As we all know, sometimes it is the little things in life that bring us the most joy. I am a photographer all of the time it seems, but the images I love most are the ones that I never plan to get. No scheduled session where everyone feels the need to dress up, no rules about lighting, no taking extra time to give the kids “the talk” about being good for the photographer, just plain and simple life as it is happening. No matter how much I try and stress the importance of this to families before their scheduled shoot it still somehow gets lost. The awkwardness of having some girl there clicking at your every move is far from natural and that may have something to do with it. These guys are my friends and I love them. While I was visiting them we were all piled in their room listening to the rain fall from the open bedroom windows and I snapped a few photos. That simple. It is so refreshing. I honestly was inspired when I noticed a large black and white print of their oldest daughter Kyra in their living room. I thought how awesome and natural the photo was and it was basically a snap shot. There was no fancy lighting or wardrobe just a beautiful honest photo.

So here’s to my friends. Thanks for being awesome, Zills family. Happy Thursday yall.

-April