridge’ portraits and more authentic moments. Though I definitely tend to favor the later. I am interested in the times when you let your guard down, look at your loved ones, and feel 100% you. I recognize it’s always a little award when someone’s got a camera around you. But when we have plenty of time and create moments for connection and play, those candid opportunities arise.

Maternity photography to document a time of transition

Finding the time to take family photographs can be hard. With everyone’s school, job, sports practices, recitals, parties, etc., time can move forward at breakneck speed with little opportunity to connect and remember it all. Setting aside time for family photographs feels like a little gift to present and future selves. It’s ~2 hours to connect with your people (away from screens + work + distraction). For your love language to be seen and reflected back to you. And as an added bonus, you walk away with photographs that freeze this moment in time.

I approach maternity photography as creating time capsule of this current time - this moment of transition. Brooke mentioned her plans to print the photographs from our time together and frame them on her walls (she had the frames all ready to go!) To remind them of this season of their life where they slowed down a bit together.

I even offer a maternity/newborn package so that you can create special memories together as you grow. Get in touch to learn more!

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