I honestly don’t even really know what to write about the Nichols family. This was one of the most special sessions I have done to date. Jeff (long haired ginger fellow) and Vernon are basically long lost brothers. That feels weird typing. They haven’t known each other for a million years or anything, I think it’s more like 2 years maybe? Regardless, I don’t think Vernon had ever met another person as passionate about fitness as he was. I remember Vernon coming home so pumped about meeting someone who seemed to have infinite knowledge about training/performance, whatever you want to call it. I could tell how humbled he was (we ALL know how “humble” Vernon usually is….love ya babe!). I saw him learn more in a month with Jeff than he had his entire college career. What started as simply working out together one day has basically made us all family. Mason and Carson also get along great. Mason is aallll boy and a big ball of energy. Seriously, I wish I had half of his energy. Him and Jeff are two peas in a pod. Sara (Jeff’s sister) is one of those people that you feel like you’ve known forever. There’s no awkward silence, no random small talk. The thing I like best about her? My kids took to her instantly. When she was visiting over the summer, she took Carson bowling with the family. She’s only in town a few days and she wants to take MY kid somewhere? I thought that was pretty cool. Pretty sure she gets that from her mom. Their mom and I were just chatting away at their session, like we had known each other forever. The looks that I caught from their dad? Hilarious. There’s a lot of love in this family =]

There was so much emotion at this session. I don’t know if they felt it or not, but I certainly did. Their dad is going through a rough time right now with medical stuff. Making the trip from Iowa to Virginia was no small feat. I hate to even think about all of the stuff they must be going through. I couldn’t be more honored to give them these memories. Talk about nervous! As a new photographer, getting this kind of opportunity felt great but also terrifying. What if I screwed it up? What if I dragged all of them out in the cold and did a crappy job? The sun was beautiful that day (although it could have been a little warmer!) I love how these turned out. I love the fall colors, the happy faces, and you know I love a good banner! Some of my favorites are their dad’s faces…you’ll see what I mean.

I LOVE the pic on the left. Most guys feel weird about the lovey dovey shots….he showed us all how he felt haha

I hope Vernon and I still look at each other like this 40 years from now =]

be silly. be honest. be kind.