A Simple Valentine’s Tradition, Told Over Time (2024–2026)
I’ve never been a big Valentine’s Day person...
But I found an old photo of me from Valentine's Day in 1989 & it inspired me; I knew that someday when I had a little girl of my own, that I wanted a similar photo of her. Over the last few years, Valentine’s Day has quietly become one of my favorite little traditions to photograph, not because of the holiday itself, but because of what it allows me to preserve.
Each year, the setup stays intentionally simple.
A white wall.
A red and pink felt heart garland.
My little girl dressed in soft pinks or reds
A few chocolate candies and Valentine’s props placed gently into her curious hands. & of course, her 2 favorite stuffed animals- Bully & Gruff.
And then I step back and let her lead.
In 2024, she was small in a way you don’t realize until it’s gone. Her hands were slower, her expressions more cautious. The candy often ended up on the floor, and the photos were less about interaction and more about discovery—what happens when you give a child something new and simply watch.
In 2025, the same garland hung behind her, but she was no longer the same child standing in front of it. Her personality filled the frame in ways it hadn’t the year before.
And now in 2026, this little tradition feels even more meaningful. Not because the setup has changed—it hasn’t—but because she has. The way she holds the candy, the way she moves her body, the way she understands play and performance all tell a new story. It’s subtle. It’s quiet. But it’s unmistakable when you look at the images side by side.
This is why I repeat setups.
This is why I keep things simple.
When everything around a child stays the same, you notice what truly matters: growth, expression, personality, and the fleeting nature of childhood itself. These photos aren’t about Valentine’s Day. They’re about time passing in the gentlest way possible.
As a photographer—and as a mother—I’ve learned that the most meaningful images often come from letting go of perfection. There’s no pressure to smile. No expectation to perform. Just space to be exactly who they are in that season.
One day, I’ll look back at these images and remember the sticky fingers, the chocolate bribery, the giggles that interrupted shooting, and the way these small moments felt so ordinary at the time. And I’ll be grateful I chose to document them anyway.
Because childhood moves quickly.
And sometimes the simplest traditions tell the most lasting stories.
As I look ahead to 2026, this quiet tradition feels symbolic of the season I’m in creatively—returning to photography with intention, patience, and a renewed appreciation for the everyday moments that shape our lives. I’m no longer chasing perfection or volume, but leaning into meaningful storytelling and the beauty of watching life unfold over time. These Valentine’s images are a reminder of why I picked up my camera again in the first place—and they’re just the beginning of what I’m excited to create and share in the year ahead.
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