The Sanders At Home | Manhattan, KS Family Photography and Film
One of main genres of photography I shoot is Family Photography, more specifically, Lifestyle with a tad bit of “Documentary” thrown in (cause, let’s face it, I love those little in between moments so much). But I’ll be the first to admit, the idea of “family” can sometimes be complicated. It’s not always ideal like you might see on an old sitcom from the 1950’s. I mean, really, life in general isn’t always “neat and clean”, it’s often messy, chaotic, complicated and sometimes hurtful.
Great start to a photography session blog post, huh? Stick with me, I promise it’ll be worth it.
For 9 years after college, I worked in the social service field. During those years, I spent my time listening to and talking with people who had the opposite of “ideal” lives. I felt honored to be able to give my time to those who were hurting, to really hear their struggles, and give them a safe space to be vulnerable. A large number of the people I met, though they had less than perfect lives, had many, many wonderful, love-filled, joyous moments to speak of. And those moments, where beauty comes from ashes, is what this blog post is about.
Lauren and Ray Sanders have a beautiful family with 2 precious little boys, Tucker and Nash. This sweet family stole my heart almost immediately because of 1 little word: adoption. Lauren and Ray struggled with infertility and at one point, decided to head down the path towards adoption. Their family was blessed with Tucker in 2014 and Nash in 2019. After my time in social services, adoption and foster care have my heart, lock, stock and barrel. The love, grace, self-sacrifice and faith that these families have, to help the most vulnerable in our society, resonates with me to my core.
I will be the first to say, this life is not always the “highlight reel” we see on TV and social media. Everyone has their own story and it’s as unique as a fingerprint. But the more we tell our stories, in words and, for me, in photographs, the more there is healing and beauty in our lives. We might also have the privilege of helping to validate and heal another person’s wounds. That, my friends, is the magic of human connection and one of the notions I’ve built Renee McDaniel Photography on: a space to honor and tell your story with beauty and sincerity, and in return, heal wounds and hurts through the power of human connection.
Below are a few of my favorites from the Sander’s Family’s Documentary Photography Session. We had a wonderful time in their home and playing together in their backyard. They spent time focused on each other. Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to watch the Family Film I created for them. I am so very honored and humbled that Lauren and Ray decided to share their story with me and in turn, with you. It is a beautiful story of never-ending, never giving up, always and forever love, that flows from a parent’s heart.
When I say we had the best time for the Sander’s Session, I really, truly mean it. Below is the Family Film I created for them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Wasn’t that just the best?? Friends, if you are even a teensy bit interested in a film of your own, of something or someone you adore, please reach out to me today!! Reach out to me by clicking Start Your Story and lets start planning it. I would be so incredibly honored to tell your story in a unique and meaningful way for you that will last a life time.
Till next time…
