Sand & Seagulls- Coastal Maine Family Photographer

I have seen the sticker on the back of Tracy’s car countless times in the past few years. I always wondered what it meant and if it had any significance. Last week, I noticed it again as I headed home at the end of the day. This time it made sense.

“Salt Life” It is about the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore. It is the sticky feel the salt air leaves on skin. It is carried with the smells carried on the wind off of the water. It is the feel of the sand swirling between toes with each step. It all about is about the tranquility, beauty and mystery overtakes us when we answer the pull of the ocean. It is about the relaxed, the comfortable, and the beautiful. It is what the Givens family is all about.

Daily life with jobs, daycare, school, sports, karate all take a toll. I watched it all slide away when Tracy, Bill and their kids arrived at Reid State Park for our session. The ocean waters aren't a daily companion, but the salt water is still in thier blood. The sounds, tastes, smells and feelings of the ocean eased those stresses for a short time and it showed.

Someone was kind enough to build this gorgeous driftwood tee- pee on the beach so there was no way I could possibly pass it by. I cannot get over what a beautiful young woman Miss J has become since I photographed her last fall. 

Remember Baby W? He is just as adorable now as he was as a newborn. He is so much fun and has one of the most expressive faces I have ever seen on a baby. He was checking out everything around us but became extremely facinated with the seagulls that surrounded us on the beach. Tracy and Bill shared with me that seagulls were what got J to walk on her own- they set her down on the beach and jokingly told her to go get the bird.  They spent the rest of the day chasing her through the sand.

I have a toss up for favorites from this session. The one above is the first one.

Oh the dimples!!!

Those moments when the camera is forgotten often yeild my favorite shots. This is my other favorite from this session.

It made my heart skip a beat to watch J with her brother. She is protective of him, loves him to pieces, and can make him giggle like no one else. They were more than happy to hang out together and I just couldn't pass up their feet together.

The idea for this photo struck me a few weeks ago. I sketched it out for Tracy and was tickled when she was totally on board with it. Bill looked at me a bit strange when I hauled the chalk boards out of my bag but then jumped in with both feet as well. 

Tracy, Bill, J & W thank you guys for being such troopers and trusting me enough to join in. I love the energy and dynamic you guys have and it is very apparent how much you all love one another. I look forward seeing you guys again soon!