A DAY ON THE HOMESTEAD: Capturing the Essence of Family Life with The Pearse Family

Nestled in the heart of rural bliss is a family who lives by the rhythms of nature, and I had the privilege of spending a day with them to capture their vibrant homestead life. Meet Alice and Derek, along with their three children, and a fourth little one on the way, who are turning their Victorian farmhouse into a thriving, self-sustaining farm.

Their home, a beautiful Victorian structure, stands as a testament to time, slowly being restored by the loving hands of Alice and Derek. Surrounded by rolling fields and beautiful trees, this homestead is not just a house but a living, breathing part of their family.

We started our session on the porch, where the afternoon sun was trying its hardest to break through the clouds. Alice, with her belly cradling the new life within, tended to their vibrant and energetic toddler who just wanted to get to exploring the fields and catching the chickens. In order to keep Wilder at bay, I instructed them to keep their toddler busy. The two eldest children gave me a guided tour of the animals on the farm. Proudly and carefully both Veda and Maddex, brought the newest baby chicks out from their heat lamps. Together, we candidly discussed their daily routine and minded little Wilder from getting too excited over the baby chicks.

Next, we were greeted by an orchestra of clucks and bleats. The chickens, with their colorful feathers, roamed, while the baby goats playfully butted each other in greeting. A cat lounged in under the tree, and their loyal dog, ever vigilant, watched over the children as they collected eggs and fed the animals. This session was as much about capturing the spirit of the farm as it was about the family, showcasing their daily interactions with the creatures they love and care for.

The children, each with their unique personality, shone brightly - one helping with the egg collection, another locking up the goat fence, and the youngest chasing chickens, all under the watchful eyes of their parents. It was clear how this lifestyle not only teaches them about responsibility and nature but also instills a deep sense of family and community.

We moved through different parts of the farm, from the rustic barn where they store their harvest to the tiny riverbank where future memories would be made. Each scene was a snapshot of their life.

Back at the house, the session turned inward, into a space filled with history and love. Tons of pears sat out all over the kitchen, drying up after a fresh pick and wash, ready for jam. We captured moments of the family in these spaces, from the kitchen where they make their meals from farm-fresh ingredients to the dining room, where the family processes honey from their very own honey bees. The entire family, taking part in draining honey from the honeycombs to attaching labels to the jars.

As the sun began to set, casting golden hues over the farm, I felt I had not just photographed a family but had been part of a day in their life. Alice, Derek, and their children, with another on the way, are not just living; they are thriving in a world they've created with their hands, hearts, and the earth. To them, I say, continue nurturing your legacy, one season at a time.

Thank you for allowing me to capture this beautiful slice of your life.

xx - April

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