The illustrious Amy, who at this point, is more than just our family archivist, she’s an indelible member of the Davis squad! Every October she documents our family through her lens — a tradition that’s been in place since you were little babes. Grey was a mere ten days old when Amy first trekked to Harlem for a newborn shoot and I’ll never forget looking through the peephole to see her pulling a red wagon filled to the top with props: a portable heater, blankets, pillows, swaddles, a backdrop, and lights — the brightest of which came from her smile. A fellow Yinzer with city swag and sass, it’s no surprise we became instant friends.
With a down to earth personality and talent unmatched, we really hit the jackpot with Amy; made all the more clear during the newborn shoot. Swaddled and resting on a pillow in front of the heater you made a poop Grey— a little mustard squirt, which is all ten day old babies make anyways — but without hesitation and the refusal of my help, Amy cleaned you up and carried on with the session like it was no big deal. Could I have fanned out any harder?! Clearly not just a photographer, but a very good, very chill mom.
When you guys were younger Amy would generate smiles with jazz hands, eye-high kicks and fart noises. “Cash you better smile or I’m gonna come over there and fart on you!” With kids nearly your same ages she definitely knows how to bring the laughs. And let’s not forget the creativity — each year plotting a different NYC backdrop and vibe coordinated with my family wardrobe choice. Together as stylist and location scout we’ve created quite a dream team over the years. Posing on the boardwalk in Coney Island, the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, the iconic Staples Street in industrial Tribeca, and this year, Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City with the Manhattan skyline as our background has resulted in some prize winning family photos that we will forever cherish.
The first minutes are always the two of us pressed together in a tight squeeze — “Girl! Omigosh girl!!” we scream and squeal — bouncing up and down in a circle as you boys wait patiently for it to be over, laughing and rolling your eyes. Who knows if Amy’s like this with any other family. She says she doesn’t photograph any other families (by choice) outside of her home studio. “Only you guys cause I frickin’ love you!!” But even if she did, there’s no way the love could possibly be this fierce: the silly bribes and taunts around your every mood, the perfect one liners and the hilarious workarounds for any and every challenge. Her play flirting with Anton and “mom-life” cursing with me, as if we are sisters, not only entertains but results in some of life’s best moments. This year’s reunion was predictably more ecstatic since last year the Covid lockdown squashed our family photo dreams. Shockwaves blasted into the stratosphere, causing every head to turn and look as we scream-cried with excitement. The boys got their noogies, potty jokes and sassy talk while we gals served up some long overdue tea.
The night before family photo is jokingly referred to as “Mommy’ s Christmas, birthday and Mother’s Day” all rolled into one. Well at least you boys (and Daddy) humor me as I talk about it for days on end, having you try on different outfits and drag you to the barber. You respect how much it means to me though, and one day, when you guys are much older, it will mean that much to you too. The family tradition already touches your heart Cash. “I like that it’s something we do together every fall. It’s fun to look back and see how we look different … older and taller.” And I like seeing the memories of your life growing up in New York City. None of which would have manifested had we not crossed paths with the “classy, sassy and a bit smart-assy” Yinzer sensation that is Amy.
We love you Ames.
And I love you boys. Thanks for another family photo in the books!
Always and forever, Mom