Real Necessity | Keepin' It Real Blog Series

What do you need? A question we ask ourselves on a regular basis as we take inventory of our homes and businesses. But, it's so much more than that.

This topic struck a chord in me as I sat to write it, hours after a FaceTime call from my mom, who is volunteering at Sister Stan's orphanage in Ghana. It was my birthday, and after chatting with her for a few minutes, she turned the camera around to the children that lived there and, with gusto, they sang "Happy Birthday" followed by a beautiful dance they had been rehearsing for the Independence Day celebration.

They are clothed, but they wear no shoes. The only family they have is each other, Sister Stan (the nun who runs the orphanage), teachers and volunteers.
For food, they eat beans and rice. There is no running water.
They play with rocks and sticks in the dirt outside - not a toy among them.
Nevertheless, their smiles are contagious, their zest for life is unbroken.  This place provides shelter and the love and care they need to thrive. Basic necessities are met because of this place, these people that have the passion to support it and maintain it.

For most of us, our necessities are right here:  a click away on Amazon or a trip to the store.  Running water, all the food we need in crazy varieties from all over the world, our climate-controlled homes, clothing and shoes for any occasion, books, tech gadgets, nice things, nice toys... too many things, too many toys. We take it for granted. Many of us are not content with what we have because we are chasing after "things" and "more things."

Take a good look around you and you will see how lucky we are to have much more than our basic needs met for ourselves and our children.

Check out more Real Necessities from Katie Bork Photography.  Katie is an amazing Lifestyle Family Photographer serving Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach.

 

Real Love | Keeping' it Real Blog Series

This month's Keepin' it Real topic is "Real Love." As we celebrate Valentine's Day today, there is no better subject matter.

My two big girls worked very hard on their class Valentine's this week. One by one, cards were decorated and personalized for each classmate. My youngest cruised around the table, eagerly waiting for small bits of paper and confetti to fall on the floor and squealing with delight at each new scrap. She even made a few scribbles of her own.  They have so much love to share!

 

Jody Mack is a Charleston Lifestyle Newborn, Child & Family Photographer. "Keepin' It Real" is a blog circle of fellow Pinkle Toes Workshop alumni throughout North America where we are free to share our real moments. Please click through the links provided at the bottom of each blog post and explore!

Next, check out some more "Real Love" from Caroline Martin Photography. Caroline is a fabulous family & child photographer in the Carlsbad/San Diego area.

It's Personal: A 52 Week Project

In the spirit of new beginnings and New Year's resolutions,  I will photograph my own family for 52 weeks: my kids, my spouse, my extended family and heck, maybe a few self-portraits (#worldsworstselfietaker).

I am pledging to break out my Big Girl Camera at least once a week. A project that will serve as a dedicated space and time for my own need to record the history of our family. Something that will make a great year-in-review book (but more digestible than a daily project).  So a 52 week project is a great start for me.

Can I do it?
You bet!
Will I blog about it every week?
Nope. But I will compile my favorites at least once a month. I can do this!

So here goes:

January, Weeks 1 and 2.
Lots of things happening in a post-holiday, post-passing-germs-like-a-hot-potato, post-I-can't-quite-get-my-feet-under-me frenzy.

A 1st birthday party for my baby girl. Two adorable dance performances by my big girls.

These weeks mark a bittersweet ending to the infancy of our last baby and the beginning of a new year full of joy and wonder. A year where we can all spread our wings a little bit, stretch beyond our comfort zones and accomplish things that were once beyond our imagination.

Join me on this journey by recording your own 52 week journey. Can you do it? Heck yes, you can!

 

Three Little Girls, All Grown Up | Lifestyle Family Session | Downtown Charleston

I have to admit that I got a little misty while editing these images (must have gotten something in my eye...) Some sessions just resonate with me. This one was a little bittersweet: memories of growing up with my own 2 sisters (I miss them like crazy) and a glimpse into the future of my own little girls, all grown up and finding their wings.

You could see how proud their mom and dad are.  Not only are they impossibly smart, gorgeous and talented, but they are also kind-hearted, genuine and down-to-earth.  And, they ooze with sisterly love!

 

 

A Beautiful Evening at the Beach | Isle of Palms Lifestyle Maternity Photography

It's hard to believe that just two weeks ago, it was warm enough for a sundress and a barefoot walk on the beach!

This gorgeous couple is expecting a sweet little boy in December. I am so excited to be there the very day he is born for his Welcome to the World session to capture his "brand newness" with his parents. A few days later, I'll document his nursery, his family and him - all by his sweet newborn self - for his Lifestyle Newborn session.

Until then, his parents wait with great anticipation and lots of love!