I’m realizing that when it comes to taking portraits of kids, what I love to do most (and what I think I’m best at) is not creating pretty pictures of kids smiling into the camera but, rather, real images of kids: capturing their goofy faces, their confused faces, their over-the-top-happy faces as they play and engage with the world. More than that, I want to create memories of what life was really like for families, even after the kids have grown up, moved out of the house, started their own families.
A Day in the Life
As a part of that quest, I’ve started offering “A day in the life” photography sessions: I come to your home for a couple hours, a half a day or a full day, and document life as it happens–the kids eating breakfast in the morning, having their bath, playing games. In other words, I document life as it is so you can remember life as it was. I know this probably sounds like a strange concept at first–why would you want pictures of your kids eating breakfast?–but I really think that when you see the slideshow below, you’ll understand.
A day in the life with Audrey
My first foray into “A day in the life” was with the mind-blowingly (is that a word?) cute Audrey and her dads, Don and Kevin. Don and Kevin graciously invited me into their home for a full morning to document their life with Audrey; afterward, we headed to Balboa Park for a more “traditional” (emphasis on the quotations, mind you) portrait session. Audrey is so full of love for her Daddy and her Papa and they are so full of love for her – it was a privilege to spend the morning with them. (And p.s. Kevin is one heck of a hair stylist: after recently getting a haircut from him at the Bamboo Salon, I shall never trust my mane to anyone else. Ask for Kevin Neal, let him do his thing…he’s a magician with those scissors.)
Get ready for some cuteness everybody….seriously.
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I’ve known Kevin Neal and Don long before before Audrey. They are fantastic men, but most of all they are extraordinary dads. What you’ve done is also extraordinary – of course, you had marvelous material! Thank you for posting this – it was a real treat. And yes, Kevin is a marvelous hairdresser – he is an absolute darling! I’d love to see how great you could make my husband and I look behind the lense. We’ve never had really nice photos taken and it might be time – our eleventh wedding anniversary is coming up – it might be a nice treat for both of us. Feel free to contact me – thanks – Vicki Barber – and yes, Audrey is truly an angel!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Of course,being Audrey’s Grandma,I have to say good things,but really-you did a fantastic job!!!!!!!
Jena, these are amazing. Thank you for capturing an “ordinary” day in such a way that reminds us how special even the ordinary days can be. You’ve forced a happy tear (or two) from the eyes of a happy dad (or two!)…
Beautiful…