I often tell people that I’ll photograph year round, but rarely get takers in the winter. It’s been fun over the last few years that families I’ve photographed many times have realized that I’ve photographed them in many nature-driven-seasons, so they reach out to make a complete set. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Maybe it’s the sunscreen I’m smelling on my skin and the heat from the start of summer, but I’m thankful for all the chances to photograph year round. I have been able to photograph under spring blossoms, summer’s carnivals, in the crunch of fall leaves, and folks wrapped in blankets and sipping warm drinks and embracing for warmth.

I remember the hot sun glaring down on us during this family’s engagement session and the cold air on their New Year’s Eve wedding. And countless times with the additions of their sons in between. They reached out midwinter for snow photos to help round out their collection, and we hung in there, watching the weather and touching base every time there was a reasonable chance for snow.

It was so worth the wait and spur of the moment scheduling.

Family photographed in midwestern snow

child in father's arms in snow in saint louis

young child in wonder at first snow

son hugs his mom in the snow

young brothers embrace in the snow in Missouri

I focus often in my photography and writing on the idea of the passage of seasons and the details that fill them up. The daily and mundane that become the treasures in our memories. The tiny toes curled under a high chair. The stack of books from the library. The trinkets chosen to decorate a shelf at any given time. Or the jewelry signifying a special connection with a loved one.

stems of plant in bottle by photographer in Saint Louis

This season has been especially trying for me, as I have been enduring a long-term illness and as a result have missed out on my morning walks with my family. As a way to help my kids with sensory processing disorder start their days literally on the right foot, we started taking short walks before school and work a few years ago, and it was a special time for all of us.

Black and white plants on window sill above kitchen sink

My illness has meant that I have to sit out during those walks. In fact, as I write, they are walking.

Being outside is one of my favorite things. MIssing out on those walks is so hard for me. My sons are so thoughtful, that without my asking, they bring me their treasures, showing me the passage of natural seasons during this emotionally and physically draining season for me. I line my sill with blossoms from a blooming tree, the biggest leaves from the tree a few blocks away, or the smoothest rocks. I get mini forests of sprouted maple trees, weed-flowers, and flowers plucked from sidewalks after storms. And an occasional roly-poly.

collection of plants on kitchen sink window sill

They bring the walk to me. So whenever I cross the kitchen, I get to go on a walk through the neighborhood, too. The season is displayed on my sill, right next to my full sink, my splattered window. When I look out to check on the kids playing in the backyard, their discoveries and gifts are there waiting for me.

petals of poppy plant and a rock on a window sill in a saint louis kitchen

Dying poppy plant on window sill in a vase

Each season has special details, and that’s exactly what my This Season sessions are designed to highlight. What are the details surrounding you?