I’ll be the first to admit that my husband and I are pretty frugal. We are always looking to save money, particularly on the inessentials. In these economic times that serves us well. But, with all that said, there are a few things I believe are worth the cost and fulfill the whole “you get what you pay for” adage.
- toilet paper, the good stuff (my sweet husband has a chronic disease of his colon… Enough said or perhaps too much said!)
- vodka (trust me on this one… I’m a bit of a soccer mom turned mixologist)
- fresh fish (do a taste test between farmed raised salmon and wild Alaskan)
- chocolate (dark chocolate with sea salt, please)
- custom photography!
We all want pictures of our precious children — ones that capture them all smiles, arms around each other in their matching outfits, matching grins. How many times have I sat my kids down at the “perfect” spot for a photo only to practically loose my voice cajoling them to smile and look my way. Not to mention the countless other instructions I’m barking from behind the lens: “Stop hugging/ strangling your sister! Get your fingers out of your nose! Get your fingers out of your brother’s nose. Put the bunny ears down on this one. Um, I said smile not grin like a crazed clown. Look at me… At me… OVER HERE.” By the time, I’m done I’m ready for some of that good vodka I was talking about earlier. For me, capturing that perfect moment is an exercise in futility and leaves me defeated nearly every time.
Enter the siren call of the portrait studio who practically guarantees that you leave with a slew of perfect pictures of your perfect family. Yet, I’ve learned over the years that these photos seem so sterile and contrived next to the reality of my beautifully chaotic and messy family. They don’t capture my kids’ hearts or spirits, but rather grab a quick image that weeks, months, years later do not connect to any true memory of them or their essence.
We were so blessed to have Lisa Turnage capture our family on film this fall. She was amazing at engaging with each of the kids’ personalities and allowing them to interact naturally and playfully. Her patience, humor, charm, and talent resulted in the most incredible photographic memories of our family. My favorites aren’t the ones where they are all smiling, making eye contact with the camera, and getting along (although Lisa was able to capture those rare moments)! My child’s pensive look when taking everything in, a grumpy face when not getting to do what they want, wild laughter, and tooth-less crooked smiles — these are a few of my favorites. We even did a few of them with their best friends — their beloved stuffed animals. If you were scrolling through our album, these may seem like odd choices but Lisa’s pictures are memory holders for our family. The photo of a joyful daughter clutching her pink doggie (now gray from love and dirt) will always conjure warmth, memories, and connection for me. Lisa’s willingness to try anything from the traditional to the edgy, her fun-loving spirit, natural ability to connect with kids, and her keen eye for art, expression, color, and “the moment” make her an ideal choice for your next family photo session.
Lisa’s packages are worth every penny because the result is truly priceless: the very essence and spirit of your family and children are captured forever! Now that’s a deal!
Submitted by Julia C. – mom, wife, entrepreneur, mixologist, bookworm and lover of all things chocolate.
