Our perennial garden is again past it’s summer glory, only after giving us another spectacular show of colors, textures and that constant amazement that such beautiful things grow from the dirt. Not to let the last bundle of Black Eyed Susans disappear without a last show, Syrie and I decided this was a fitting tribute to all the flowers that color this earth with such effortless splendor.
Last night I was with Doug when he took his last breath and left this life – just the two of us as I quietly whispered “It’s OK to let go Doug.” We met over 25 years ago in a somewhat random fashion yet we connected in such a purposeful way at the end. It was an honor to have known him, to have been shaped by his presence and the opportunity to say the most final of goodbye’s to a very dear friend.
May your soul rest in peace Doug.
1955 – 2010
Our modest garden has been planted and despite a recent close call with a plant-eating frost, things are popping up nicely. There is great anticipation for this organic produce to be picked (and eaten) fresh from our very own yard. Sometimes I forget how little of our food is actually fresh. (Don’t get me started on all of this…) I happened to notice Finn was sitting in the garden pretending to be some sort of interesting creature o’ the day.
“Hey Finn – hang on! I want to get my camera!!” Two minutes later – mission accomplished.
The best things come from our own garden. Especially those with blue eyes and a sweet smile.
I find myself [frequently] feeling that when I look into the eyes of my children, I am looking into myself. I am really not referencing what is obvious; genetics and their associated physical similarities. Rather, the quiet and intense sense that we are connected to each other in unexplainable ways. These are moments that serve to justify and validate the human experience. It is real and it transcends us in ways only our hearts understand and that a camera could only hope to capture.
Most of our friends and family have since heard the news… Syrie cut off her own hair during a brief “who knows what she was thinking” inspirational moment. After the fact, I have been told that this is normal (really!!??) and to expect it at some point in each child’s life. Therefore, when I got the call with the news, I admit it was a shocker. It remains doubtful that Syrie will have an encore performance due to her sadness when she learned her hair could not be glued back on. Another day, another lesson. If it happens again I might as well join her with an equally bad haircut as an act of father/daughter solidarity.
So, we move toward the next adventure with our two little ones, creating memories along the way and continually experiencing all that accompanies parenthood.
As a portrait photographer I am always seeking to capture what I call “In Between” time during photo shoots. Kids and adults spend energy “doing something” with their facial expression, especially when facing a camera. I presume we could call it acting, entertaining, self-consciousness to name a few. These expressions and emotions are indeed part of what makes each of us unique. However, there are brief moments when we are transitioning from one expression/emotion to another or we are momentarily distracted. It is these “in between” moments that can provide some of the most honest and authentic images. Take for example this portrait of Syrie. I have many images before and after this particular one. They are filled with all sorts of 3 year old craziness. But for a brief second the show stopped – and I had my finger on the shutter.
Some of your best images will emanate from “in between” moments. Provide space for it to happen and be ready.
One of the benefits of sub-zero weather (-13F) is this natural crystalline artwork that playfully fills the windows of our 83 year old house. If I were to own energy efficient windows this delicate artwork would be in search of a new canvas. Appreciating these ice sculptures is admittedly a weak reason to own these old windows, but I do like them for their character, strength and their ability to generate beauty. I have walked past these countless times, but today I stopped to appreciate what each window was presenting. As I wandered from room to room with my camera (my kids were being read to by mom) I quietly studied their uniqueness and beauty.
One could draw fitting parallels to life. Life is temporary. Each day is unique and will never reappear in exactly the same way. Take time each day to see and appreciate what is before us before it is gone.
A portrait of Adam before he departed back to his life in northern California.
This image was created with two bare speed lights, one white reflector and a 4×8 sheet of white latex board to act as a nearly 360 degree circular light reflector with the white reflector placed over the top. This essentially created a completely white “cylinder” for the strobe lights to reflect internally.
[Think of it as photographing your subject inside a white soup can.]
This ultimately produced a nearly shadowless effect. Of course Syrie was excited about entering this cool lighting contraption!
As usual, I got my 4 minutes of cooperation and this was the result. Nice big/even light from the most unlikely source.
Finally, a 2009 holiday picture!
Wishing you all happy holidays and a wonderful new year!
Here is a simple two light portrait of Chris against a large corrugated door. Behind this serious face lies a great sense of humor and a passion for photography that made it somewhat unbearable for him to pose rather than be at the controls behind the camera. Even photographers need to have their portrait taken. There are individuals in our lives that will appreciate these memories long after we turn off the camera for the last time.
For the full month of November someone was sick in this family. To put it a different way, no one wanted their picture taken and no one wanted to take any pictures. Thankfully, we are past that and are very much looking forward to Christmas and all that surrounds it – such as decorating. Why not combine decorating with a quick holiday portrait? The kids sure seemed to think it was a good idea. (Syrie warmed up to the idea after a minute.)
Happy holidays to all. Big and little – with or without lights.
