We were thrilled to do another “day in the life” series, this time in our nation’s capital. Elise and Brian met and currently reside here, but admittedly, they may not be here forever. Upon weighing where to have their engagement photos taken, they decided to document the true “here and now” in their life. We talked a few times during the day about their children looking through these photos, and how awesome it will be for generations to look back at candid moments they shared in a single day, in this beloved city.

Brett and I had a fantastic time being their shadows for the day. There’s something so magical about being thrown into someone’s “day,” especially when you don’t know the area at all. We got to see the city through their eyes, hear many great stories, visit places that held deep meaning to them, and just get to know a city and two great people in the process.

Brian and Elise, thank you for your hospitality, for showing us around, and for being so natural and loving with each other. Our cameras liked you, as do we. ;)

(I know, I know…these photos are from spring. MONTHS ago. I have so many personal photos I’m eager to share, but I want to force myself to go in order. Hopefully, I’ll play catch-up quickly.)

Every time I pick up my camera, I involuntarily think about what I am capturing and how it will be seen 20, 30, 50 years from today. Whether personal or professional, this thought is always on my mind. I want generations that follow to see and feel, in their own way, what I saw and felt within that moment. To me, this is what photography is all about. It’s my driving passion for this art.

Consequently, this is also what forces me to pack up my heavy beast of a camera, not being tempted by my iphone, even when I dread doing so. I want my kids to see what life was like…what a quick day hike and adventure looked like back in 2012. I want them to be able to relive it a bit, and share with their own children.

This past April when Brett’s brother Jason was visiting, we decided to pack up early one morning and head to Yellow Springs, a town we adore, for a full day of ADVENTURE. We weren’t exactly sure what we were going to do.  So, without much planned, we packed up our hiking gear and a picnic lunch and then just went with the flow of the day.

We began by hiking a gorge area that Brett and I had never seen, and man-oh-man, was it a gorgeous spring hike.

About halfway through, someone had a blister and major drama ensued. She can now brag that she hiked 2 miles barefoot.

We had a relaxing picnic lunch in the sunshine on the lawn of Antioch College, followed by an epic game of hide-and-seek.

We wandered around the small town…

We found a hula hoop, so of course we stopped for a competition. You know who won.

Thoughts on Brett’s post-winter facial hair: I’m not sure if I find it sexy or scary. Or both.

In the afternoon, we hiked the path that led to the actual Yellow Spring that the town is named after.

We joked about Uncle J not getting a date because Priya looks like she could be his girlfriend…

Gabe’s letting me know what this photo is about.

back for more…..

Finished up the adventure with a nice dinner.

It was a simple and wonderful family day!