Andjelic Family | Pittsburgh, PA

This year, y’all.

It’s a year of reckoning, a year of reflection, a year to re-examine my own heart. It has been heavy, that’s for sure. But the heaviness is shot through with light. The extra time with my little family, the joy of watching our two boys grow in their friendship—light. The extra FaceTime calls with lifelong friends who are now spread across the country—light. The stories of selflessness from front line healthcare workers, the stories of bravery and grace in the face of racism—light.

And on my way to this shoot, there were signs of this light everywhere. People were out in lawn chairs on the sidewalks, chatting with neighbors who sat on their porches. Protestors were on their way home from peaceful marches, while police stopped traffic to allow safe passage for the crowds to head home. I could even sense it in the other photographers at the very popular Mellon Park, where this shoot was. There were at least five of us there, jockeying for the best light, but everyone was gracious and courteous and it was truly a joy for me to watch them work.

And then this family showed up.

The Andjelic’s are one of the sweetest families I’ve had the pleasure of capturing. The way Jasmine and Andrija look at their little boys—light. The way the boys’ curly hair caught the late afternoon sun—light. The way Andrija looked at Jasmine—so. much. light. So, while yes, this year has been heavy, it has been joyful, too. And I’m able to see and document that light because of families like the Andjelics, whose delight in each other is quiet and profound and so desperately needed in today’s world.

Andjelic family—thank you for inviting me to shoot these photos for you. It was truly an honor.

C