The last time I did a shoot in an airport it was for friends in Birmingham who were bringing home their first son from Uganda. The grandparents holding up their sign that read “welcome to our family” is still a memory that clenches my stomach and holds my breath at the sheer magnitude of what I was witnessing. Today I’m adding to my laundry list of reasons why I love airports (as if Chilis To Go wasn’t enough) because I had the absolute honor of capturing another homecoming. I feel like I say that a lot, but I sincerely mean it and don’t feel like I can say it enough. I am humbled by the experiences I get to be a fly on the wall for. These moments that make a family.
You may remember that I did an at home session for this family before they sent their dad to Afghanistan for a year. That session dripped with anticipation, and a palpable desire to hold on to a moment in time. Today my lens unveiled a scene of of joy, relief, and the release of adoration stored away for months on end. Welcome home, Thomas, I know your family is happy to have you back, and I am grateful for the service you did that keeps me safe at home with mine.
