Today I was able to spend some time with John and Renee and their two sons. We spent part of the session at their home and traveled to Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma for the second half of their portrait session. It’s days like today that remind me why I love doing lifestyle photography on location and not in a studio. I have to imagine that a studio would not have allowed their two sons to be the boys that they are and show all of their great personality (and energy!).
It was fun to watch the boys hang out in their mom and dad’s room. And God bless John and Renee. They have really embraced raising two boys as was obvious when a spontaneous pillow fight broke out. Everyone joined in and it was every man for himself. I’m just glad I was able to hide behind the camera and not enter into the fray.
I’m really happy with the shots I was able to capture today and am super excited to share all of the proofs with John and Renee. In the meantime, I picked a few favorites and had some fun with a few of them in Photoshop to add some nuances here and there – some straight color, B&W, and Sepia but some with a little “special sauce”. What do you think?
Thanks again to John, Renee, Tommy and Tyler for letting me tag along with you guys today. Have fun looking through these photos together.
Jenny, one word — WOW! These are truly amazing. I love the pillow fight, frozen in action… but oh, they’re all spectacular. I think this might be your best work yet! Bravo, my friend, bravo!!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Pamela. I really needed that encouragement.
By the way, I’m still considering the NY offer. You’ve made me an offer that’s hard to refuse. I’ll be in touch soon.
Love, love love, all of these, but the shot Mom with the little boy and the bright blue sky is really sharp. Great work!
You don’t know me, but I ran across your photos when looking for ideas for my daughter’s 1st birthday. I am an aspiring photographer (been at it about 3 months now) and I love your pics. I am in Kansas City, MO, by the way. I was wondering, what is the photoshop function that makes the corners of photos shaded? Best of luck with your photographing. Capturing happy moments never gets old…
Thanks for stopping by and for leaving a comment, Becky. And good luck and congratulations on your daughter’s 1st birthday. Pace yourself though. Many more to come and they seem to get more complicated the older they get.;-)
The shading around the corners is just a vignette. Here’s a link to a video tutorial that might help you get started.
Video Tutorial on Adding a Custom Vignette in PhotoShop CS3.
Enjoy!
And best wishes on your photography aspirations.