Gingerich Family

family photographer Charlottesville (29 of 29)

For the last few times we’ve done family pictures, Joe and Rhoda have chosen to do their portrait session at their house. It’s sort of a no-brainer when you have a view this gorgeous! But, I think it’s pretty special the way “home” is incorporated into their portraits.

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It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.

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Carder Family

Cumberland Maryland family photographer (3 of 24)

David and I have been incredibly blessed with wonderful neighbors ever since we were married. It’s not uncommon for us to meet up with Philip, Sherri, & Tasha on evenings when our family goes walking together. They always have time to chat. The boys love to hear Philip’s stories of what he’s seen on his trail camera recently. It was an honor to take their family pictures this year. Sherri introduced me to the beauty of the aqueduct. I’d been to the swimming hole once, but hadn’t ever explored the actual aqueduct. Such a beautiful place filled with stone structure, untamed woods, and glowy light!Cumberland Maryland family photographer (5 of 24)

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu

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A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.

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So beautiful, Tasha!

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I loved spending this evening with y’all!

Ocker Family

family photographer cumberland maryland on location hagerstown maryland portraits (7 of 40)

I met up with this sweet family in downtown Hagerstown just as the dark storm clouds rolled in and obliterated the sun! But who needs sun when you’ve got this many sparkly girls to radiate cuteness? I love this chance to meet new people and often leave wishing we could actually get to know each other or that our families could hang out together.

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That little face! I can hardly look at her without feeling a shot of happiness!

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I loved seeing Dean and Denise relate to their girls, especially the way Denise let them be who they are created to be. From quiet and thoughtful to sentimental to exuberant, she gives them freedom to express their individuality.

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Danika loved this chair her mama brought and pretty much claimed it non-stop from the moment it surfaced. I mean, who wouldn’t? You can sit on it, climb on it, turn around backward and peek over it …. and if you’re lucky your mom will make funny faces that cause eruptions of giggles!

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There are so many things babies do that we forget because they quietly outgrow them. The way their chubby hands cling to things, the dimples in their elbows, the way their noses wrinkle when they smile. Oh, Danika, you are a darling.

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Barnhart Family

family photographer Cumberland Maryland (14 of 22)

Being a family means you are part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.

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family photographer Cumberland Maryland (13 of 22)The change of seasons subtly reflecting how quickly our families change from one year to another.  I love the way Stephanie chose vibrant colors to reflect the vivaciousness of autumn!

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Blue eyed dimpled darling!

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David & Joanna | family

David and Joanna have the sweetest family of six kids.  We met them at Lake Habeeb last week and had the greatest time walking around, talking, and snapping pictures.

family photographer | childrens photography | cumberland maryland (7 of 50)

Joanna was born in Georgia and she’s kept a bit of that sweet southern culture.  Our times together always feel happy but at ease.  I’m pretty sure she’d be one of those “stay for a glass of lemonade” kind of women even in Maryland.

And seriously, I think these may be some of the most polite kids I’ve ever encountered.  They were so sweet and respectful the entire evening.

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When it was David and Joanna’s turn, it was obvious how very much in love they are.  I love seeing couples who have so much soul connection, especially in the middle of these busy years of raising children.  Marriage is such a priceless gift; but good marriages don’t happen without effort.  When I see a strong marriage I want to celebrate it loudly!  David & Joanna, you inspire me!

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And then there is darling Miss Kelci who pretty much takes the cake.  Can you even imagine how adored she is with all those big brothers and sisters to love on her?  Joanna crocheted her little dress!

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Those blueberry eyes!

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Thanks for a great evening, David & Joanna!

Durlin & Emily

A tiny little brook feeding into a pond, lush green trees and grass, mossy stones. What could be better? All this and a fabulous family of five, that’s what.

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I was thrilled when Emily told me where she wanted to do their family pictures because David and I lived here for almost five years! It was so much fun to see how the place has changed and what has stayed the same. We ran out of light very, very quickly as it always seems to happen in the mountains so we headed down the road to catch the last rays.

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Demetrius and Alexander love exploring and all things boy.  They could hardly wait to finish with pictures so they could join grandpa to grill hamburgers over an open fire.

 

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And darling Miss Caroline just turned a year old. Isn’t she perfect?

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Every time I do family pictures my heart squeezes a little.  This thing called family?  It is such an incredible gift!  The happiness that sparkles in children’s eyes because they are loved, known, secure.  A few pictures.  A few moments in time.  But really, it’s a snapshot of something so real, so precious, so indescribable.  A snapshot of relationships that mean kisses in the night when little heads are feverish.  Of shared laughter over knock knock jokes and shared tears over big boos boos.  It’s a wink over top of the kids heads and fingers entwined on the drive to church.  So many undefined moments carving the strong relationships of family.