The Magic of Now: Capturing Life’s Sweetest Moments with The Conways

Have you ever stopped in the middle of a chaotic day, taken a deep breath, and felt the vibrant pulse of life around you? It’s a rare moment, isn’t it? We’re all so busy chasing after the next task on our never-ending to-do lists that we forget the beauty of simply being present. Isn’t it funny how life often feels like a whirlwind, with us as mere passengers in a train speeding through moments we should cherish? What if you could pause that train, even just for a little while, to gaze out the window at the breathtaking scenery of your everyday life?
That’s the beauty wrapped up in “The Magic of Now” sessions. It’s about diving headfirst into the beautiful chaos of your life, the heartwarming snippets that truly define your family. Imagine me as a fly on the wall, stealthily documenting those unfiltered moments you hardly recognize as remarkable.

How It Works

Every journey begins with planning; it’s like setting the stage for your own personal masterpiece. Together, we craft a mood board that serves as a visual compass for our time together. Think of it as a roadmap that guides us to your unique story. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see your lifestyle captured not just in photographs, but through a lens that reflects your essence? A visual diary of sorts, where every image pulses with the energy of your family.

Gabby’s session was all about capturing her and her two adorable babies. We kicked things off by raiding her closet—yes, you read that right! As Gabby started picking out clothes for her little ones, I gently stopped her and said, “Hold up. We dress Mom first.”

Why? Because as moms, we’re always putting our kids first. Every decision, every chore, every priority revolves around them. But this session? This is about you. It’s about putting yourself first, even if just for a moment. Once Gabby’s outfit was sorted, we coordinated pieces for her little ones to match her effortless vibe.

A Day to Remember

The session itself felt like hanging out with an old friend. Gabby even made a stunning charcuterie board (and let me tell you, I’m a sucker for a good charcuterie board!). Between the snacks and laughter, I captured moments that felt completely authentic—cuddling with her chubby-cheeked baby, dancing in the kitchen, and all the tiny, magical in-between moments.

mom holding playful baby with the tongue out, while hanging out at home on their couch

As moms, we’re often the ones behind the camera, snapping pictures of everyone else. “The Magic of Now” is your time to shine, to be seen, and to have those precious memories preserved forever. “The Magic of Now” isn’t just a mantra; it’s an opportunity to shine. Those authentic photographs are treasures, a narrative of your motherhood and your family’s laughter.

Life can be fleeting, and those little moments of joy often slip through our fingers like grains of sand. Yet, when they are immortalized in photographs, they become eternal. So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the whirlwind, ask yourself: When was the last time you lived fully in the moment? Take a chance to embrace the chaos—because within that chaos lies the real magic of your life, just waiting to be captured. Life is waiting, vibrant and full of promise; together, let’s seize it, frame by frame.

close up black and white photograph of a mother holding her infant, while appreciating her daughters tiny toes

Family, Fun and a Little Dirt: Capturing Field Day Magic

“These Field Day photos capture the energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments of a family tradition filled with games like tug-of-war, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. From candid smiles to action-packed shots, these images showcase the beauty of authentic, unposed photography. Perfect for celebrating family, fun, and life’s best memories.

Young black girls having fun at the park playing tug of war with cousins.

Every year, my dear friend (let’s call her the queen of fun) throws an epic “Field Day”—and I mean epic. Imagine a mashup of your family reunion, summer camp, and the Olympics, but with more laughter and slightly less coordination. This isn’t just a casual picnic with sandwiches and polite conversation. Oh no. This is tug-of-war, three-legged, and wheelbarrow races where the participants might not have their balance, but they sure have their dignity… well, most of it.

When she asked me to photograph the event, I jumped at the chance. First, I’d do anything for her because she’s my friend. Second, because events like these are my jam. Something about capturing people in their element—sweaty, laughing, mid-fall, or mid-victory lap—makes the photos feel alive. It’s the magic of real moments, where no one’s saying, “Okay, now tilt your chin slightly to the left.”

Field Day is the perfect reminder that not every photo session has to be cookie-cutter or full of posed smiles and perfectly coordinated outfits (although, shoutout to anyone who managed to wear matching team shirts this year—you’re the real MVPs). The beauty is in the chaos, in the moments that make you snort-laugh when you see them later. Like that one uncle who gave it his all in the sack race and wiped out so spectacularly that his glasses flew off… but hey, he stuck the landing with a smile. Or the spur of the moment rap battle.

That’s the thing about life: it’s messy, funny, and sometimes downright ridiculous. And when you look back at the photos years from now, those are the moments you’ll treasure. Not the stiff poses, but the candid laughs, the sweat-soaked hugs, the competitive streaks that turned your calm cousin into a sprinting blur.

Photographing Field Day was a masterclass in why I love what I do. It’s not about creating a perfect moment—it’s about recognizing that the moments we’re already living are perfect in their imperfection. It’s the kid double-fisting popsicles, the aunt who came out of retirement to dominate musical chairs, and the look on everyone’s faces when they finally sat down to eat after hours of friendly but ferocious competition.

So, if you’re thinking about capturing your own family traditions, let me just say this: Don’t stress about the poses. Don’t worry about everyone looking “just right.” The best photos come from simply being yourselves. And if that involves a little dirt, sweat, and your team breaking into a victory chant… even better.

“These Field Day photos capture the energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments of a family tradition filled with games like tug-of-war, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. From candid smiles to action-packed shots, these images showcase the beauty of authentic, unposed photography. Perfect for celebrating family, fun, and life’s best memories.

elder cousin surrounded by younger girl. cousins, generational growth of beautiful black girls

Life isn’t staged, so why should your photos be?

And to my friend: thank you for letting me document the joy, the hilarity, and the slightly chaotic brilliance of Field Day. I’m already sharpening my camera skills for next year—because I know it’ll be bigger, better, and possibly include water balloons. Just saying.