We were in the middle of a winter family photography session, our last one before their move to the Lower 48. This was session number eleven and as a family photographer in Anchorage, I’ve watched their family grow through the years. The little ones are big ones now, on the verge of manhood. The little baby that was once in mama’s tummy is now a bright butterfly of joy with the cutest of scrunchy-nose smiles.

As part of the session, I had all the kids hug their parents, and in the midst of that, I watched mom and dad reach for each other’s hands. Dad gave mom’s hand a gentle squeeze and she squeezed his hand right back. It was such a simple gesture of encouragement and love.

“Hold that!” I said.
*Click* went the shutter.

The moment, forever documented.
The feeling, forever cherished.