THE SPLECHTA FAMILY DOCUMENTARY BLOG | COVID-19

While this global crisis is going on, my mental health (always engagement-stimulus seeking) appreciates the artists and photography organizations inspiring us with mini-short-term-projects that are not extension enough to be psychologically draining during a time we are already pouring from an empty cup, but fulfilling enough to keep us distracted from fear, panic and anxiety.

One of the mini-short term projects I started photographing 1-2 times for a couple of minutes at a time per day, focusing on my kids, was prompted by CG Pro Prints’ Moments from Home Photography Contest. With so many Stay at Home orders, CG Pro Print’s photo contest is about capturing special moments of the everyday. The subject can range from family moments to self portraits, pets and backyard wildlife, life stills and macro photography. They set the rules as all entries must be taken at home, or nearby surroundings between March 30th and April 12th.

And since today, I am also preparing to submit 1 documentary image to the Documentary Family Awards, their parameters for their upcoming Live Q&A are an image showing the experience within the last few months, be it of family, partner or yourself, followed by a 1 hour live-stream with Kirsten Bethmann & Jenna Shouldice focusing on the artistic and creative opportunities specifically available during this pandemic and how to apply them to images.

Here’s what I’ve captured so far. Hope you enjoy this unique gallery so different from the birth artwork I normally create.

Waiting on Girl #2 | Maternity & Pregnancy Family Documentary Session at the Dog Beach in Jupiter, FL

When I met Leslie and her family of three... soon to be family of four... I knew right away that we were going to be friends. I was really excited when Leslie emailed this to me:

"I'm not a "smile at the camera" gal. I love documentary, abstract type photos. I know you want to step out of your comfort zone and I am super excited to be part of this change for you." 

That was the coolest email I could have gotten ever! It said to me "I trust you, do whatever you want because what you're doing, I love"

I think it is quite possibly the most freeing feeling in the world when your client trusts you so much, and completely lets go and gives you creative freedom.

Here are some of my absolutely favorite images from their documentary lifestyle maternity and family session with their amazing daughter and two precious doggies. I hope you enjoy these photographic pictures as much as I did!

Grow with me | Second Baby Girl Newborn Session in Fort Lauderdale

Click here to Meet my partner Lena who captures all these beautiful memories from maternity and newborn sessions exclusively for my birth clients leading up to and following their birth stories... 

I met Caroline & Chris a couple years ago when they were expecting their first baby girl. It has been really cool watching their oldest daughter grow and become a big sister. I couldn't wait to see how their girls are getting along in the beginning :)

I have my own two girls at home that are 2 years and 10 months apart, and I am so excited about them growing up and being best friends. I think that's been my favorite part of motherhood so far, watching my girls play and learn about each other. And the beginning is so great, all the focus is on big sis and her newly attained role, and on baby sis taking it all in.

When I pulled up to their new house in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning, I was really charmed! Fort Lauderdale has its fair share of eclectic and quirky homes, and its so refreshing from neighborhoods where theres maybe 3-4 variations of the same house design. 

I almost wished I could stay the whole day and document every nook and cranny of their house. I walked through the front gate of their fence that encompasses their entire yard (which I just LOVE!) your kids can run around the entire yard without worrying they'd get in the street, how cool is that? Grandma and Grandpa greeted me at the door along with dad. Grandma was rocking baby girl in her arms and she looked SO in love, as grandmas always do. 

I spent a little bit of time taking candid/lifestyle documentary photos in their eating room and kitchen, (I absolutely ADORE their pot hanging rack by the way and want to get one ASAP for my own kitchen! And their window cabinet doors are just my style!) I followed the family upstairs to the master bedroom overlooking their entire backyard. The wall of windows was a dream come true. I feel that natural light is a beautiful, moody gift, perfect for capturing every moment in your home. 

I hope you enjoy these photographic pictures as much as I did! Such a sweet Newborn Session with the entire family including their doggy in their Fort Lauderdale cozy house. I can't wait to continue to capture amazing moments with this family as their girls grow up big and turn into best friends!