Air Force Museum | Lt Col Crowe’s Retirement
One of my favorite things about military life is how quickly connections form. Not long after moving to Dayton – before our moving truck had even arrived – my family walked to the library where I chatted with another mom, Laurel. In just a few minutes, we realized we had a ton in common. We live on the same street. Our kids are the same ages. And her husband teaches in the program where my husband would be getting his Masters! After months of crossing paths in the neighborhood, Laurel reached out about me photographing her husband’s retirement ceremony at the Air Force Museum. To say I was delighted would be an understatement! I love photographing families I’ve connected with before, especially on milestone days like this one.
A Retirement Ceremony at the Air Force Museum
We began the day outside the museum for family portraits, knowing the Cold War Gallery’s dramatic lighting would be a challenge for group photos. Within minutes, I knew I was going to love this crew! There was no shortage of smiles and laughter, which made sense given their extended family hadn’t been together since Darrell and Laurel’s wedding a decade ago! With all that time apart, these portraits were going to be extra special.
Inside the museum, the ceremony was every bit as joyful. Col Zollars had the audience laughing often while honoring Lt Col Crowe’s accomplishments. The mix of humor, pride, and authenticity made the event feel perfectly “them,” which is exactly what I hope for in every ceremony I photograph.
Celebrating milestones like this one at the Air Force Museum is always an honor, but it felt especially meaningful to capture this day for a family I’ve gotten to know in small ways over the last year. To the Crowe family, congratulations! Thank you for inviting me to document your day… and for introducing yourselves when we were brand new in the neighborhood! 🤍
Are you planning an event at the Air Force Museum? I’d love to document it for you! Please reach out to me for details.
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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!
I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!
Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.
I'M ERIN.
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