Before we moved to Kennesaw, we lived in a small town. Of course, size is relative, but for this girl raised in the suburbs of Arizona with access to any and all shopping within ten minutes, it was a huge adjustment knowing the closest thing to me was a Dollar General. There is a peace that fills the air when you hear the quiet. We lived in between two larger towns, (and by large I mean we had a Kohls and Target) and we drove on two laned roads and open highway to get to where we wanted to be. When your view is painted with tall pines, glimpses of the river, and fields of farms, it’s a drive I looked forward to. When our hot fall arrives, we get to watch the cotton grow, and by the end of September, the harvest is ready. Since we are livin’ in the big ol’ city, I don’t get to see it much anymore.

My dear friend and her husband love the outdoors, so we drove to the Covered Bridge in Euharlee and enjoyed the rustic wood and backdrop of the Etowah River and rustling leaves.

On our way to our location, we passed many bare fields. Then, we spotted the acres of white nestled off the highway. We had to stop and enjoy. The kids ran and played under a high noon sun, and I watched Jenny and the babes walk and rest. Hot and tired, all of the littles welcomed the small break while their big eyes and tiny hands curiously explored.

When we are joyful, it doesn’t hide. Through portraiture, it’s drawing out the joy and realness. It can be challenging to let your guard down to a stranger, especially one who has a camera. We all know how to smile, but can we be vulnerable?