I know what you might be thinking - is that a human child? Yes, yes it is! Despite the fact that she looks like a fine porcelain doll. Coincidentally, she lives with her parents Peter and Colleen a few doors down from where my parents live. It was a joy to photograph her and her proud mom and dad, even on the hot hot day we got to do it on.
I photographed twins Sophie and Liam a while back. I was excited to hear from their mom Emma again and this time, we met at Jamaica Plain's Arnold Arboretum where we let the wee ones wander. It was an nice time and their parents were troopers, especially Connor who was recovering from ACL repair surgery. Eek!
I met Melanie a few years ago when I was visiting some good college friends of mine in Ohio (they had a photo shoot done then!) Melanie had hoped to fit a session in with me but there wasn't time. When I visited last month though, we made time! They had a wonderful play room with super light which I really loved and took full advantage of before forcing everyone outside into the oppressive heat for a few more shots.
Amy had me photograph her family before Josh and Luke arrived quite a while ago. Now, the twins are 20 months old and busy busy busy! I photographed than at a pond near my home and it was great, challenging fun!
When I arrived at Jade's house, I introduced myself to her daughter, Sierra, and asked her to show me her room. I often do this to help kids feel more comfortable about me being in their home; by showing interest in all their cool stuff and engaging them in conversation. It helps me too, to get to know them a little bit. She proudly showed me all her pink and purple things. Including a clock which let her know when it was ready to wake-up, ready to get out of "time out" and so on. (A lot of us could use one of those "time out" clocks, I think.) With little wings on and a skirt of tulle, I knew she would be up for some fairy-like jumping on the bed. So, with Mom's permission, jumping ensued...as did the rest of our session with her, her parents, and little brother, Brayden.
there's a brother on the way! I am always happy to hear from Rumana. I have been photographing her and her family since Aayan was 6 months old. I photographed him again at one year old. This time, with another on the way, she asked for a few maternity shots as well as a session for Aayan's second birthday.
When I arrived, her husband Safraz took little Aayan upstairs for wardrobe prep while we shot a few photos in some lovely window light in her home. Before long, we heard the beep beep beeping of a car locking and unlocking. There was a pause. A moment of silence while Rumana thought and listened. Then he called upstairs, "Safraz! He has your keys!"
I have my favorite pictures of them, too.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to meet sweet Finley! Like many clients recently, he too is brand spakin' new. I am close with his family. I used to babysit for his dad (good god, I'm old), and a year and a half ago, I photographed his wedding.
Fin was very relaxed (read: asleep) for the first part of our session, but then he stirred and was bright eyed for the remainder of it.
Hugh got in touch with me for some photos of his family...and their very large Mountain dogs. Hugh knows of me through my brother who is an employee of Hugh's, but also, Hugh won a photo session of mine at the Blossoms At The Beebe a few years ago. He kindly gave it to his sister. A few photos (man, did I ever edit tightly!?) can be seen HERE I arrived at their home and was immediately greeted my their massive and very sweet puppies. The children, Matthew, 4, and Tia, 7, were great kids, and energetic and wonderful photo subjects! I learned quickly that the best way to get a genuine smile out of Matthew was by threatening him, "Whatever you do, Matthew, donnnnnnn't laugh!"
This was followed by his peels of laughter.
Since they live in my town, I asked Tia where she went to school. "Walton" she said. That's where I went! I told her. And she replied "Did you have Miss (So-and-So)?"
This was followed my my peels of laughter.
Jacob, 4, greeted me at the door. I like to chat it up with the little ones to help them feel more comfortable about the fact that a complete stranger is in their home with a bag full of heavy gear which they will momentarily be sticking in their face. I also like to roam the house a bit to get ideas on places to shoot. I did this by asking Jacob if he would be so kind as to give me a tour. He obliged happily, wandering through his home, pointing this way and that, presenting the various spaces and the items within it "This is the livingroon. That's a vase. There's my lunch. Here's the laundry room! And this is the kitchen again." What can I say, I'm really excited about the outcome of this session. We took a solid hour to get the collection (which I had trouble editing down to a manageable amount last night). Jacob, Sadie, 9 weeks, Rachal and Andy were photogenic and had great light in and around their home. The made my job easy!
When one-year-old Cailin's grandmom Vicki got in touch for a session, I thought it would be a fun challenge to photograph the whole extended family during their Thanksgiving weekend visit. The session went well; the light was cooperative, little Cailin was in good spirits, and even the puppy was a good poser! A big group session like this one is great because you can get extended family shots, plus little nuclear family shots done all in one go!
