It’s families like the Gills that remind me why I do what I do. Capturing their moments of joy and tenderness, preserving their memories, and charting their change all reignite the passion I have for my work.

My relationship with the Gill family began two years ago with a newborn shoot for their new son, Jesse.

A year later, I was able to work with them again to take his one year photos—he had already grown so much!

Now, at two years old, I was able to see again how much he has grown and changed, and how much they have grown and changed as a family.

Our shoot this time took place in picturesque downtown Natchez on a bright spring day. Even though it took Jesse some time to warm up, as you can see, Mom and Dad were soon able to get him to relax in front of the camera.

Even though pictures only capture a second of time, they preserve a lifetime of memories. Jesse has grown so quickly, but the photos will always be there to stop time, to remember, to see how far he and Amanda and Cole have come.

And that’s why I do what I do.