Family Times...
One of the best things about my job is watching family interactions. It feels good when a familes let their guard down with me..and just be themselves. I don't care what is going on at the time...the connection is where it is at.
A client I was working with this week prompted me to blog about families and connection (..not the client I am about to post..)
The mom of this family called me to book a session. They live in California..but will be moving to Chicago in a few years...so they really wanted family pictures in Chicago.
One thing I struggle with..is how to get families to connect...to just be free with each other as a family. Sometimes it works..sometimes it doesn't. In comes the client I am showcasing today....they taught me a lot (and I am sure she will be shocked to see me write that!)..but what they taught me is that...feeling and connection just can't be directed with families. We can direct them just so much.. but the feeling...well that is something that we as photographers can't dictate or create. (unless we are magician's!!)
When we began the session...this family just connected in such a way that I just became speechless... (..and those that have met me know THAT isn't easy to do with me...) ..I literally kept saying...
"You all are such a beautiful family!"
(..I am not even sure how many times I said it...but it was more than enough for them to get the point!)
They laughed. They played. They hugged. They simply all forgot I was there. They allowed me to see how much they loved each other. They didn't even care how cold it was outside.
Photog's.. have you ever seen a family when you were out that you said to yourself.. "wow I would love to photograph them!"
Well this was that family for me...I sort of felt like the paparazzi...like it wasn't my session...like I was spying....
Gotta love the "I love Daddy tackle hugs.."
..as 2007 comes to a close... my goal is to post at least once until the end of the year!
Until Next Time..
~A
Love the story and as another photographer I would say this is so very true. You really captured thier love here.
I wish you could respond back...cause are you expanding to do more familes now? AND have not seen much BW from you. Double treat! AND I am amazed you shoot 1.6 with everyone. is that right?
Posted by: vicki | December 07, 2007 at 01:19 AM
I never see BW from you so this was a nice change up...I can defintely sense the connection of the family. Beautiful!
Posted by: Erin | December 07, 2007 at 08:13 AM
I love the BW for a change, really cool shoots Audrey. And the family is just so relaxing. I know the feeling of seeing a family and wanting to photograph them :)
Anyway, just lovely yet again
Alette
Posted by: Alette | December 07, 2007 at 08:36 AM
You're right....families like that are a DREAM!!! Although they are far and few between. Great shots!:)
Posted by: Heather | December 07, 2007 at 11:37 AM
These are stunning! Can I ask what lens you used? They are so crisp with such wonderful bokeh that they almost look 3D. Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Anita | December 07, 2007 at 11:53 AM
These are lovely.. wow.. I dont know that I recall seeing a ton of B&W work from you.. a lovely surprise
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 07, 2007 at 12:57 PM
As always, you pictures capture the feelings felt within the heart! I am always left speechless when I see your work!
Posted by: tami | December 07, 2007 at 01:00 PM
Wow....just awesome....I see what you mean....just have to smile when you look at these photos!
Posted by: Liz | December 07, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Black and White ?? WOW.....Love seeing fresh new photos from you. This was a nice suprise !! Linda
Posted by: Linda / Seattle | December 07, 2007 at 09:01 PM
aww, love these. I really wish I could photograph my own family in this way. I really wish I could clone myself and jump in the action so the photos would be completely us, 100% all us.
Maybe if we ever make it to Chicago ;)
Posted by: Mrs. Fun | December 08, 2007 at 12:31 AM
Your comments are perfect timing for me right now. I had two families recently that were both so so different and you just nailed what what I couldn't define about the second family. Perfect, and I love your paparazzi shots! :-)
Posted by: Julia | December 08, 2007 at 06:10 AM
They truly are a beautiful family. These shots seem so genuine!
Posted by: Rachel Brooke | December 08, 2007 at 09:51 AM
They really do look like the dream family! Beautiful!
Posted by: Emily DeWan | December 08, 2007 at 10:07 AM
I love the black and white! Totally cool shots!
Posted by: Shannon | December 09, 2007 at 01:17 PM
What a beautiful family! It is wonderful when you get that client that really is just themselves, it's so beautiful to capture
Posted by: Melissa Koehler | December 10, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Gosh, Audrey, it's been a while since I last post here, they block blogging at our office, talking about K.J.
Just an inspiration!!! I can't believe you still don't believe that you are one of the best! enough to grace the magazine!!! my gosh, did you ever look at mirror, did you ever wonder why some would travel across the other part of the state just to learn from you? =)
Truly Audrey, you are an inspiration. With you I learn and have been motivated to shot wide.
Hope your Christmas and holiday will be fun...it was a wonderful year!
Posted by: Tiffany | December 11, 2007 at 12:41 AM
What beautiful emotion, A....very, very nice!!
Posted by: Melissa M. | December 11, 2007 at 09:52 PM
wow, audrey these are stunning- SO full of feeling and happiness and love. :) Awesome work.
Posted by: allie | December 25, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Audrey, no, I am truly speechless...and completely flattered. On a particularly challenging day (my husband went back to Chicago after being home for the holidays and two very sick kids) your blog was a ray of sunshine. My eyes teared up when I viewed a time in our lives that we will never forget. Thank you for capturing it with such warmth. -c
Posted by: Christine | January 03, 2008 at 12:35 PM