Get ready for a story and beautiful pictures after spending the day with a Lancaster County family during harvest season and again in the fall for family portraits. It is in my top five favorite experiences and photoshoots! The best part is that they are the sweetest hardworking family out there!
Here we go....
Eight generations of farming in Lancaster County and the family tradition continues strong. It was a hot July afternoon when I joined them on the field with my camera to capture the harvest. The weather has been tough this summer with a lack of rain and now rain was threatening the evening harvest. Every detail is considered about the decision to get started or to wait. It was decided to start the harvest and they'll keep track of the sky.
Local farmers came to assist with the harvest and they will do the same to support them with their harvest, too. The process is all by hand. Hard work. The kids are present in the field making rubberband bracelets and thank-you notes for the farmers who came to help. They beamed with joy as they shared about living on the farm. The kids represent the third generation in this family's legacy of farmers.
I have reflected on this afternoon many times since photographing the farm. The joy, pride, and respect that they have for the land, family, and community was felt and heard. I was so excited when they offered for me to return with my camera after the harvest was complete and to capture a few more pictures!
In august, I returned to the farm. The harvest was completed and hanging in the barn for the curing process. This is done by air. The sides of the barn extend out to allow the air to circulate. This process will take time. Once dried, it will be prepared for shipment which is another process.
They invited me back in the fall to capture family pictures. Yay! Another trip to the farm. The fall colors and sunset where the prefect backdrop for family pictures that capture their story. A story that began generations before them.
These pictures from the last few months captures the essence of family history, tradition, and their connection to the land. Their farm is filled with memories and stories of hard work, resilience, and love passed down through generations.
Hopefully, these photos on the farm preserve their legacy, allowing future family members to look back on shared moments in a setting that represents their heritage.
Buckwalter Family,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to photograph the harvest, your beautiful farm, and your sweet family. May these photos live on for generations and provide a sense of belonging, and appreciation for your family's roots, and the environment that shaped them.
Many thanks,
Wendy
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