Jordan and his two daughters drove up to Grand Rapids on a morning where the light honestly showed off a little—it had that morning, golden glow photographers dream about but can never fully plan for. From the start, the whole session felt easy. No big agenda, we tried some fun Pinterest poses—just the three of them hanging out, laughing at the camera awkwardness, and letting the morning unfold.
We talked about high school days, the wild jump from California sunshine to Michigan winters, and all the small life moments in between. At one point, I caught myself watching them and thinking about my own two daughters and what life might look like a few years down the road. There’s something grounding about photographing another parent—it’s a reminder that every stage really does have its own kind of awesome.
One thing this session made me think about is how often we treat family photos like they’re only meant for the little years. The tiny shoes, the chubby cheeks, the chaos. But honestly? The older years matter just as much. These are the conversations, the growing-up moments, the quiet shifts in who we’re becoming. They deserve space too.
Life moves fast—sometimes in ways we don’t notice until we look back. Kids grow, routines change, and suddenly you’re in a new season without realizing when the last one ended. Sessions like this make it clear how important it is to pause every now and then and document where you are, exactly as you are.
This morning in Grand Rapids wasn’t elaborate or highly styled. It was simple and real—and that’s what made it so good.
