Top 10 Moments Captured on Video in 2021 | Part 2
Every winter in Northern Indiana, when the pace slows down and the air feels heavy with snow, I take time to dive into the behind-the-scenes parts of my business — the website, the newsletter, organizing folders, and all the little admin tasks that keep things running.
But this year, one of those “boring” organization projects turned into something really special. I ended up watching nearly every Client Family Film from 2021. Sitting there, revisiting these moments, I smiled like a total goofball, teared up more than once, and mostly just felt so incredibly grateful for every family who has trusted me to capture their real life on film.
I truly have the best photography and videography clients in Michiana.
After watching them all again, I knew I couldn’t keep them to myself. So here it is — Part 2 of my Top 10 Favorite Moments Captured on Video in 2021. (If you missed Part 1, you can catch it here.)
If you’ve ever loved the idea of having a modern home family video but felt unsure about how it works, take a peek at these moments. You’ll see that it’s not about perfect lighting or matching outfits — it’s about connection. I’ll take care of finding the story; all you need to do is be together.
Because, just like you, I value sentimentality — but I also love real life. A little chaos, a little laughter, a few bloopers — that’s the beauty. That’s what makes your story worth remembering.
So, let’s jump into the final five!
#5
It’s hard to even choose a single moment from this short film because the entire piece tugs at my heart. It’s slow, tender, and centered on such a sweet connection — a little girl completely smitten with her dad. She just wants to be near him, and I love how pure that feels.
→ [See their film and photo session here.]
#4
This film holds one of my favorite visual and emotional moments of the year. It begins with Mom twirling her little girl as the camera turns away, briefly concealing them in a swirl of motion and light — it’s dreamy.
The whole film is full of energy (three kids under six will do that!), but I intentionally slowed this one part down. As Mom rocks her baby and closes her eyes, the chorus swells, and I still get goosebumps every single time I watch it.
→ [See the film and photos here.]
#3
We’re into the top three, and oh my goodness — this one still makes me emotional. In this clip, Mom talks about her oldest boy. There’s humor, heart, and so much love packed into such a short piece. You see his personality, his goofiness, and his tenderness — especially in the last moments when he’s with his baby sister. Please do yourself a favor and watch the full film.
#2
This film is one I’ll never forget. I felt like I really found my creative voice in this piece — it’s full of laughter, connection, and easy joy. The opening scene is so playful and warm; it feels like the visual definition of “family.”
When Mom described her family as a “pile of limbs,” I knew exactly what she meant. Every frame is love and movement tangled together in the best way.
→ [Watch their full family film here.]
#1
And finally, my number one.
The moment that moved me the most — and the one I believe was truly a God moment.
Here’s what I wrote in their original blog post:
“These sessions are exciting but daunting. I had beautiful footage from their newborn and six-month sessions, but I wasn’t sure how it would all come together. I decided to trust my gut — and my gut said to include a bit of footage from their NICU stay.
Mom airdropped six clips to me before I left. Two of them were of each baby lying in their hospital beds, giving a sleepy smile. I dropped those clips into my timeline, hit play, and instantly burst into tears.
I didn’t move a thing after that. It was perfect — too perfect to have been only my doing. I give all the credit to God for that one.”
This film reminded me why I love what I do — why storytelling matters, and why these fleeting seasons deserve to be remembered.
→ [See their full gallery and family film here.]
Looking Ahead
Oh my goodness — I can’t wait to film even more families this year! A few of these “Top 10’ers” are already booked again, and that makes my heart so happy.
If you’ve ever thought about capturing your family story on film, I’d love to help you preserve it — laughter, chaos, love, and all.
Let’s make your family’s story one you can watch forever.
Whether it’s the snuggly newborn stage, a noisy kitchen breakfast, or backyard adventures, your real life deserves to be remembered.