21:30

{21:30}

Today, I got to photograph my friend & her son.  I think that she was the first person I told that I was thinking about perusing photography as a side job.  She said pretty quickly that I could practice with her kid.  I let lots of time pass because I tend to just talk out loud without any taking action.  I'm grateful that one day she said "Come over on 11/21" because I probably wouldn't have acted on my own words.  

This weekend, I was able to spend it with two families.  Yesterday, I photographed another family.  She's very aware that this was my first time & we both laughed about having to be lovey-dovey.  During the shoot, I said "Just pretend like you are so in love.  Smile & each other.  Whisper sweet nothings.  All the gooey things."  There was no reason for these words.  Love shines through & is hard to miss.

 It was fun to watch these women with their children.  There's a love that cannot be faked of staged & I'm so grateful that I got to witness it.

-Erika

p.s. Personally, I love that first shot.  It shows how she lets her son explore without fear.  He isn't told "No, that's really high."   I'm not sure she could stop him if she wanted.  But instead of fighting, they rely on a great balance of trust & love.