July 10th is a date that always brings a smile to my face—it's my grandma's birthday. This year, it became even more memorable as I was asked to photograph Natalia and Xavier's (aka X, according to my four-year-old son) pregnancy announcement. This session was destined to be special, not just for the wonderful news being shared but also for the delightful—and slightly comical—adventures that came with it.
We chose Batesville City Park in Batesville, AR, as our backdrop, a stunning location especially magical during sunset. As we arrived, I couldn't help but notice the abundance of fire ant piles scattered around. Determined to keep our session free of any uninvited guests, I carefully steered clear of the obvious mounds. Or so I thought.
The session kicked off with me explaining the plan to Natalia and Xavier. As I was getting into the groove, I felt a peculiar tickling sensation on my foot. Initially, I brushed it off as gnats—anyone from Arkansas knows how relentless those little bugs can be. But something nudged me to glance down, and there it was—a swarm of fire ants making my shoe their new playground and giving my foot an enthusiastic welcome bite.
I was bewildered. How did I manage to find the one tiny, nearly invisible ant pile in the whole park? Memories of summers spent with my grandma in Alabama, where fire ant encounters were a regular event, flooded back. Sharing this with Natalia and Xavier turned my ant attack into a nostalgic story about my grandma, whose heavenly birthday was that very day.
But the real highlight of the day was, of course, capturing Natalia and Xavier's pregnancy announcement. The love and excitement they have for their upcoming bundle of joy were palpable, and I felt honored to document such a precious moment in their lives. The golden sunset, the joy in their eyes, and the anticipation of new life made for some truly magical photos.
Despite the unexpected ant encounter, the session was a huge success. Natalia and Xavier's happiness was infectious, and I left Batesville City Park with a heart full of joy, knowing that this baby is going to be incredibly loved. Natalia and Xavier will be welcoming Baby Long in January 2025, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them.
So, here's to unforgettable moments, both planned and unplanned. Happy birthday, Grandma, and congratulations to the Long family! I wish you a wonderful pregnancy journey, full of love and laughter.
Until next time, keep smiling and watch out for those ant piles!
Enjoy some images from their gallery.
