Why I Shoot Homecomings for Free

As an Army wife, I know what it's like to have my husband deployed. Though I've yet to experience my own homecoming ceremony, I believe that no military spouse should be deprived of having their homecoming documented. Affordability should never be a factor for something like this. I was fortunate to have an amazing photographer capture my homecoming moment at the airport for emergency leave, who shot it for free. Those photos are something that I will cherish forever.

A few things you should also know about how I shoot homecomings:

• Before the ceremony, it's likely that I'll wander around getting pictures of anxious families and homecoming signs.
• I focus on the family that hired me first. They are my main priority.
• After I capture the main family's moment, I will wander around getting other families' reuniting moments and family photos
• Once the commotion settles, I will find the original family again and take a few family photos

Some other things to keep in mind: 

• I can't get photos like this if you don't give me emotion:

        Don't expect pictures like this if you don't react like this. I can't create passion in my photos, I can only capture what you give me. 

• Moments like this do happen: 

       You don't know how kids and babies are going to react to your soldier coming home. Their reaction is more unpredictable than yours by far. Please don't stress if your child doesn't take to your soldier immediately. Reintegration takes time and is definitely a process. 

• Homecomings are chaotic! Sometimes it's hard to find your soldier. Sometimes it's hard for me to find you! There is no guarantee that you'll get the exact photo you want. There are so many factors that play into the perfect image: weather, crowd control, you name it... 

One thing that I cam promise you is that I will do everything I can to get you images like these: 

That last one is one of my favorites to date. Some of these photos are for the people who hired me, while others (including the last) are for complete strangers. Homecomings are one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. Every experience is unique and one that I will remember forever. 

If you are interested in booking a homecoming with Victoria Simmons Photography, please fill out the form below: 

Click Here!

God Bless ♥ Victoria