Making history in a home with true character, artfully accessorized by "still-in-the-closet-designer-mom"... letting kids be kids so that they can grow and learn and be themselves ("C" your science corner is fantastic!)... and holding their hand just long enough until it's time to let them jump.
(Sometimes it's the promise of that "jump" that composes a shot just long enough to grab a family photo... got it ;)
... sees beauty... gives freely... lives purposefully.
One of the things I really work at when I'm shooting, is to change up my point of view. It's not unusual to find me with my ear in the sand, composing a shot from ground level. I also try to give myself permission to push the envelope on what "family photo" means. (And I'm totally thrilled when a client indulges me :) This was one of those times for sure. I love the point of view, AND the sense of family. My favorite shot of the night.
Don't you just love the connection here? How he looks at her, how she looks at them, and how comfortable they are all together? I love family photographs like this, when it appears as if I was invisible and they are just having their own little moment without me. Love that.
[ too little for the swing ... so stinkin' cute... ]
Years from now, when these sisters see this photograph, I hope it floods their memories. Recalling...
... as young girls, in early 2009, they crossed an ocean to Africa. They began a new and inspiring journey, immersed in a culture that was not their own but soon became part of them and made them stronger women. ... how giving up their treasures here was a little less difficult because of the treasure between them. Together, they knew deep down that everything would be ok.
___
To all their family and friends, ... feel free to post a comment here for the S family!
Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | ontario ]
More Florida...
... the enthusiastic K family. Full of life. Energy. Togetherness.
When we met for their session, they had just been to a game and had temporary tatoos stuck to their faces... a little rubbing alcohol saved the day, but for a second, we thought they weren't coming off. And I love that Mom wasn't stressed about it. I think they would have made beautiful pictures even if we couldn't get the tatoos off! Nothing like a little family/team pride :)
Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | florida ]
Here's a favorite from a recent holiday session. Often, I see a family interact, and I wish that for myself. This is one of those times. L, if Christmas is about family, you must celebrate year round!
Dogs can certainly complicate sessions... with their unpredictability, lack of composure, ability to distract... but if you're not aiming for formality (which I SO rarely am!), these traits are usually what makes a session HOWL! (excuse the doggy humour... couldn't resist!)
Meet Opie (if you look closely, you'll notice that Opie's spontaneity has rubbed off on his family members, as they wave to their shadows!)
Now this is a proud doggy-stance:
Ever meet a dog that likes to go down the slide?
"So much attention... I could get used to this!"
