What do you do when an old friend reaches out and asks you to photograph her family with three absolutely wonderful godchildren? You say yes, of course. That is exactly what I did when Jen contacted me about taking photos of her and her husband, Chuck, while their godchildren were visiting over spring break.
And somehow, the weather decided to cooperate beautifully. The green was greening, everything felt fresh, and spring showed up exactly when we needed it to. Central Coast weather does enjoy keeping us humble, so I never take that for granted.
The three siblings got along like siblings do. There was plenty of personality, a little teasing, and all the familiar energy that comes from growing up together. Each of them was so different, and getting to photograph who they were both together and on their own was such a treat.
What stayed with me most, though, was watching Jen and Chuck with them. There was so much ease and affection between all five of them. Nothing felt forced. They simply knew each other well, cared for one another deeply, and fit together like family.
Some people seem to have been made to love and look after everyone’s kids. Jen and Chuck are those people.
You could see it in the way the kids relaxed around them, the way they laughed together, and all the small moments in between. These are the kinds of relationships that deserve to be remembered, not because they are perfect, but because they are real, steady, and full of love.
