Sometimes you just have to let boys be boys.  We had these two in recently with the goal of creating a beautiful portrait of them together. Of course with a pair of boys this age it’s always a bit of a challenge to get that “perfect” shot of them both cooperating at the same time. Usually one will be still while the other is squirming around, then he will break loose about the time the other slows down. It’s challenging but fun, and we are used to it and have a few tricks to get and keep their attention.

We did capture several beautiful images of both boys, but the image that we loved the most (Ben loved it so much he painted it), and the image Mom and Dad loved the most as well, happened when we dumped the Lincoln logs out and “gave them a break” from being photographed. Of course Ben never stops shooting and sees these intimate peeks at children just being children as some of the most special and meaningful images he creates. This is not simply taking snapshots of kids playing but rather these are carefully lit and crafted images that reflect the natural character of children just being themselves.

Of course we all love the “perfect” image where everyone is looking at the camera, the posing is just right, and everyone appears relaxed and comfortable, but sometimes the magic happens when we just let boys be boys.

We recently had the pleasure of having Anna as a guest at the Gallery for her portrait session.  Anna has such a sweet spirit, and after allowing us to capture some elegant images in her pink dress out on the grounds of our building, we went inside to the camera room where she changed into her ballet outfit and really cut loose, showing her fun-loving personality.

Here are a couple of completely contrasting images from the day - two of my favorites.  I started painting the one of her in the garden area because it struck me as a gentle, intimate view of Anna simply being a little girl.  And how could you not love the sassy pose she struck in her ballet outfit?  Absolutely precious!  This is a great example of how we can accomplish different looks and styles all in the course of a single session.

We loved having Anna in that day and love sharing these images with you.