A Country Christmas Family Photoshoot | The Armstrong Family | Granville, NY

This blog post wrote itself. The Armstrong family kindly invited me back this year to capture their dear family at their farm in Granville, NY, which also happens to be my town!

We had our first snowfall on Thanksgiving this year, and I watched the window all day hoping it would stay. It DID.

If you’ve had a photoshoot with me before, you know that I send out a questionnaire to each of my families with a few questions to help me customize your session (personalities of each person, if there are any special needs I can be sensitive to, if anyone is shy in front of the camera, etc.) When Morgan filled hers out this year, I learned that a lot had changed for the Armstrong family.

Sweet Thyme, my first ever cow model, passed away in April. I was heartbroken to read this, but also so happy that her cousin Trixie, who was born 6 weeks prior, was able to join us for the session, along with Butter and Brownie (ducks), Mc, Molly, and Ginger (the pups). We had a full house, and everyone had such a wonderful energy about them! I also learned that Morgan and Nate had gotten ENGAGED since we last saw each other! I wanted to run-and-jump hug her when I saw her, but I tried to keep my wits about me.

I just love this family, y’all. From Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Rich to Allison and Rich, Morgan, Nate, and Thomas—they all welcome me with open arms every year. As I was leaving this year, Nancy said to me a few words that I can’t stop thinking about. She asked how old my boys are, and I told her 6 and 4. She nodded with kind eyes and said, it goes fast. There are two important things we can give our children: roots and wings. Giving them wings is the hardest. I cried at my client’s house for the first time that day. Thank you all SO much for inviting me into your home and your family. You made my heart so full.