Young Harris, Georgia Photography | Let Them Be Little

PREFACE: This blog is a bit different, as it highlights my very own littles in a way that hasn't been captured before. I don't post of my own littles publicly very often through Laurel + Pine Photography, but there are occasional exceptions. What was originally intended for my personal and private family session turned into a documentary to capture their unique personalities and to take a small glimpse into their ever-growing, ever-changing little selves.

Before my son was ever born, I remember being cautioned countless times of how quickly littles grow up. Boy, was that ever true. It's absolutely gut-wrenching at how quickly they grow, how everchanging their personalities are, yet how pure their heart stays. I'll be the first to admit I'm biased in what I'm about to say, but what parent isn't when speaking of their own child at such a young age? It sound so cliche, but I feel like I blink and my babies are no longer babies.

This summer, it was my mission to take more pictures "in the moment" of each of them, however that may be (even if just by phone camera). As the end of our summer break nears, I find myself scrolling through all the photos I've captured of them and there's been so much change in such a short amount of time.

So two things I've been wanting to photograph was this stunning dress, designed in Sydney, Australia, by Before & Ever Kids, and a hay field. I had absolutely no intention on photographing this particular day. The detail in this sweet little dress is just so eloquent and gives off an enchanting fairy theme. We had spent the day running errands in town and was headed home to when I noticed the freshly cut field just a short ways up from our area had been baled while we were gone.

So often, I find myself driving past randoms locations, thinking to myself "Dang, that would be a perfect spot for..." Sure enough, that was precisely the thought I had when passing the massive hay rolls. Of course I stopped and asked our sweet neighbor before looking like a wild bunch in a hay field. This field is family owned and I'm so thankful for their generosity and willingness to allow us to access it.

With it already nearing sunset, I knew time was against us and we'd quickly loose our lighting if we didn't hurry. So home we went, getting each one of them changed and hair just right. Paisley Laine loves to have her photo taken, so getting her ready was no issue. Cooper's only request was to wear overalls and take his cowboy hat...DONE and DONE! That was the easier compromise I've ever had to do!

We started out at a small grass area near our road before moving on the the hay field. I captured a combination of posed and detailed photos before just letting Cooper and Paisley Laine go run freely through our neighbor's field. They were in complete Heaven. I was fighting against my own self to stop and actually capture the moments from behind the lens because I was captivated by their love for one another and watching them be immersed in fun just being children.

Paisley Laine has a nurturing heart but is a force to be reckoned with. Her audacious personality will shine quickly, given the proper situation. She's bold and fierce in such a little body and I love that about her. It's a ferocity that can be tamed, but will carry her strong in life when unhaltered.

Let them be little. Let them explore and experience. Let them maintain their innocence and pureness for as long as possible. Don't let them grow up any faster than what they have to. Every single time I get immersed in the moment of how much of a thief time really is, I find myself repeating the lyrics to a song by singer/songwriter Billy Dean:

"So, let them be little 'cause they're only that way for awhile

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle

Oh, but let them be little."

I often refer to Cooper as having an old soul. His care for others is like none other. He shows empathy and wisdom far beyond his years and has a calm and gentle soul. He grounds me. He's my calmness and serenity. Don't get me wrong, he is still all little country boy, too. But sometimes I question as to whether I'm having a conversation with a little boy or a grown man. He has a unique way with words and can carry a conversation in a way that makes him mature far beyond his years.

As the sun was setting, it gave the most stunning pastel sky and breathtaking backdrops with panoramic views. These are moments I'll never have again and I am so very thankful for the opportunity to document my own littles and their sweet personalities.

When you're looking to invest in your family moments, look for Laurel + Pine Photography in North Georgia to capture your memories that are worthy of lasting for generations to come!