Sara Herrell

Embracing Grace and what photographers are thinking behind the lens.

Embracing Grace

a storytelling session by Herrell House Photo

wherein a community rallies around two young mothers and their taking the narrow path to grace

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It is not our job to determine if someone is worthy of love.

It is our job to simply love them.

They called it “Princess day”

A double baby shower. Every detail was made special to celebrate the girls.

From hair and make up

to tiaras

to gifts and sweets

- and that’s where I come in.

I was a surprise part of their gift. A double maternity session right there in the host home! - y'all, I got to be a surprise gift. How often does that happen?!!!

I don’t have a lot of time to volunteer as often as I would like to BUT as a mom who NEVER had her maternity photos taken *bummer* this was tugging at me SO VERY HARD to say YES when I received the request.

Personally, I find the most graceful part of this day, this particular celebration - was simply that there was NO JUDGEMENT. Not one bit. Not even a side eye. Just pure grace.

"Embrace Grace" is a small program put on by the girls' church home. Throwing these lovely petite celebrations for young mothers, showering them with support and fellowship.

These ladies had found a way to celebrate the joy of motherhood, regardless of circumstance - no guilt, no bible thumping, no stone throwing. JUST. LOVE. A pure celebration of two brave girls answering the call to be the best mothers they could be.

In a petty world - That's pretty flippin' cool if you ask me.

“Never let her forget how loved she is.

Never let her forget she is this child’s whole world”

I wished into the universe.

Momma A

We were shooting ON her due date. You could FEEL how electric and excited she was as she told me stories and thoughts on baby names. SHE. WAS. READY.

“I wish I were as cute as you when my little guy was cooking” I exclaimed as inside I just clenched with happiness and encouragement for her.

“Never let her forget how loved she is. Never let her forget she is this child’s whole world” I wished into the universe - smiling, chatting to her and pulling my awkward dance moves to induce the most beautiful belly laughs.

She looked beautiful.

I wanted her to know that so badly

Momma B

Momma B was a little more shy and reserved - she still even had braces on her sweet smile.

She seemed a bit less certain of motherhood approaching (seriously who the heck IS?) but was still beaming with palpable joy and love for her little one.

For her, I wished out to the universe confidence in herself, extra peace in the hard times and strength for the rough road that is motherhood - bumpy,winding and paved with good intentions.

I saw a lot of my own self in her spirit - A little worry. A lot of excitement. Maybe a touch of nerves about keeping another human happy and healthy. You know, normal mom feelings coupled with being on the introverted side.

- which led me to encourage and be even more tender with her from behind the camera. She looked beautiful. I wanted her to know that so badly.

I wanted her to never forget how lovely she was while growing her little person and for that to give her stamina on the road ahead.

I just know they’ll make excellent moms

Anyone who loves a photographer will tell you they’re pretty much dead to the world after work. But it isn’t only because of the physical aspects. You see, most of us are very connective and emotionally charged people.

We feel your feelings. We plug in to your emotions. We take your story in like it’s the best damn book we’ve ever read.

We cheer for you from inside our heads while we work- yes, seriously. (Cue resting photographer face and awkward expressions)

We hope the best for you and pray you see your images the way we do.

I only hope the universe heard my wishes for them that day.

With great Love, Sara

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