The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose. She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business. She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else. She LOVED nursing! Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again. As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching. I loved that no two days were ever the same. I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose. I loved the students and coworkers. But I did not love the schedule. I felt very confined. When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer! I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes. I love making my own schedule. I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come. I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions. But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them! I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family! For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE SPENCE - WALDROP FAMILY

I first met the Ceanne and Ben in June of 2017 when they were searching for a photographer to take maternity portraits. I remember that she posted an “in search of” post on Facebook in a group and someone mentioned Smith Family Photography. She ended up hiring me to capture this beautiful time in her family’s life and it was amazing! That particular day was not raining, however it rained for a few days before the session. The ground was still holding water and there were puddles everywhere. I asked her if she’d like to reschedule, but she wanted to just go with it. As we carefully walked on the property (I was so nervous she would slip and fall) I distinctly remember telling me that she was not photogenic. Seriously! Look at her! I then photographed Peyton as a newborn and several sessions throughout his first year at many holidays - Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July. When he turned one we had a great time making a HUGE mess with cake for his One Year Cake Smash Session. He had a trail of cake following him everywhere he crawled! Since that time I have captured Ceanne’s senior portraits, designed several collages for their family using their own photographs, and earlier this month I was lucky enough to capture the wedding of Ceanne and Ben. The Spence Family is now the Waldrop Family.

Two short months later I had the honor of meeting, and photographing, their adorable baby boy named Peyton! I still remember this session because Peyton surprised his daddy with a homemade gift…oops!

Throughout the next four months Peyton was growing and becoming stronger each and every day. I was lucky enough to capture his first Christimas portraits, along with some really fun family portraits! In fact, one of their family portraits from this time is one of my favorite of all time.

December 2017 - Family/Christmas session

Throughout Peyton’s first year they continued to document his growth through portraits at many of the holidays such as Easter and the Fourth of July.

A few months later, Peyton would turn one. Every one year old needs a One Year Cake Smash Session!

The very next year in June, Ceanne and Ben would be married on the shores of Lake Limestone. It was an extremely hot summer day for their beautiful outdoor wedding! Sunflowers were everywhere with the scenic lake behind them as they said exchanged vows under the blue Texas sky. The reception continued as the sun set of the lake creating gorgeous colors in the sky.

For two years now I have been capturing the memories for not only Ben, Ceanne and Peyton, but also for many of their family members. I absolutely LOVE being their family photographer and I’m looking forward to many more sessions in the years to come!

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”

— Dorothea Lange

THIS IS THE EIGTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!