We can rightfully consider foreign photo shoots as a once-in-a-lifetime special occasion, often tied to significant events like weddings or engagement sessions. If you thought so too, let me dispel that notion: Preserving everyday moments, the first official visual memories of our family, is just as crucial. It's a reason I'd board a plane anytime. That's exactly what happened during this family photoshoot in Paris.
Anna initially planned their photo session back home when they traveled to Budapest. However, through our conversations, we both concluded that their true family moments unfold where they spend their everyday life—with Nóri, their 3-year-old daughter—in Paris and their little Parisian apartment.
Nóri practically grew up here, taking her first steps and uttering her first words. They read countless books on long nights, huddled around the small table for shared meals in the kitchen of this little apartment. Anna, who attended Paris's best pastry school, mastered the art while primarily being this little girl's mom.
Now, do you understand why I flew to them without a second thought? :)
Not everything went smoothly
True, the journey had its bumps. The initial spring date seemed almost certain until we were on the plane: Our flight got canceled after an hour onboard. It was hard to grasp that this was actually happening, but we didn't give up. We quickly found another date and airline, pushing the photo session to fall when we set off to Paris again—since then, I only get excited when our plane is truly in the air. :D
Unfortunately, during the second attempt, a great sorrow befell Anna's family the night before the photoshoot; her grandmother passed away. Understandably, we almost called off the session. However, Anna felt that there would never be a more important moment to, amidst grief, preserve these genuine family moments for Nóri in their first home, which they planned to change shortly after the photoshoot.
Anna's thoughts and attitude deeply moved me. Despite anticipating the inevitable grief, it only strengthened her belief in the importance of family memories, especially for a child with her mother. I aimed to create a safe, supportive, immersive, and joy-filled environment for Anna and her small family.
Anna placed her mother's favorite flowers on the table, listened to her favorite songs, and reminisced several times during the photoshoot. It was a completely new experience for me, revealing that love, joy, and grief need not be strictly separated; they can coexist and heal together through the fond, joyful memories, particularly with a curious little girl by your side, to whom you want to set an example. Since then, Anna has been a capital example for me.
Their story to tell
During home family photoshoots, I always have one goal: to narrate the story through pictures. To perfectly capture who you are, what you love to do, what is the focal point of your home, what makes it truly home, and what roles and characters you play in this intimate realm.
Annáék's apartment is tiny; there's no room for a dining table, so it's quite characteristic of them to eat on the couch or the small table in front of it. This will be etched in their memories for decades, especially when they tell their grandchildren about their first home—hence the role it played in the pictures! :)
Anna graduated from the Ferrandi pastry school shortly before the photoshoot, for which she prepared extensively and baked a lot at home, where Nonó eagerly helped. She has her own little kitchen with her beloved pastry hat, which she adores! This is the current common ground for mother and daughter, and we wouldn't have left that out.
Nonó speaks French quite well, and they often delve into English books to find a common language with others. So, reading on the couch is a regular program. After fun and deep conversations, we explored the city, arriving by bike, just like on an ordinary weekday.
