West Virginia Day in the Life Family Session at Home on Film & Super 8 | The Murphy Family

As I pulled up to Sy’Vone and Jakes new home in West Virginia next to a horse farm, I immediately felt a sense of peace and tranquility. With just my film, Polaroid, and Super 8 cameras, I was ready to photograph The Murphys with the welcome of their little girl. Their two other little ones were buzzing with a new guest in their home. They sang Frozen at the top of their lungs while mom fixed their hair and dad was making pb&j’s in the other room, it was one of those days you see in a movie that makes family life look like bliss.

We moved outside once they were finished with lunch while their girls played with a bubble machine and Sy’Vone put a sweet bow on her newborn babys head. When Jake came outside to join them, their girls squealed, asking if they could take pictures of Daddy, so of course I gave them my point and shoot (shared below of the photos their oldest took of mom and dad.

We moved to the backyard and laid down a blanket in the warm sun. After their blanket was down, their daughter ran around the field with her zoomies and even though their middle child was ready for a nap, dad carried her outside to join the family. Once she saw her sister running around and mom sitting with her new sister, she couldn’t help but smile.

We finished up our day in the life session with Sy walking across the street, cutting some wildflowers and putting them in a vase for her family. It made me think of the beginning of the song “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Young and Nash,

“I’ll light the fire,

you place the flowers in the vase that you bought today.”

I imagine your Day in the Life Session sounding like this playlist.

A Day in the Life Session

I hold A Day in The Life sessions close to my heart. These sessions are filled with Polaroids and film photos and Super 8 film. These sessions last as long as we want, with no rush on time or feelings of performing. I’ll just bring my film cameras and come hang out with your family for the day. I may suggest an activity or two but the magic is in the ordinary, the normal, the every day. I follow your children’s lead, I follow where your pup wants to wander, I come hang out in a coffee shop or record store with you and your partner.

I’m a friend hanging out with a camera and what you’re left with is not only a memory of a beautiful day, but heirloom film photographs, Polaroids and a sentimental Super 8 film that captures your life, a moment in time.

My Day in the Life sessions can be with your family, your mom, your best friend, your partner, for an anniversary, welcoming a new baby or member of the family, or just because you really want to remember right now. Inquire with me here to schedule your Day in the Life Session with me! I’ll travel to wherever you are!

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What’s included in my Day in the Life Session?

Your Day in the Life Session is an all film session. This includes 35mm film, medium format film, Polaroids, and a Super 8 film.

I will arrive at any point of the day you wish to start! Making pancakes with your little ones? Going on a walk with your dog? Making a coffee run to your favorite shop? I want to tag along! I’ll stay for a few hours, no real timeline or schedule. You might be thinking, “that’s a long time to be ‘on’ for the camera”. I won’t have a camera glued to my face the whole time. I might get on the ground and play with your kids or pet your puppy. I’ll probably grab an iced latte with you and have lunch with you at your favorite spot. I’ll listen to the stories of how you two met or why you named your child after your grandmother. We can go through your family photo albums with you or dance around to your favorite record. Kids crying and screaming bloody murder? No worries! You can put them down for a nap and have a peaceful coffee break.

These are all real moments. They might be moments that you may have forgotten are magic because you’ve done them so many times. I’m here to remind you that they’re special. In 10 or 20 years you’ll be looking back fondly at bath time, laying outside in the sun together, even the crying meltdowns (ok, maybe your ears won’t miss it but you will).

Make it a one time thing or even a yearly tradition! Let’s document a day in your very extraordinary life.

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Kind Words

“RACHEL!!!!!!! When I tell you we are in tears!! “Thanks” doesn’t even begin to explain the gratitude that we have! But…thank you so much for capturing my family just the way we are. We will definitely cherish these memories for a lifetime. You are seriously such an amazing and talented creative. I can’t say thank you enough.” -Sy’Vone Murphy

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To see more of my family work, click here! To book with me, click here!