No Two The Same

Sometimes I feel like no two family sessions of mine are anything alike. I used to actually see that as a problem. Like, I was maybe a bi-polar photographer of sorts. Then I realized that no two families are alike so, if I am trying to capture that unique 'thing' that makes each family awesome then it would only make sense that no two sessions were alike. Of course, there are certain things that I capture that maybe others don't. I focus on the things that I find appealing about each family. The things that, if I was their mom, I'd want to remember. Sometimes I am an observer when I do that and, other times, I am a director. Some families need more direction than others. Some need none at all. All of these things affect what I end up capturing while I am there. This was the first time this family had been in front of my lens. A rarity, if I'm honest because 75% or more of my clients are repeat. But, I had the advantage with this family as I have mentored their mom from time to time. The level of trust was higher than most first time families. We just hung out at their home making popcorn, jumping on the trampoline and taking a quick hike to the nearby woods. It ended moments before that freak snow storm happened in September.

So, here is the reason why I don't blog too many full sessions...unlike smarter photographers(ones who maybe strive for efficiency with their time), I tend to create huge galleries. You see...I am a sentimental sort. I rarely aim for that 'normal concept of perfection' that you see so often because that doesn't really appeal to me. What appeals to me are the little moments. The moments when mom wipe boogers from noses, kids climb up on countertops to get the popcorn bowl, or I say throw one piece of popcorn at dad and that unruly child throws a handful. If these were my kids, I'd want to remember how the little girl absolutely could NOT figure out how to cross her legs. No sirreeeeee...not even after having been shown many, many times. And, I love when daddies play with their kiddos and mommies cuddle them up. I want to see real interactions and fun expressions...and, honestly, those don't happen in a quick session. And, there is no way I could ever narrow a session down to 30 or 40 images. I couldn't even narrow this blog post down to that few!!

So, I know this is a long post(and I have more long posts to come as well), but please take the time to scroll through and search for the thing in each image that caught my attention.

As I said, this mom has mentored with me before. I am gearing up to offer mentoring again this winter. Both one on one mentoring via Skype and an online group mentoring opportunity for the month of February. If you are interested in getting on the wait list, just pop me an email and let me know!

Thanks!

Dana