To understand how thrilled I was about this session, you have to rewind almost four years. We were stationed in New Mexico and had recently met the Odames through our kiddos who were in the same preschool class. I decided I was going to turn my favorite hobby into a business and started sharing about it with some friends. When I told Rich and Amy my plan, their response was, “we want to be your first clients!” Feeling grateful for their support, we picked a spot for photos in the Bosque. To this day, some of their portraits from that session are still some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken! So, after moving away from these friends, you can imagine how excited I was to meet their whole crew in Columbus for an Ohio extended family photography session.

Ohio Extended Family Photography Session

Rich’s mom, known as Grandma Nanice by her sweet grandchildren, lives in Columbus. With a few days off around Veterans Day, Rich and his brother, Yaw, traveled with their families to Ohio to spend some time with her. It had been three years since their extended family was in the same place, so family pictures were a must!

After spending most of the day together at COSI, we met at Pickerington Pond Metro Park for photos. I arrived a few minutes early to check the place out. If there was any doubt we were going to have a good time, it was gone by the time I circled back to the parking lot. The Odames had arrived and the kids were “fighting” with pool-noodle lightsabers (and my two kiddos!) near the car. Fueled by lollipops and silly behavior encouraged by their parents, these kiddos were ready to go.

Over the course of the next hour or so, we played together as the sun set over Pickerington Pond. Rich and Yaw bantered as only brothers can do. Amy, Caity and Mitchell took in the craziness. And Grandma Nanice couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. It was such a joy to see this family so happy to be together.

To Rich and Amy, thank you so much for your friendship and for being a cheerleader of ETP since the very beginning. We’ve loved being stationed with you and hope the Air Force brings us together again in the future! 🤍

• Alameda Open Space | NM Summer Family Photography | The Odame Family
• Extended Family Photos | The Rozelle Family
• Maryland Extended Family Photos | The Kirsch Family

If you’re interested in an Ohio extended family photography session, please reach out to me. I would love to chat through your vision together!