Acorns & Thunder Storms- Lewiston, Maine Family Photographer

He is her rock. He is where she is safe, loved, beautiful, and treasured. He is where home is even when he is deployed on the other side of the world.

She is his rock. She is where he is safe, loved, valued and honored. She is where home is even when she is holding down the home front on the other side of the world.

Together they have created a family from different parts to make them all whole. Together, they have created a life full of laughter, unconditional love, and passion. Together, they have created the place they were meant to be.

Meet the Whitakers.

Since I met Deb two years ago, we have become colleagues, co-conspirators, partners in crime, and at one point I introduced her to a friend by saying “we have children together” (rather than our kids are the same age). It garnered at least one raised eyebrow. She is my sounding board, my reality check, and she will not allow me to take things to seriously. Most importantly, she has become my good friend and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Deb is the creative force behind Whitaker Imagery. Not too long ago, we both realized we had gotten so busy documenting other families that we forgot to document our own. We decided to trade family photo sessions. Deb shot our family (come see the awesome results here) a few weeks ago. Last week it was my turn to turn the tables on Deb, her husband Artie and their five kids. To say I adore this family is an understatement and once again I was welcomed in with open arms. I haven’t laughed that hard or gotten so many surprise hugs in a long time.

It is cliche, but I feel like it was just yesterday I was holding this tiny little girl in my arms while her mom coached cheering. She has grown into such a sweet little girl who has everyone who meets her wrapped around her finger. This includes me. When she asked for more candy, how could I possibly say no?

This little man is a bundle of energy. He helped mom with our family portraits and more times than not, climbed into my lap or snuggled up beside me in the middle of our shots and I loved every second of it. He is independent until he needs you, quick to catch everything around him, and has a ginormous heart. Oh, and check out the eyelashes on those baby blues!!!

When we were headed back to the cars the other night, I was lost in my own mind and trying to figure out the next steps. I felt a small hand in mind and looked down to find these gorgeous eyes looking back at me with her shy smile.  She is the quiet one. She is contemplative, loving and has a wicked sense of humor behind that beautiful smile.

This young lady has a smile that can light up not just and entire room but an entire town.  In the short time I have gotten to know her, I have seen her grow and change in some amazing ways. She is sweet, funny and has some killer dimples!

She may be mad at me for doing this, but lets take a minute to play celebrity look alike- Name the young Disney star this young lady resembles so closely. (No Deb you can't play!) This was my first opportunity to spend time with this gorgeous girl has a 1,000 watt smile, laughs easily and is a total natural in front of the camera. 

I wish I could say these guys thought I was this funny, but I had an assistant, Miss B's boyfriend.  I am considering hiring him on as the court jester for all of my shoots, he had everyone including me in stitches.

The day before our shoot, I texted Deb with a picture. I found this building and it was perfect in every way. I had the shot in my head and was so excited. I saved it until the end of our shoot. Unfortunatly mother nature kicked my plan in the teeth. Two bee stings, one deer fly bite, crazy thirst and a HUGE thunderstorm put that family shot to bed.  Deb and Artie played along for a couple of quick shots as the fat drops splatted on my forehead and the sand blew sideways. We are so going back here to play some more!

This is my favorite shot of the whole session. You guys are mighty good looking.  Just saying.

Thank you guys so much for taking me in as an honorary family member for the day. I am so grateful for your support and friendship I cannot find the words. Thank you for being such an important part of our lives! I hope you enjoy the photos, there are so many more to come!