I met Brenda a few weeks back at one of my new favorite stores in town. Over a mimosa before picking up the girls from school one afternoon, Brenda told me how her older daughter would be flying in town soon and would love to have a family photo taken. It had been years since the three of them were in the same place long enough to capture anything for mom, and with Mothers day nearly approaching I had an idea.
When I heard her daughters were grown, and would likely do anything asked, I decided this would be the perfect family to try out my plan. I have a gorgeous couch, sea-foam green velvet Victorian couch that was actually purchased for photos, and until last weekend had yet to be used except for our every day TV watching, this couch actually does live in my living room.
We borrowed a truck, and Brenda and I moved this 7 foot beast by ourselves out to Smith rock, along with vintage suitcases, a bird cage, a small plant, and anything else I found in my house that might fit the images I had floating around in my head.
Her daughters were all I expected, beautiful and sweet. They moved just how I asked them, didn't think my requests of "Now, hold this potted plant like a cup of Chinese tea, delicately...." or " dip her like you mean it, this is supposed to me romantic." were odd, at least that I know of. The younger daughter is getting married and we were lucky enough to have one male on the premises, who was willing to even try the new famous "Blue Steel" pose.
I left feeling great about the images I had. I was excited to get home and try out some new actions I had recently purchased from the amazing Annie Manning of "Paint the Moon" photography. And even more so, I was happy for this mom to have some wonderful memories of her beautiful daughters that were both off to new adventures in life, one even on her way to Thailand.
I've spent endless hours at the computer, smiling all the way, surprising myself at the end results. I have always tried to incorporate my love of all things old, vintage flare with my photography and always fall short, going back to the old stand by. What I now feel I am able to give my clients is a piece of art. Aside from the memories of the shoot, they are usually filled with nervous laughter and strange ideas.
I had a wonderful time meeting this gorgeous family, and hope that at some other point in their lives we'll meet again. Maybe a wedding in the future...possibly??
Thank you for humoring me with the trip to the Rock, while all the hikers stared at the velvet couch placed perfectly in the field. Thanks to Amanda for putting up with the freezing conditions of Bend, we all know at times like that you wish you were back on the beaches of Hawaii, and thanks to Brittany for being my new favorite model. This girl knows how to work it! My daughter will forever be jealous of the rainbow hair.
It was my pleasure and at very least I hope you enjoy your images. I am in love with them.
A before and After of the new technique
