tara kuhlow photography

Coming from a very small family growing up, I was thrilled to marry into a larger one. One of the many reasons I fell in love with my husband was the way he interacted with his nephew and nieces the very first time I met his family. He obviously adored them and was such a fun and playful uncle…I knew immediately this trait would follow him into fatherhood someday. It hooked me (and how right I was!).

One of the great pleasures of having a big family is that our children have lots of playmates and babysitters when we get together. Added bonus: they find it hilarious that every single person there has the same last name! Too funny.

A bonus for me is that sometimes my nieces and nephew will allow me to photograph them. It’s a huge joy for me to do this for a couple of reasons. I get to spend some time with them alone (doesn’t happen often at our gatherings). I get the chance to create an image for their parents in which their true personality shines through. I get the sweet thrill of glimpsing pieces of my own children’s faces and expressions on another person…just the coolest (and sometimes weirdest) thing.

Recently my nieces Sammi and Hannah were generous enough (after a tiny bit of prodding from their momma…thanks, Kat!) to let me get some shots of them. I was once again struck by the beauty and life in these girls and felt very blessed to be their aunt. Thanks again, girlies.

Sammi, age 13. Brilliant girl and amazingly talented in sports. Very kind-hearted. This child is 5’ 10” with no sign of stopping. I’m thinking supermodel?

Hannah, age 9. Super sweet and a born entertainer. She loves music, gymnastics and Simon believes she will someday be his wife. We tried to explain the legality of that to him, but he is smitten and undeterred. You can hardly blame him…she is a total gem.

♥ t.