I first met Christine and Felix in December of 2014 at a photos with Santa event at Sam Bridge Nursery in Greenwich. At 5 1/2 months old, Joey was having his first visit with the big guy in red!
As she was waiting for their souvenir photograph, Christine mentioned that she wanted to capture some images of Joey's upcoming 6 month milestone. We talked for a bit, a date was set and thus began our journey.
I don't know if Christine and Felix knew this, but at the time of this session I was just starting out in my business. Although I've been an avid photographer since high school, majored in art and photography in college, and worked for another photographer for 4 years, I was only about six months into my business and still had major jitters before any photography session. I was so nervous about getting good photographs for this sweet family that I turned this 6 month milestone session into a marathon. We spent 2 1/2 hours putting this poor, sweet boy through multiple outfit changes and endless set ups all to make sure I ended up with a few good images to capture this time in his life.
I mean seriously, we did it all! Joey, Christine and Felix were all troopers that day. We survived it together and I was thrilled that they asked me back to take more photographs when Joey turned 1.
A few months later, I heard that Joey was going to be a big brother!
And in April of 2016, the family welcomed sweet little Maggie.
When it was time for Maggie's 6 month session, I found myself getting emotional thinking back to that first session with 6 month old Joey. I had that bittersweet nostalgia that all parents are familiar with; 'how is Joey already 2?', 'how did time pass so quickly?'.
Little Maggie turned one in April and big brother will be turning 3 next month, so last weekend we got together again to record these milestones. Far from the days of being overwhelmed by nerves, now I am just excited every time I get to reconnect with them and see how the kids have grown and changed.
Before my eyes, Maggie has grown from a snuggly newborn to a toddler starting to explore the world on wobbly legs.
Before my eyes, Joey has grown from a shy, reluctant subject to my little buddy, eager to tell me about the big thoughts he has on his inquisitive little mind.
As I think back over the last 2 1/2 years with the Guiffras, I think about how grateful I am to have been able to witness and document the evolution of their family. I am grateful for the relationship that was born on that December day in 2014 and that continues to grow now. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such kind, loyal clients, but this relationship, right here, that's what my work is all about. Connecting with others, hearing their stories and preserving their memories in hopes that we might better understand ourselves, each other and this shared experience of being humans. This is why I do what I do.
The evening of this last photography session, I received a text from Christine:
"Thank you again for today, Cathy! Joey said his prayers tonight and said, 'I am thankful for seeing Cassie'!"
Right back at you, baby boy! Until we meet again. <3 <3 <3
