As they grow up: A fall family session at Goodnight Park
“Families are like branches on a tree. We all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” - Suzy Kassem
As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, we find ourselves drawn to the warmth of family and old friends. In what sometimes feels like another life, I was a writer. I’ve been lucky enough to write for a few of the largest and most respected tech companies in the United States. At one software company (I won’t say which but let’s just say it’s fitting that this session took place at Goodnight Park… *wink wink), I met Mackelly, possibly the most jolly and genuine person I’ve ever known. He and I were part of a very close group of writers who would meet for lunch every day (for years) and discuss everything about our lives (everything except work). We often brought family along for a respite from deadlines and workload. It was less like a collection of coworkers and more like a gaggle of friends, telling wild stories and laughing as much and for as long as we could. But the pandemic changed everything, and as way leads onto way, I eventually left that company to focus on photography and other creative pursuits. Without the lunch break bringing us together, we slowly lost touch. So, I was filled with absolute joy when word got to Mackelly that I had launched a photography business and Mackelly got to me about a family photoshoot.
We reunited at Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park on the skirts of Raleigh by the North Carolina Museum of Art. Nestled among rolling hills—where tall grasses fade to gold in late autumn—and surrounded by pine and oak, the park offers serene natural backdrops. Sculptures dot the landscape, inviting creativity and allowing for varied poses and looks.
Time has a way of weaving stories into our lives. My friend’s family had grown since I had last seen them. His son is now a college graduate, carving his path in Charlotte. His daughter is a high school senior, eagerly awaiting graduation. Mackelly’s podcast, The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast, has really taken off. Yet, their laughter and love remained unchanged. I’m reminded of the quote: "Love your parents, we are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old.” I tried to track down the originator of this quote but got several different answers. As a parent myself, I can attest that whoever said this first, speaks for all parents and everyone who has known the loss of a parent.
Photo sessions freeze moments and capture memories. Yet, by bringing family together, sometimes the session becomes the memory itself. As Mackelly’s family gathered, laughter echoed, smiles sparkled, and gentle teasing flowed. It was a reminder that love transcends time and distance.
Seeing them together, older yet just as loving, was humbling. The weather may have cooled, but their warmth enveloped the hill. We captured candid moments—the son’s proud grin, the daughter’s anticipation, and the parents’ shared glances.
Are you ready to create and capture your own family memories? Let’s chat! Whether it’s a cozy autumn session or a sun-kissed summer shoot, I’d love to capture your unique story. Contact me today to discuss your personalized photoshoot.
Hi! I’m Dan from DC Chadwick Photography. I’m a family, portrait, and event photographer located in Cary, North Carolina, and serving the greater Raleigh-Durham area. I love photographing lovely people with the ones they love and doing the things they love. Simply put: I love capturing love! Couples and engagements, weddings, newborns, seniors and graduations, family reunions, sports, stage performances (theatre, concerts, recitals), professional headshots—whatever you need, I’m here for you. Give me a shout so we can talk about how we can work together to make your ideal photo session a reality!
