Lauren and I have been friends since we were 8 years old. That’s 24 years and counting, if I were to date myself. So, when the stars aligned for me to come out to her family cottage on Lake Nippising I knew it would become a highlight of my trip.
Their cottage is situated on an island so you have to take a 10 minute boat ride out from the marina. It’s the perfect segue to arriving on shore being among trees and nature. I was brimming with excitement to not only be at the cottage again, 15 years later, but to meet her littlest one who I hadn’t previously met yet. Lauren has 3 beautiful children and she wanted me to photograph them when I was visiting home. What better a place to document kids being kids than at the cottage? I wish all family sessions could comprise of this much wonder and exploration.
I have so many fond memories of going to the cottage with the Emery’s when I was kid. Being there transported me back in time, reminding me of learning how to canoe and the first fish I had caught. Watching her two daughters running around together was like a mirror of Lauren and I 24 years ago. It’s funny how the memories began to flood back, like they had escaped from the vault thinking they may never be released again.
The girls wanted us to hike behind the backside of the cottage to explore the shoreline and forest a bit. It was the perfect opportunity to begin our session, documenting their every move. Watching their sense of discovery and excitement really drew me in. It felt easy to capture their curiosity all the while Lauren and I caught up on life. This session is a personal one and I’m humbled to be able to document Lauren’s growing family back in the very spot we grew up too. My hope is to document more families in this format, real life moments that I know will be cherished forever.
