The Peirces

Some moments in life are bigger than others. The ones that mark a new chapter, a long goodbye, or a turning point. For this family, this gathering was all of those things. With one sibling and her family preparing to move to Europe for three years, they decided to spend a day together, cherishing the "before" of a new adventure.

They rented a pavilion in Lake Anne, making it a special place for a day dedicated to connection and shared stories. While they got some beautiful group portraits, the real magic, as always, was in the in-between.

I had the honor of simply observing and documenting the day as it unfolded. The young boys, who were a little shy at first, quickly settled in. There was a spirited game of badminton where the older one showed incredible perseverance, swinging his racket over and over, determined to hit the birdie. His uncle was a patient and encouraging teacher, and it was so sweet to see them working together. Another of the boys was a blur of activity—helping clean up with a little sweeper before playing basketball with his dad.

This is the beauty of documentary photography: it's not about "behaving" or being "perfect." It's about capturing the authentic, messy, and deeply meaningful parts of your days. It’s about the way the kids interact with their aunts and uncles, the extra one-on-one time a kid gets with his dad, and the way a family comes together to celebrate a new journey.

I believe these are the memories that will last a lifetime. The honest moments that truly reflect the love and connection within your family. The moments that, when you look back years from now, will feel like memory itself. I’m just here to show you that your life, exactly as it is, is already beautiful.