I see you with that fresh babe in your arms. And you, tween parent who has grown to loathe the presence of slime in your home. I see you too, mama with a belly full of new life. I see your toddler and his tantrums, your reluctant teen, the baby who won’t be put down, your five year old’s imagination, your mama heart and your proud dad grin. I see it all and I’ve seen it all.

Friends, I’ve got four kids of my own and I’ve shot hundreds of families. And do you know what I want most for you in this experience? I want you to see what I see. I want you to see the MAGIC that is your beautiful family, chaos included. I want you to sit and look at your gallery with your heart bursting because even though you weren’t sure if we got the shot at the time, all you see is how much you love each other.

I’ve been told more than once that people walk away from their experience with me feeling more in love with their people than they did before. Do you know why that is?

Because there is power in seeing the way you love each other.

I know the daily grind of raising a family with my husband. We both work hard inside and outside the home and there is a LOT to manage. Life never stops. That growing belly becomes a sweet baby who becomes a whirlwind toddler who becomes a big school kid with big questions who suddenly becomes a graduating senior, all WAY faster than you thought possible when that teeny infant was crying for you in the middle of the night. I know how fast it goes. And I believe with all my heart in the importance of pausing and celebrating and remembering each season of growth in your family.

I consider it one of my greatest joys to step into your story for a bit. To hang with your family and see the parts you’re proud of and the parts that make you roll your eyes and the parts that you really wish wouldn’t happen in front of a photographer but did because, well, life. It’s ALL good and beautiful and worthy of capturing. I don’t take it for granted one second the opportunity I have to spend time with you and your people. Let’s make some magic together!

Annie is based in Kailua, HI on the island of Oahu. She does travel to other islands and on the mainland. Interested in booking on Oahu? Click here. If you’ve got questions or are interested in booking Annie on outer islands or on the mainland, give her a shout!