Since moving to Lafayette in March 2015, Zach and I’ve been blessed to meet several wonderful people and families—including the Kurtz family. We met Tim, Deborah, and their daughter Sujata through City of God, the church we attend, and have fallen head over heels for this sweet family.

We love having this family of three—soon to be a family of four—over for game nights, and Sujata and Hattie have become the best of friends (Hattie instantly recognizes Sujata wherever we see her and gets crazy excited. It’s pretty precious!).

Deborah mentioned that she had an interest in photography, and shortly after she purchased a camera, we chose a date for a practice session and a mini Lafayette, Indiana maternity session!

Being part of the photography community is an amazing thing.

When I started my photography career, I was blessed with an amazing mentor: Carrie Bower of Kindred Photo & Video. She taught me more than I’ll ever be able to thank her for. Other photographers, whether it’s been in person or through webinars, have also been instrumental to helping me build my business and develop my own style.

Because I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without these amazing mentors, I’m always happy to discuss photography when people have questions!

Deborah did an incredible job!

Deborah already had a great understanding of shooting in manual, so we spent most of this practice session playing with light: open shade and backlighting.

Luckily, Tim and Sujata are great sports and allowed Deborah to use them as models. Zach hates having photos taken, so Tim and Sujata’s willingness to model was extra impressive to me.

Deborah grabbed a few photos with my camera, so I’ve already had a sneak peak, but I can’t wait to see the others she took!

We finished with a mini Lafayette, Indiana maternity session.

Since this lovely family was about six weeks away from adding a fourth member, we absolutely had to take maternity photos. To say Deborah is glowing is an understatement. The gorgeous lighting was just a bonus!

Sujata can’t wait to be a big sister.

As excited as Tim and Deborah are to add a baby boy to their family, I think it’s safe to say that Sujata is even more excited. She beams when she talks about being a big sister, and I loved capturing this excitement on camera.

Tim and Deborah adopted Sujata from India a year ago. They have a really incredible adoption story, and if you know them, ask them about it. It’s a wonderful testimony and reflection of how God instructs us to care for orphans. We haven’t even known the Kurtz family for a year yet, but it’s been amazing to watch the bond between Tim, Deborah, and their oldest grow. God blessing this family with another child seems like the most natural next step and has only increased the amount of love between Tim, Deborah, and Sujata.

I can’t wait to see the photos Deborah took or to meet the newest member of this precious family. With a family this beautiful, I think Deborah furthering her photography skills should be mandatory!

Luminant Photography, owned by Victoria Rayburn, is a Lafayette, Indiana photographer that offers family photography, newborn photography, maternity photography, senior photography, and engagement photography. Contact Luminant Photography with questions or to book a session!

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