I was trying to explain to a client the other day that I often never know when photographs are going to be truly special or carry extra meaning. Most of the time I photograph everyday things for everyday reasons, and those photographs (while obviously meaningful in and of themselves) take on extra special meaning later when a loved one passes or there’s a new member of the family that comes along. Rarely do I know when photos have extra weight immediately, but this was one of those cases. They’re always bittersweet to me to document and it’s at these times where I feel an extra privilege at being invited and included in a big moment of a family’s history.
Ashley and Jon own a historic farm in Pittsboro that is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a beautiful property and they’ve loved their time there. But they recently sold it and it’s time to move, so I was called in to help the family photograph an evening at their home before they go. They got to hang out with their donkeys (!!), their pigs (!!), their chickens (!!), their dog Stella, and – last but certainly, certainly NOT LEAST – their kitten named Big Head Bighetti Spaghetti Man, who was born on the farm and intensively handled by three kids so he’s become the most agreeable cat in the world. I even held him for many minutes until I thought “maybe I should give this cat back” even though I didn’t want to. I also want to give Big Head Bighetti the Best Named Cat Award because it’s truly the best name for a cat I’ve ever heard.
Anyway – I had the best time at this family’s farm hanging out with them and documenting their life and love together there. They’re excited about their move but it was so important for them to have photos in this place that was their home for years and I’m happy I got to be a part of this big moment in their lives. Cheers to happy endings and new beginnings!
