There's something about a black and white photograph. Maybe it's the simplicity. Maybe it's the fact that when you remove the color, all that's left is the person. No distractions.

Years ago, when my children were in kindergarten and first grade, I would volunteer in their classrooms and photograph each child individually. Every child received an 8x10 black and white portrait to bring home to their parents. At the time, I thought I was simply creating a nice keepsake and just a fun cute thing to do. Fifteen years later, parents still stop me and tell me those portraits are their favorite photographs of their children. Just a simple black and white photo of their baby all grown up and in school!

I've thought about those photographs a lot lately.

After more than 25 years behind the camera, I've found myself drawn back to that same simplicity. The images that stand the test of time are rarely the most complicated. They're the ones that capture connection, personality, and the people we love exactly as they are.

A few weeks ago, I put out a casting call looking for families to help me create a new series of timeless studio portraits. Nearly 100 families submitted photos and stories, making it incredibly difficult to choose just two. This beautiful family was one of them. As I looked through their gallery, I kept coming back to the same feeling I had all those years ago photographing children in their classrooms. These images don't need anything extra. The love between sisters. A curious baby. A family laughing together.

That's the magic.

Photography trends come and go, but classic photographs that make you feel something never go out of style.