Why Do my Sessions Last 1.5-2 Hours? ; Laura Duggleby Photography; Lifestyle and Documentary

So Why ARE your sessions 1.5-2 hrs? 

I get asked this so often?  Why do you allow for such a long period of time for your sessions?  Why not just have them at an hour like most of the other photographers out there?  The reason is pretty simple for me, it all goes back to why I do photography. My entire goal is to instill value and hope into my clients.  I want my work to represent something far greater than smiles and poses.  I want it to represent and reflect the emotions, the joys and all the extraordinary pieces in between.  I want my work to reflect the full story within that season of life, and to do so takes time.  I shared more about my entire style of photography in my previous post, so if you missed it, be sure to check that out here: 

But generally, I long to be fully present with you and your family.  I want to be able to adventure with you, to give you the time to relax in front of me and truly come into your natural selves.  I want to expectantly create time to rest in the moment, not rushed, but rather to experience it for that which it is.  I want to have time for a mother to cradle her young one through a struggle, or for the children to actually enjoy some time with their family, together, unordered and beautiful.  What this extra time does is simply create more space for you and your family.  It allows me to step into your story for a longer period of time and in this capture more of the little in between moments.  

Now, with that being said I do still offer occasional mini sessions.  So, why do I do this?  Honestly, I also understand what it is like financially to have pictures taken.  I understand that it is an investment.  And although I wish that every family could have GORGEOUS professional images taken every six months, I also realize that is just not possible for everyone.  For this reason, I have about 2-3 dates per year that I open up for mini session time slots to love those families as best I can as well.  But, full length sessions will always be where my heart lies, for here is where I have the time to capture so much more within the moment.  And also, just as a side note, I do offer payment plans if that is something that is holding you back from getting family pictures done.  I know, for myself, I have NEVER regretted any amount spent on images, not in the least.  The images I take of our family, or that we have taken by someone else are truly one of the most treasured possessions in our home.  They hold pieces to our story that no one else can write.  They are incredibly unique, personal, and they bring me back countless times over.  

How are you remembering this season of your life? 

My next mini session date is Saturday March 10th in Dallas/Ft. Worth.  Spacing is limited.  Check out all the details here:

 https://www.lauradugglebyphotography.com/session-details/

Would you like to chat about setting up a session with your family this year?  Contact Laura Duggleby Photography here:

 https://www.lauradugglebyphotography.com/contact-1/

And finally, don't forget to also check out this free resource we are offering on goal setting this month!  

~Sitting right here with you, soaking in the most important moments, 

Laura 

Majesty and Mystery; The Freyenberger Family: NWI Lifestyle Family Photographer

Majesty

There are pieces we can never understand, 

Concepts and ideas that will remain a mystery. 

The wonder of Your glory, 

The victory You claim over our lives, 

The freedom You bring, 

The peace You wash over us, 

Your majesty is far beyond what we could ever fathom, 

Your grace is a marvelous mystery. 

Majesty and mystery, the beautiful collision. 

Undeserved, misunderstood, yet forever grateful. 

There is no one like You,

There is no love like Yours. 

Full rescue, full freedom, full surrender, fullness complete and without want. 

You are our greatest joy, our purest blessing, our richest reward.  

Majesty and mystery.  

There could be no greater collision. 

Joy in Chaos 

Friends, you would never even know it, but it was crazy cold on the day of this session.  Yet, the Freyenberger family was just amazing!  Something that was crazy evident throughout my time with them, was their fight for joy despite what the circumstances looked liked. It was not only cold, but it was also misting when our session began.  And yet, this is how they showed up, full of joy and beautiful grace despite the chaos occurring around them.  Despite the crummy circumstances outlying the day, they fought for joy, and they won.  If you know them, than you know what I am saying is true, but they truly fight for people. They are honest and loyal and genuine. They are calm and at peace.  They are true to themselves, and they are able to enjoy being together.  That is enough for them.  I so wish this for all families. To be able to appreciate and soak in the beauty found in the mundane.  For there is where majesty lies, right there in the mystery of the mundane. 

Want to create your own beauty from the seemingly mundane? 

Letter to the Freyenbergers

The Freyenberger family. Goodness, you guys were such a delight and a joy to be around.  You totally made 35 degrees and mist feel warm that day.  There is this light that shines from you guys, this aroma of contentment to just be and soak each other in.  And what a powerful testament that is to your faithfulness to each other and the way that you love each other.  Thank you so much for blessing me above and beyond what I could have ever imagined by giving me a larger glimpse into your beautiful life. 

Luke- You are a servant at heart to be sure.  You protect Joel well and make sure everything is in order.  And  yet, everything is done with kindness.  You extend all of yourself and the outpouring of that is the richest connections with others and compassion for others.  Never lose that fight you have in you for others.  It is going to lead you to great places one day! 

Joel- the sweetest thing I have ever seen.  Even as I was editing your images, I couldn't stop smiling as I looked over you.  You have a way of bringing joy to all that you touch.  Carefree and full of life, you whisper joy into the life of those around you.   Thanks for just being you Joel! 

Craig- Quiet, Firm and Steadfast.  You quietly lead your family well Craig.  It doesn't take a lot of words, and yet, you can lead in joy through action.  The boys just long to grow up and be like you some day, and what a great example you are providing for them. Not only in leading well, and loving well, but also in serving well.  Serving them, and even moreso serving Rachel.  The way you tenderly look at her, the simple eye glance check in to make sure everything is all right, the warm embrace, and gentle kiss on the forehead.  There is a strong gentleness about you, and it is such an encouragement to see.  Thank you for serving your people so well and being a great example for other men to look to. 

