Recently, I had the honor of photographing Kimberley's family reunion in Monterey, CA. While it was different from most of my reunion sessions, it was an experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of family.

Kimberley found me from a wedding I photographed last November. She liked my style so much that she reached out to me for a reunion that she was planning. I was glad that she did, because it allowed me to capture her family together.

Family reunions are a time for loved ones to come together and create memories that will last a lifetime. As a photographer, it is my privilege to capture those precious moments and emotions that will forever be cherished.

However, at the beginning of the session, the atmosphere was somber. Everyone seemed a bit uneasy. I wasn't sure why, but I knew that my job was to help them relax and enjoy the moment.

Despite the children's fussiness, I did my best to interact with them and give them prompts that would help them feel more at ease. I even let them run around a bit to release some energy and capture some candid shots.

It wasn't until later that I found out the reason for their solemn demeanor. Kimberley's husband had passed away one year ago, and they had all gathered to honor his memory. My heart broke for them.

Kimberly’s mother-in-law planted an apricot tree in his memory, and the family shared stories about their loved one. It was a moment that left me in awe of the healing power of love and family.

As a photographer, I always strive to capture the essence of the people I photograph and the emotions they feel. This family reunion was a perfect example of how photography isn’t just for the moments of joy, but for the ones of grief, too.

However, despite the sadness of their loss, there were still moments of happiness and laughter throughout the session. All in all, it was such a healing experience for the family.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have captured such an emotional moment for Kimberley's family, and I hope these photos will serve as a reminder of the love and memories they share.