Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep

"The winds blow cold for early May,
pushing whitecaps 'cross the bay.
I watch birds pull worms from the grass
and think how slowly seasons pass."

The Strout family is one of many here on the coast with a loved one off at sea. I wanted to celebrate Jena and her four littles for being the amazing mother that she is while her husband is gone and she holds down the fort. He loves her deeply for it, and their family holds a special place in my heart.
We went out to Mustang Island on the cloudiest, foggiest, haziest day and played in the warm salty water together while Justin was home. All the while I couldn't help but narrate with my girls' favorite book, "Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep" by Susan Lendroth.

I gave my DC Workshop attendees a homework assignment that had them put together their dream session, while secretly I gave myself my own assignment - Let. Go.

No "What to Wear Guide" was given. No rescheduling due to weather happened.
I let them play and silently watched. I was out of my element shooting in black and white (mostly) while they were in theirs drifting through the fog.

Thank you, Strout Family, for sharing your Mother's Day with me <3
 

"Oh, ocean wide, ocean deep,
hush, my family's gone to sleep.
Our Papa's tucked up snug inside -
you kept him safe,
oh, ocean wide."

Through The Fog

Waking up to the haze of Monday with this family session culled and waiting
for me to pour over during nap times and bed times this week.
Holding up our babies with beautiful strength through the fog - yep, that's motherhood.

Baby Belly Bubble Bath | Houston Maternity Session at Home

I still get rather nervous when I walk into an expecting mama's home.This is where they are preparing themselves for a new life. One that is needy, has it's own personality, and is everything and nothing you could have ever imagined. I have to humble myself before walking on such fragile ground - this nest is being held together so gingerly, I mustn't disturb it.

And yet, I can't help but come alive when I see an expecting mother confident in her taught, luminous, ever changing skin. I can't help but gush behind the lens when they allow themselves to smile genuinely - because despite all of the meltdowns and weak bladders and uncertainty of it all - they are joyful. Even if for the moment.

I visited Houston this week to see a mama I had never met before and knew little about. But she loved my work, trusted me, and invited me into her home with open arms.

Her little daughter Annie was all smiles. Her husband was home despite a job that keeps him away most of the time. Her mama was there to lend a helping hand. Jenn, thank you over and over again for allowing me to photograph you just as you are.