A Walking Family Gap Ad

You never know in life where you will meet people and how a random meeting will result in a connection.  I met the McLendon family when I was looking for a playhouse (sorry Clubhouse according to my oldest Kaleb) for my kids on Craigs List and they just happen to have the one I wanted. 
When the McLendon family showed up for the photoshoot, the first thing that came to my mind is that they looked like a walking version of the Gap’s Fall collection.  I loved the mix of solids and patterns in black, grays and whites, with the splash of red in little Leda’s hair and the red ring on Marcy’s hand.  This mamma knew how to style her family!
Marcy had me cracking up laughing when she told me she even had a change of clothes in the car for everyone in case the look she had picked out didn’t work.  As a mom who is a micro manager about my family looks, especially when it comes to pictures, I totally got Marcy.  I have myself packed a number of different outfits when it comes to a photoshoot for my family. 
I found myself talking, laughing and sharing with the McLendon’s like they were old friends.  We even found ourselves bonding over the fact that as adults we loved the cartoon Phenius and Ferb and could actually sit through our kids show and want more.
Spencer: the oldest of the McLendon children.  This young man is sure to have the girls swooning with his good looks and killer eyes. 

The greatest compliment I can get as a photographer is when a mom tells me that my photos made her cry (the good kind of tears of course).  Marcy told me that Spencer has been her hardest child to capture and that this photo made her cry.  I understand that feeling!  I’ve had times when I see a photo of my boys that just makes the waterworks start.  Marcy, I’m so pleased that I was able to do this for you!
Leda: the middle McLendon child and the only girl.  What a little doll she is! It took literally no work to get this little superstar to smile and pose for me!  We got to have a special bond because we both love Beauty and the Beast and Belle is our favorite princess.

Little Chase: the youngest children.  This little man might not say much, but he has a lot going on behind those eyes.  There is a deep soul inside this little man.  We did have our own little bonding over Perry the Platypus being our favorite cartoon character.  Hey, where’s Perry?
I just adore this photo!  Look at those personalities! 
Someday, when one of these little munchkins gets married, I hope they do a photo just like this of all of them!  I can just see it now.  Sorry, Marcy, not trying to make your kids grow up to quick. I love to see siblings loving each other like this. 
Yes, I know they all fight, but deep down there is no other bond like the one between siblings. When you think about it, siblings are closer to each other genetically then anyone else on the planet.
It seems that as soon as a couple has a baby, the amount of photos they have with just each other drops to zero.  I always insist at family photoshoots that mom and dad have there own special time together for photos of just the two of them.  As busy as they are with three kids, I knew it had been years since they had taken a photo with just the two of them.  And what a beautiful couple they are!  It isn’t hard to see where the children gets their good looks from.  The genes are strong with this family.
I’m so glad I got to meet the McLendon family!  It was like spending an afternoon with a good friend.  Thank you for the Clubhouse…..my boys love it.  Thank you Marcy for the pedicure tip!  You are an amazing family and touched my life.