“Look at my loose tooth!” beamed Mikko within minutes of me walking in the door. Moments later, the often shy Vivi was hugging me like we were old soulmates. Mikko filled me in on the important elements of their family, like his arrangement of dinosaurs on the floor and why there were a few stacks of moving boxes scattered around the house. These are the aspects of being a Seattle family photographer that I love!

Motherhood is for the tender and strong

Mothers have this astonishing level of resilience that can pretty much manage the cacophony of childcare, day jobs, moving houses, and just about anything else that can be slung at us during a global pandemic. Let alone making it through the currently insane Seattle housing market while still providing art projects and fun for two children under the age of five.

Not surprisingly, the Popp family had just moved days before our shoot. Melanie’s mom Rosalie’s visit made the shoot a top priority. The unpacking alone could have taken on a new level of chaos had Rosalie’s calm presence and incredible baking skills not been available that week. I can actually testify to said baking skills and the chocolate chip cookies even made a cameo in the photos!

Eventually, Vivi wanted to nurse, so Melanie and I jumped on this opportunity to document their breastfeeding journey. The connection during this moment created a peaceful and intimate bubble around mother and daughter. Meanwhile, Phil, Mikko, and Rosalie fell into their natural rhythm thinking they were no longer the subjects being photographed and it was the perfect moment to steal some candid pics.

Melanie’s connection with Vivi and Mikko during our session, which can feel chaotic for parents with little children, really reflects how she leads her life. She is honest and vulnerable discussing the challenges of this past year in a pandemic, but she chooses gratitude and joy as often as she can. She is present with her family, soaking them in at these ages, but does not shy away from talking about the difficult nights and nearly impossible tasks of motherhood right now. Her honesty is refreshing and comforting.

Being a family photographer means I get to capture all the best moments in time

When Melanie saw her photos she told me “Life has felt so hard lately. And parenting. And these photos mean so much right now. They are my ‘Pandemic Souvenir.’” I am so happy that she sees her love and hard work reflected in these photos. She deserves it.