Five Years with This Family: What a Little Giraffe and a Brave Girl Taught Me About Strength

Have you ever noticed how life doesn’t slow down — not for the laundry, chauffeuring kids around, or the endless to-do list? But every once in a while, something beautiful interrupts the ordinary.

For me, that moment often comes as a text notification that says, “Hey! It’s that time again—can we schedule family photos?” It’s in those moments that I stop mid-chaos, grin at my phone, and think, this is why I love what I do. Because behind every family session is a story I’ve been trusted to witness — a story of growing kids, changing seasons, and the kind of love that weathers everything in between!

I’ve been photographing this sweet family since the fall of 2020 here in Grace, Idaho — a beautiful pocket of Caribou County in Southeastern Idaho that somehow makes every season feel like home. Five years of giggles, matching outfits, Christmas cards, and one very special giraffe named Raffy.

If you’ve ever had a session with me, you’ve probably met Raffy — the little giraffe that wraps around my camera lens. He’s my secret weapon for getting real smiles from little ones. The girls adore him. Once, I forgot to bring Raffy and, oh boy, the disappointment on their faces made sure I never forgot him again!

But this family’s story holds something deeper — something that changed me as a photographer and as a person.

A few years ago, sweet Berkeley was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Two years ago this past September, everything they knew about normal shifted. And yet… when I see them, I see strength. I see resilience. I see a little girl who’s learning to giggle again, to tease her dad, to sit up beside her sister — and I see parents who have carried more than most could imagine, with grace and grit.

Every time I photograph them, I feel something sacred — like time stands still just for a moment. Watching Berkeley heal, hearing her laughter return, it mends something in my own heart too.

Her dad, Levi, may look like the classic tough rancher type — rough hands, deep voice, strong presence. But don’t let that fool you. The moment Berkeley looks up at him and says, “Daddy, smile!” and he replies, “I am smilin’!” — that tough exterior melts right into tenderness. Those giggles between them? They’re everything.

Every session with them reminds me that God’s healing often shows up quietly — in the giggles, in the hugs, in the small mercies we might have missed if we hadn’t stopped to notice.

Their story is a living reminder that joy doesn’t always wait for everything to be perfect. Sometimes, it’s found right in the middle of the hard — and it shines even brighter there.

Spencer family, I adore you.

Levi — I love your tough exterior and your marshmallow heart underneath it all.
TaNesha — your dedication and generous spirit inspire me every single time I see you.
Miss Aubree — I love your big hugs, your excitement for life, and the way you love and protect your sister so fiercely.
Miss Berkeley — I love your bravery, your giggles, and that unmistakable spark that shines through your beautiful blue eyes.
And Gus — I love your big, toothy grin… even if you did go home with a coat full of burrs this time.

Until next time, sweet friends.

XOXOXOXO
-Mikenna

P.S. Keep up with Miss Berkeley’s inspiring story and her journey to healing here!

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Session Location: Caribou National Forest — Grace, Idaho
Photographer: Mikenna Atkinson, Southeastern Idaho Family Photographer
Style: Lifestyle, Storytelling, Natural Light Family Photography