@katieandkinceramics’s text to me after she got her portrait gallery has stuck with me. 🥹 Since that time I’ve heard this sentiment echoed in all kinds of other corners of my life (does this happen to you? Like you hear/see something once and then all of a sudden it’s all around your life, or at least your brain is seeing that truth more clearly and everywhere?) You can read her text message in the second slide, but it echoes a gratitude for what it means to share yourself with your children. In the thick of parenthood, our kids see a certain side of us most of the time—making PBJs, carrying loads of laundry, keeping schedules and and yes, fun adventures too because those are things we try to prioritize. And sometimes our passions and talents, and even our work can take a back burner. It was just a few months ago that I had to explain to my youngest kid exactly what I did for work. She was like, wait, you take photos for work??? 🤣 Do they always get to see the artfulness of YOU? Do they know the side of you that creates art and music and whimsy? Do they know the incredible and intentional work you’re doing for others even under a layer of pure chaos that maybe you juggle alongside it? And maybe these these pictures aren’t for your kids, but for your community, for your siblings, for your friends. There is something about showing up for a couple of hours in the studio and letting another person really see you that—I like to think—gets you clearer on seeing YOURSELF too. As Katie and I were texting this morning, and I asked for her permission to share her words, she added, “Having these photos makes me think of photos of my grandmother when she was young wearing pointy bras.“ And that just resonated so much and made me smile so big!!! Because I have a picture of MY grandma in a crop top that I absolutely love for the reason: it’s her spunky spirit that I knew as “grandma” in an age when she was just a 20-something friend hiking with her husband. So, if you’ve been thinking of portraits, I’d love to talk to you about how we could capture you in colors/ways/places/styles that will remind you of YOU and will b a gift to your loved ones both now + in the future. ❤️