Back in 2013, around Easter time, I had the pleasure of photographing a charming little family: Laurent, Marina, and Anna. We spent a lovely day at the beach next to Saint Raphael Resort while holding their family photo session in Cyprus, where the family, who lives in Russia, was vacationing at the time. They so much enjoyed that session—and the photos that were produced during it—that they immediately hired me for another, longer shoot at Kourion Beach.
This summer, the family decided to come back to Cyprus, and I was once again hired to take their pictures — only this time, there was another smiling little face along for the trip: baby Alexandra, the latest member of the family.
For this family photo shoot (in Protaras, Cyprus), rather than opting for sweeping seaside vistas, we decided to capture the playful, loving soul of this family by focusing on the simple joy of a day spent together at the park.
It is, after all, such humble everyday outings which form so much of the glue that binds families together: The shared smiles and laughter, the gift of fresh ice cream which so lights up a child’s eyes, the endless patience of a mother watching her children every time they call upon her to appreciate their happy antics, the loving arms of a father carrying his tired child home at the end of the day, and the many grateful kisses on the cheek each parent receives in thanks for providing such a lovely day out.
Such little adventures are the sum of our lives, and are so much of the joy of having children: Each day is greeted as a brand new opportunity to marvel at the brightness of the sun, the delicious taste of one’s favourite treats, the daydreams we can have while watching clouds pass by, and the wonder we can take in all of God’s creations. Children remind us that so often, the simplest joys are the greatest—those pure, uncomplicated moments when we are just happy to be alive.
