This is a portrait of Griffin for the summer of 2009. He is a lover of life and everything and everything that lurks around the corner. For him there is always something to be discovered, explored, climbed, pet, tested, and tasted. For a few unfortunate dogs and cats in our neighborhood, it has sometimes been all of the above, all at once. (Sorry again, Sultan and Pi!)
Since he started to walk, this is how I see Griffin- setting off on some new mission, fearless.
I was asked recently by a friend how I manage to capture photos of my kids when they are all over the place. I have had clients call me, worried, because their kids are so active- they never get good pictures of them. How will I? First, I have to assure you, kids are almost always better for the playful stranger with the big cameras than they are for their parents. Especially when we give them time durring a session to be themselves. My kids don’t sit still for the camera either.
For me, some of my favorite pictures of Griffin are those when he is most himself. Although I have many photos of his face lit up, his exuberant laughter and his wild antics, this is the one that I think will remind me most of him this season, setting off toward the light that illuminates a new adventure that lays just beyond the last. NOTHING- not his shadow, his soaking pants from the muddy puddle he just exited, his cautious sister or his parents can slow him down.
Archive for July, 2009
Portrait of my little active boy
littlest escapes
Let me let you in on a little something that vexes my sons very existence. Fences, gates, doors, enclosures of any kind. What they are to Griffin is a game to be played and a sport to be had.
Sometimes it is about speed: “Bet I can beat mommy to the open gate!”
Sometimes about tenacity:”must…. squeeze…. through…. cat door”
other times about will: “oh ya? I will just break down this baby gate- take that you poorly constructed piece of plastic!”
Problem solving comes into play every once and a while: Bucket emptied and turned over gives added height to reach latch.
Teamwork: Sister opens door for easy circus routine by parents as they fly, hurtle, trip their way to front door.
Sometimes it is just about sheer agility: I really don’t know how to describe the way he got out of the gate at the Providence Children’s Museum, but there was artistry involved.
It all ads up to a summer that should really come with a replay and slow motion button. At least I have my cameras.
Little ladies
How incredibly beautiful are these sisters? These portraits are from one of the families I had the pleasure of photographing this last weekend. It was a refreshing change working with older girls- this month seems to have been filled with weddings and newborns. The older sister, Sarah, just had her first holy communion and is wearing a dress fashioned from her mothers wedding gown by her aunt. What a gift to have someone who can do that sort of sewing in the family.
Here is a little slide show of some of the photos I have been looking through…
One of the things that I love about capturing siblings is seeing how very, very unique children are. I have to admit being more than a little surprised at how my own two children have such completely different personalities and ways of interacting with the world around them. These sisters were so sweet and funny. As the session went on they took me back into their play area in the woods and showed me where they thought all of the good areas for picture posing were.