Rachel- oh dear Rachel, where to even begin. There are some people that just stick with you, and you are one of them.  Not only because of the countless ways that you have shown up for and supported my family, but also in all the unseen ways that you serve, love and encourage others.  You are an amazing encourager.  You speak life into your boys and Craig.  You are not caught up in nagging or strife, but rather you intentionally build up in love.  The way you approach your boys in gentleness and love.  It just radiates compassion from you.  Luke gets his compassion for others from you, surely.  You are doing such a great job Rachel, mothering, serving your people well, and being the firm root they can come to when needed.  And not that you are perfect, but rather, that you point them to the One who is, and that is where the true compassion lies.  So grateful for you and for our friendship, and forever grateful to be able to take these images for you guys! 

Fighting for Joy 

Friends, I hope that this week you fight for joy in your life.  That you are able to see the majesty of our creator, and the mystery that lies in all His goodness. We will never fully be able to comprehend the complexity of all He is, or all He has done for us, but I do think that we can worship Him for the faithful God we know Him to be.  And although life is not always easy, most of the time filled with hardship and pain, we can rest in knowing that He is faithful, He is good, He is true, and He is where we can rest.  He can provide overwhelming joy no matter what the circumstance.  Are you ready for it?! 

~Rooting for you dear one! 

~Laura 

Looking to tell your own story?  Ready to advocate a rich story of hope? 

Embracing Life; The McConnell Family; Northwest Indiana Lifestyle Family Photographer

Embracing Life for All Its Meant to Be. 

The page flips, 

You let your imagination wander.  

Birds are chirping, 

Squirrels nestling in, 

The drips of snow melt outside your window pane as you think back to the sunshine of fall.  

Heart stirring to big dreams and wide adventures, 

But then also remembering the simplest of things bringing the greatest joys.  

Life is full of one thousand moments a day, 

Constant movement of time, 

An ever passing continuum of events. 

And yet, here in this passing moment, taking it all in is the best place to be.  

Observant.  Present.  Fully paying attention.  

Feeling the kick of the small new babe growing inside the womb, 

Listening to the laughter as the little ones play, 

Calming a fight and having gratitude in the gift of life brought your way, 

Affirming a questioning heart as doubts and fears come your way.  

Attending to the deepest questions wandering within your head, 

To bring you back to the greatest truths ever told in scripture.  

Moment by moment, 

Day by day, 

Year by year, 

Fighting for Joy.  Living with Intention.  Embracing life for all its meant to be. 

Simplify. 

Do you ever feel as if you are missing all the moments happening right in front of your eyes because life gets too busy?  Or you are so caught up in maintaining everything in life before you, that is just begins to feel overwhelming, draining and unreachable for true rest?  Well, I have been right there with you friends.  Lately, I have completely let life and all of its demands take hold of pieces of my life, and what that has done is cause more stress.  So, I have started incorporating some tools back into my life to help me wade through the waters, back to joy.  It isn't always easy.  It is a constant fight, a choice, and a never ending battle to say, I am not giving up.  But it is oh so worth it! Below I have a guide I created with some of the tips that I have started incorporating that are helping me in this journey of less stress and more joy.  

Letter to the McConnell Family 

You guys, truly you are one of the smartest families I think I have ever met! But truly, there was such a sense of calm contentness among you.  I love you each take care of each other and open your arms wide to the needs within your family.  Each person turning to the side and being available for the one beside.  You truly are the most gorgeous bunch!! 

Aiden- You have the sweetest temperament and the kindest persona about you.  You can tell the wheels are always turning, you are observant and wise.  Slow to speak, but quick to listen. A trait I so admire.  I hope you never change sweet one, for you sure are a treasure! 

Finn- You are a caretaker through and through.  You love your siblings fiercely and make sure everyone has everything they need.  You take great concern for others, over that of yourself.  You are humble, and generous.  What a gift you are!! 

Kiera- Little miss beauty.  You have the purest heart and the kindest smile.  You are incredibly smart and so well put together.  The second little mother of the family.  There is also this joy that just spills over from you.  Your compassion is contagious and feel I could just sit in a room with you and soak it in for days.  Never lose your light Kira!  It is a rare thing to behold. 

Declan- Such a cuddler!  I love how much you adore and look up to your older siblings.  You love without regard and it is poured over in return.  Keep enjoying every second of this life! 

Eve- The spunk and life of the family.  You are going to be quite the leader one day.  You have a bold personality, and love the spotlight.  You are full of laughter, and ideas.  Your imagination runs wild, and I hope that only continues to grow and you lead generations with a fierce longing to change the world.  Never let go of that beautiful fire you have about you dear one. 

Sean- Stable and kind.  Your personality is so calm and humble.  You lead by example and with abundant generosity.  Your children love to be in your company and Christine is ever radiant with you by her side.  You give without reserve and love beyond borders. What a blessing to your whole family.  

Christine- I always knew you to be a giver.  From meeting you at Mops, and hearing your few but amazing inputs, I knew you were something special.  You are one who doesnt need to speak a lot, but when you do, my goodness everyone better be ready for a heartful of wisdom.  So calm and kind.  Yet, when I was able to witness all of your children, there with you, my goodness did it give me a broader perspective of just how wide your compassion and love for your family spreads.  Your children just simply look to you in full love and admiration.  You are the apple of their eye.  They fall into your arms, in full comfort and affirmation.  You build them up and provide the emotional security that they need.  And as for Sean, he beams as he looks at you, his beautiful bride.  You are the closing piece that keeps everything running, all things in order.  And yet, much larger than that, you bring continual hope, peace and an unconditional love for all those you come in contact with.  What gift it was to get to know you a bit through Mops and even moreso through our time together.  I will never forget. 

Figuring out the ebbs and flows of this life with you, 

Laura