Be Honest.

August, 2018 - Family Portrait

When I was talking about doing this website with my business partner Jeff, one thing resonated between the two of us - be honest. Too many people are worried about how they are being perceived. That they really are perfect or that their business or family is perfect. Lets face it. We are never going to be perfect. In fact, perfection is kind of boring.

It’s those imperfections that make us stand out. That add character to life.

August in Virginia is hot and humid. But when your wife wants a family photo for your upcoming anniversary, you try to make it happen. So on a hot and very humid evening, we ventured out to the quiet serene reservoir that is about fifteen minutes from our house. What I didn’t know at the time is that this was going to be one of my most memorable photo shoots I had ever done.

As a dad, we get in that mode of the track has been set and we are committed. So, no matter what, we are going to make something work. I was there, in that mode. A more responsible dad would have stopped as soon as he stepped out of the car and realized the grass was waste high and more than likely covered with chiggers - one of the most joyous thing for parents of young kids in the South.

But I didn’t stop. I actually carried three kids, a heavy duty tripod, and an ungodly amount of photography gear over a 100 yards to our spot. To say I perspired is an understatement. Now a smart and prepared person would have at least brought a shirt to change into. But hey, when you have to bring a carload of supplies to support your three little kids (still in diapers), you sometimes forget important little details.

“I’ll just Photoshop it.”

Just get the picture. Any picture. Several pictures. Something.

Luckily, through the chaos, my sister-in-law Kathy snapped a few shots while we were getting set. They actually ended up being some of my most favorite pictures of all time. Personalities are captured. Emotion, sweat, and even a bit of calm thanks to Will and baby J.

So here is to being a little more vulnerable. A little more honest. And a little more grateful for when things don’t exactly go the way we hoped. Those are the memories worth celebrating in the end.