Love, chaos, country music, food, playing, and dogs. Dogs everywhere. I love every time I get to do a day in the life session with families, especially fellow photographers. I’m always reminded of how we’re all so different and yet so similar. Jess and Ana — the Cooks — were no different for me. Throughout the day, I was struck over and over again by how much they embody what it means to be a family.
In the morning, Davis woke up earlier than Ford, and Jess woke up early with her. Right now, Jess still nurses one of the twins, but when the twins were younger, both Jess and Ana nursed them. As the morning went on, there was clothes-folding, rolling around in bed, vacuuming, more nursing, and playing with the ever-so-gentle Harper Kate. All of this while country music played loudly in the background, adding to the family-centered feel.
Ana’s sister and her sister’s friend live with the Cooks right now and they’re just as much a part of the family. They helped with errands, cooking and cleaning and entertaining the babies. After some time at the park and some much needed naps, Jess’s sister and her wife came by for dinner with their two dogs for family dinner (in case you’re counting, we’re at three dogs now). There was food and laughter and lots more good chaos. By the end of the day, I felt like I was part of the family myself. As the day wound down, the Cooks did too. The twins took a bath, they read stories, and Jess and Ana snuggled with Harper in bed.
Nothing about the day was over-the-top or out of the ordinary — they just had a normal day, and I got to document it. My job is to be a storyteller, and this is the story of a day in the life of the Cooks.
To get the full experience watch here: The Cook Family Photo & Video Slideshow
