Home Sweet Home

This lovely family asked me for photographs again - my favorite form of flattery, as you know. When I repeat shoot, I truly try to give the clients something different and not actually repeat. Granted, often the children themselves change so much that the images are going to be very different anyway. I still like to switch it up. An easy way to achieve this is just to choose another location because then it's simple to see new things. In this case, the family invited me to their home and the backyard was perfectly positioned from the sun (timing was planned in advance to ensure that). Not only does a client's home offer me a unique perspective, it's also great for the family to look back and have a more personal connection to the setting.

Here are Paula and Bob's family enjoying their space.

 

Switching it up a bit.

As soon as I saw this garage, I thought it was fitting for these ages.

There's something about a lineup of a family when the kids heads are almost in line with the parents.

 I don't spend too much time shooting with space in between subjects.

 A golden background for dad and daughter....

 ....mother and son.

 The first of several images that shows this family clearly has a lot of fun together.

 I just love the way both girls look here.

 Natural smiles.

You guys know I always photograph mom and dad. This was such a great shaded spot with sunlight coming in to give everything a bright tone.

 Had to get closer and blur that foreground to make the subjects that much more prominent.

A wide shot and a funky angle. So easy but I always love it. Like the texture of the ground in the foreground, too.

I have lots of favorites from the day but I think this one is number one. I love the way she's looking up, her green eyes match the grass and she just looks so mature.

 Family time (even if it was for a photo session, it still counts).

 Once again I can't stay far back for too long.

A silly moment among siblings.

More posed but still silly. The light in the background is awesome. I told them to take all of their future family photos here!

 Buds.

 Houses usually have cool textures and lines so I use them.

 Another mature shot.

 I thought he could handle a more serious look, which he aced. Being slightly older than his sister, I wanted to show his maturity with a different way of looking into the camera.

 Shooting through some bushes for fun.

 I always get some traditional portraits.

 We shot a ton on the trampoline - some cool action shots!

I like the way her hair cascades here. Earthy feel.

Back to that wooded area. They are so relaxed together. I like the blue shirts against the bright green background.

Thank you again, Paula and Bob, for inviting me to document another stage of your family!

Don't Blink

So you know when you are pregnant with your first child and every parent you know says, "It goes so fast. Enjoy each stage." Fast forward a few months and there you are with oatmeal flying across the kitchen air, wondering "Yeah. This is really enjoyable." Until that moment is over and you look back at photos missing the sweet aspects of that age and then you get it....they grow up faster than we could ever imagine and the advice to enjoy is rich with wisdom. This is what I think about when I photograph a family over time. I am always in awe of the changes a few months or years can bring, solidifying my passion for documenting as much as possible.

With that I bring you a family I photographed a few years ago. Here are Deidre and Matt and their two fun kids once again.

A sweet shot with dad.

 This was actually the last shot of the day....a tired yet happy family. Great setting.

 Mom and Dad always deserve a photo.

 This sweet little girl is growing up.

 As is big bro.

 I wanted to mimic the pose on the opposite side.

 Funky lens and blue sky.

 This pair knows how to have fun.

 So does the entire family.

 Like the glare here and the fun poses.

 A slight angle here adds just enough interest.

 LOVE the hair light and background light here (not to be outdone by the subject, of course).

 Another sweet fun moment.

 Traditional but important to capture, I think.

 A little action.

 I think I like this anticipation shot even more than the actual jumping image.

 I like the curved line that's formed from the varying head heights here.

 Shadows, indirect lines and a fun pose.

 I never tire of this angle....just love the way the beam draws you into her face.

 Similar with a bit of flare that I've been playing with lately.

 Very mature here.

 An unposed moment. Love this.

 I like the irregular levels here.

 Wider is even better, I think.

 So sweet. You can tell they have a nice relationship.

 A relaxed family.

 Just love the blurred golden background.

 Wanted to get one with him, too.

I backed up a little for this one to capture more branches in the foreground, which add mystery when blurred. That's why I asked him for a serious look. Well, done bud!

 A youthful spirit.

 A few brown leaves on the ground framed this family nicely.

After the previous shot, I hopped off the bench to capture the wider scene. My fave of the day. And a sentiment to remember - step back, look and enjoy.