There's a crack in everything

I've saved the best of my recent West Virginia photos for last. My family is the most important thing in my life. Every photo of a loved one that I have the opportunity to take is sacred event. Being with my family - being at home - helps remind me who I am, when I forget. It's something that I will never take for granted.

It wasn't her birthday, but that didn't stop her from adding a candle to her ice cream. 

Safety first. 

Risking life and limb (or at least fingers) in pursuit of beauty. 

In thought.

Almost Heaven

One of my favorite parts of any visit to West Virginia is checking out all of the projects that my brothers are working on. I can report that the rabbits are doing so well that an expansion of their barn is under way, and Ben is building a pen so that eventually they will be able live primarily outside. The garden - despite an early rain setback - is also doing well. It has me dreaming of tomatoes fresh from the vine. Trips home always leave me feeling inspired. 

Crackle and Boom

I had just moved to Tennessee last July so I missed my family's annual Independence Day blowout. Not this year. I made the trek to West Virginia, and the holiday was celebrated appropriately - despite the rain. 

The first family display. 

The second family celebration. 

Oral Lake's annual display. 

This little. . .

As a photographer, I am always seeking light. Sometimes the search is long. Sometimes I get lucky. I tend to find that the warmest pockets of light are found at home. There's nothing like the light that your family keeps lit for you.