This family has stolen my heart. I love them so dearly. It’s a rare gift to be completely known and completely loved. They give me this gift.
Tag: Heather Nelson Photography
Another Celebration
The first time I photographed Anne-Marie it was in celebration of her work being published. We did head shots in order for her to submit it for her book. It was exciting to be able to capture her for such an important event. However, I think this one probably trumps the head shots. She contacted me again this time to celebrate her engagement! It was my pleasure to document some of her and her fiance Nick’s favorite places. I hardly had to give them any directions at all which makes for some wonderful moments captured.
Documenting History
The Jett family was not only celebrating their 50th Anniversary, (which is amazing), but also wanted to document some family history. The building we photographed the session at has been in Deb’s family for many generations. It’s an old general store. It was so neat to her talk about memories and how things use to be. The building told it’s own story. It was easy to imagine it bustling with people. It was so remarkable to see. My favorite documentation though was photographing Macey and Deb on the street that they lived on growing up. He on one end, her on the other. That street no doubtingly screams memories and history for this family.
In the Trenches
Marcy is a in the trenches kind of friend. She sees me at my worst and hopefully at my best. She knows the pains and the joys. She gets to remind me often to not believe lies that easily slip into my head. We have someone how have managed despite living apart for over 3 years to keep sharing daily life together. I love having the excuse at least once a year to photograph her beautiful family. I love how each of her girls have their own beauty and personality. My favorite photo of the session was the last one posted. It shows, her follow the directions oldest, her easy going daydreamer second, and her take off and conquer third. I am privileged to watch these girls grow up in front of my lens and to have such a great friend in their mom.
Telling Her Story
For Emma’s senior session we went all over Jefferson City and beyond to capture some of her favorite places and to tell her story. Her story is one of theater, music, faith and family. Emma is a sweet, unassuming, laid back kind of girl. She has a smile that is contagious. She was up to try anything. It was a blast for me to try new locations and new ideas. I am go glad I got to capture this beautiful senior.
Before My Eyes
David’s family is very dear to mine. I feel like I have literally watched him grow up before my eyes. I am not sure who was in more shocked that it was time to schedule senior session his mom or I. Just doesn’t seem possible! David is an excellent story teller. I often found myself caught up in his story and forgetting to also take photographs. It was a fun session and I think we got some great images.
Another Photographer
When another photographer, who happens to be very talented, asks you to photograph her family, you feel honored and scared at the same moment. A million questions flood my head; style, technique, locations, creativity, etc. However, my very wise husband reminded me “do me”. So that is what I did. I was able to fully enjoy photographing this family. They are goofy, full of energy and love each other. It’s a great combo! I am so privileged to create photographs of their family. 
Move
Leah was one of my first friends so many years ago when I moved to Kansas City. I think the unique thing about Leah is I heard her story the very first time I meet her. I don’t know about you but when you hear someones story, you just feel more deeply bounded to them. This was the case with Leah. I have been her friend through singleness, jobs, marriage, infertility, preemies, kids, and a move. This time it’s her turn to move. I know because we have continued our friendship through my move that many states separating us won’t change the occasional check ins and prayer requests. I am grateful for a time of social media so I can continue to see glimpses into her life. I was overjoyed to have the chance to photograph her beautiful family before the big move. 
Juggling
Michaela is an excellent student. She is dedicated to her role in student council. She loves the Fourth of July. She can not pass up a swing. She is a caring sister. She loves her friends. She is assured of herself. She loves to laugh. She has high ambition. She has the respect of many. She is the pride of her parents. Not to forget, beautiful As she described her daily routine to me I was in awe of what she gets accomplished in one day. She is juggling many balls at the moment, including senior in high school. It was so much fun to try to capture her and showcase some of what she juggles so well.
Grace
These girls have an obvious grace when they twirl, leap and arabeque. Their natural dance abilities seems to be a simple out pouring of their grace they have reflected from the inside. These girls were the sweetest girls. This the first time I got to spend time with them and I simply enjoyed it. Each one demonstrating a stunning outer beauty that match a inner beauty. It was such a joy to capture this family and their favorite hobby and all the grace that came with it.
