The Monk Family | Day In The Life Family Documentary

"Natalie! This in-home session is my favorite photo session EVER! I can't wait to have you do another one for us. I love the way you captured the sweet, sometimes mundane things. These days I sort of feel like I'm in survival mode and those pictures just help me SEE the sweetness." -Rachel

There is so much magic in the everyday moments we often see as mundane. I know how hard it is to see them when you’re slogging through the hours, cleaning up endless messes and wiping butts, until you can finally shut your eyes again…for what you know won’t be long enough to combat the tiredness that all the coffee in the world can’t fix.

I get how you might think that hiring someone to come in and capture life when it’s messy can seem like a waste. How you might wonder how anyone could anyone possibly find the beauty in a table covered in play dough, unswept floors or remnants of breakfast littering the kitchen counters (and your toddler’s pajamas)…

But what I see in the mess is evidence of a life well-lived and a family well-loved. What I find is opportunities to tell a story through the comfortable moments of connection and the familiar motions of homemaking and parenting.

The soft smiles and sweet gestures of a toddler making a tea party. Dad making coffee or strumming lazily on his guitar. Mom, in her unconscious gracefulness, tending to the baby, making snacks and checking if the dishwasher is finished cycling…

Play the video to see just how lovely real life is.

Honestly, everyday life is pretty sweet and the most beautiful stories unfold inside the home without a lot of special effort.

I think the only thing Rachel bothered to do before their Day in the Life newborn session was put on her makeup. Now doesn’t that sound like an ideal way to prep for a photo session? None of the stress of getting everyone dressed and out the door. None of the awkward “how should we stand?” or “what should we do next?”. None of the pressure to make sure everything is perfect and everyone cooperates.

Your kids don’t have to be on their best behavior. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to get dressed! All we need is a little good light, a couple of places to snuggle, and a whole lot of love.

So who’s ready to go next?