Hear from the Divine Family!
For-Lou Farms began in 1942 when Forest and Louise Sparks purchased the farm. The farm name comes from their first names. They built the dairy barn, the centerpiece of the farm, in 1947 for their Guernsey dairy herd. The Sparks’ took great pride in their herd. Their son Phillip farmed with Forest and continued to do so after Forest’s death until he retired in 2011. They had some of the best Guernseys in the nation and traveled to shows across the country. In 1992, they even had the National Champion Guernsey cow. They also loved to share their farm and the dairy barn. They hosted tours for dairymen from all over the world, plus field trips for local school kids through the years in conjunction with Phillip’s wife, Ruth’s, school where she taught. In the 70’s, the farm was featured in a couple of Farm Bureau commercials because of the iconic barn. Even after Phillip had to retire from milking, he worked tirelessly to keep everything in tip top shape.
After the cows were gone, a couple of family weddings were held in the hayloft of the barn, including our own in 2015. So not only is it a very special barn to the farming community of Hancock County, it was very special to us, even before we knew we would purchase this “dream farm” in 2018. Phillip passed away not long after our wedding, but even at the end of his life he wanted to be sure the farm looked beautiful so he could share it with family and friends. We wanted to find a way to carry on the farm and continue to preserve the barn.
It’s hard to make a living as a dairy farmer these days; so we switched gears for grass fed Red Devon beef cows. Raising beef cattle left us with little use for the dairy barn but letting it waste away wasn’t an option; so we decided to find a way to continue to share it with the community. Since our own wedding day at the farm was a dream come true, we figured other couples looking for a peaceful farm in the Indy area for their big day would enjoy it as well!
Besides raising cows and hosting events in the dairy barn, we also own Divine Heritage Barns, a reclaimed barn lumber business. Evan started taking down old barns and repurposing the lumber full time in 2017. In 2022 he began learning the art of timber framing and has since started rebuilding those old barn frames to give them new life.
Our world revolves around our little girl, Caroline (5.5), our twin boys, Everett & Flynn (3.5), and our baby boy Milo (1.5 months). They’ll be running this farm in no time!
Lori and Evan
Capturing Precious Moments: The Beauty of a Family Photo Session at Home
Family photos are timeless treasures that capture moments we hold close to our hearts. While many opt for professional photo sessions at picturesque outdoor locations, there's something incredibly special about having a family photo session right in the comfort of your own home. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of conducting a family photo session at home and provide some valuable tips for creating intimate and memorable moments.
1. Familiar Comfort for Kids:
Children often feel more relaxed and comfortable in their own surroundings. When you decide to have a family photo session at home, the kids are in an environment they know and love. This comfort level can significantly reduce anxiety and shyness, allowing their true personalities to shine through in the photos. Whether it's their favorite corner of the living room, the backyard swing set, or their cozy bedroom, capturing these genuine moments can make for heartwarming photographs.
2. Authentic Moments:
One of the greatest advantages of a home-based photo session is the authenticity it brings to your family photos. Unlike posed shots in a studio or crowded public spaces, your home provides a natural setting where your family can simply be themselves. These candid moments often result in photos that reflect your family's unique dynamics, quirks, and personalities. From tickle fights on the living room floor to a cozy cuddle on the couch, every image tells a story.
3. Personalized Settings:
Your home is a canvas for creating personalized and meaningful backdrops for your photos. Incorporate elements that hold sentimental value, such as family heirlooms, cherished artwork, or even the family pet. These personal touches add depth and character to your pictures, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Timeless Memories:
Home-based family photo sessions capture the essence of your family's daily life. These images become timeless memories, offering a glimpse into your family's world at a specific moment in time. Years from now, you'll cherish these photos as they remind you of the laughter, love, and connections that define your family.
5. Less Stress, More Fun:
Traditional photo sessions in unfamiliar locations can sometimes be stressful, especially for kids. There's often pressure to behave perfectly and conform to a formal setting. At home, however, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the focus is on having fun together. This ease and comfort translate into joyful, natural smiles and interactions, resulting in photographs that radiate happiness.
Tips for a Successful Home-based Greenfield Family Photo Session:
Plan Ahead: Decide on the date and time for your photo session. Consider factors like natural lighting, nap times for young children, and the best spots in your home for photos.
Choose Meaningful Locations: Identify areas in your home that hold sentimental value or are visually appealing. These can serve as excellent backdrops for your photos.
Coordinate Outfits: While comfort is key, coordinating outfits can enhance the overall look of your photos. Consider colors and styles that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.
Capture Everyday Moments: Encourage candid moments and interactions. Activities like baking cookies, reading books, or playing games can lead to heartwarming photos.
Work with a Professional Photographer: Hiring a professional photographer with experience in home-based sessions can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos.
In conclusion, a family photo session at home offers a unique opportunity to capture genuine moments, create personalized settings, and provide a comfortable environment for children. These photos become timeless treasures that reflect the love and warmth of your family's everyday life. So, don't hesitate to pick up your camera or schedule a session with a professional photographer and start creating beautiful memories in the heart of your home.
As an Indianapolis area family portraits photographer, capturing the essence and beauty of your family is my passion. One of the most crucial aspects of a successful family photoshoot is selecting the perfect location, and I take great pride in offering a variety of stunning settings to choose from. Having spent countless hours behind the lens, I've come to have my favorite locations that truly bring out the best in family portraits. Whether it's the lush greenery of Holliday Park, the urban charm of downtown Indianapolis, or the tranquility of Eagle Creek Park, I know just where to take you for a memorable photoshoot experience. These handpicked locations not only provide a picturesque backdrop but also create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for your family to relax and let your unique personalities shine. Your family's story deserves to be told in the most enchanting settings, and I'm here to make that happen. Let's create stunning memories together!
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