A day in the life // Charlotte, NC

Time is as fleeting as the blooms of wisteria- twisting, rugged, and beautiful. It's brief and oh, so sweet. The fleeting nature of life reminds us to pause and appreciate the present moment exactly as it is.

This day-in-the-life session was captured about a year ago. I've been photographing this family since 2018, and our friendship extends even further back. Ashley has always been great at ensuring that every season of life is documented. I've had the privilege of witnessing their family welcome two beautiful babies, capturing several backyard play sessions and holiday gatherings, and being there when they bid farewell to cherished pets. I've documented time as it evolves and seasons as they change.

My purpose for capturing moments in time was illuminated when the unthinkable happened in 2022.

Their annual family session was scheduled and approaching when I got a message from Ashley. Her husband, John, had unexpectedly passed away. Her entire world flipped upside down abruptly, and she is now navigating being a single mother of two children.

Observing her tackle the world's toughest job during the heaviest of times inspired me to capture a day in her life so she can always look back and remember that she navigated through it all. The challenging, the painful, the mundane, and the wildly beautiful moments, she got through it all. It's also for her children to see their mother's strength and understand how life and love persist, even when it seems impossible.

It was important to me to show her how incredible she is and to uplift her by showing her the strength and love that she embodies in every moment. To show her that she is doing it. Day by day, she shows up with love, strength, and presence. My hope is that she will see what I and all of us see in her.

This is a glimpse of in a day in the life.