Sometimes you bring your family for photos, and you end up with an experience like no other. The kids take over, the dog explores places you didn’t know existed, or a funny story breaks out. The McKinney family had a great deal of personality… you can see it here.
Winners of a cover contest held by Child Guide magazine, Reagan not only wanted us to capture a “school-themed” cover photo for the magazine, but wanted some unique photos for herself.
We managed both.
Pick up your own copy of Child Guide (they are free) to see the cover we shot, or view it online at www.childguidemagazine.com. 🙂
I’m not getting older… I decided to refuse aging long ago. At least in my mind… my body has accepted aging quite readily.
That aside, I have decided this year that I will be giving you a present for my birthday.
Here’s the deal:
That’s it. Sessions can take place in our studio or in our portrait park… we’ll be happy to accommodate any size family or any number of children (with an appropriate number of parental wranglers, of course).
Call or email now… you won’t regret it. Seriously. 🙂
So, mom brings in her kids for some much-needed portraits. The kids were super cooperative, and we did some pictures in the studio and some out in our portrait park. It was great fun. We were done in short order because the kids were great! But as they were leaving, the little boy (who is three years old) said “Thank you VERY much.” It was so sweet… he had very good manners. We quickly learned where he got it from, as his mother also thanked us very much. Happy people rock! 🙂
Remember this portrait? Remember seeing how bad the condition was? Yeah… pretty bad.
Well… it should be said that this is NOT easy stuff to do. I don’t recommend it for anyone who likes sanity.
And the final result is…
Raise your hand if you think Diana (the restoration miracle worker) is a genius!
Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Star Wars was probably the first movie (in a theater) I ever remember seeing WITH my father. I remember thinking “cool, I’m hangin’ out with dad.” He’s really been my best friend ever since. He was tremendously influential to me growing up. I admired his work ethic, intelligence and unique ability to become virtually anyone’s friend. He was truly the perfect package when it came to people you want to look up to in life.
Dad was the best man at my wedding in 1994. He gave me some of the best advice about marriage… by saying nothing at all. One of the fondest memories I have of my dad is just prior to the wedding ceremony, he steps into the room where I was waiting, stone-faced, solemn, expressionless, and says in the best monotone voice he can muster, “Tony… it’s time.” I felt like “hey, is this a wedding or a wake?”
I continued to look to my father as a guiding light. In my best of times, he would always point out things that I might overlook. In my worst of times, his advice and support was inspirational and always welcome. There was never a time that I did not want to hear from or about my dad. He just seemed like that little voice in the back of my head saying “be sure to check the details.”
I continue to remind myself that it was my father who was my inspiration in photography. Growing up he took lots of pictures of us kids (I have two brothers and a sister), and it was a G-R-E-A-T night when the slides came back from the drug store. Dad would carefully load them into the carousel or slide tray (more than once loading them upside down, backwards or both) and we would all watch the magic white screen to see what goofy stuff had happened to us over the last month or so. You are probably not surprised to learn that ALL of those slides are still in metal cases, stored under a bookshelf at mom’s house.
There are those who say I look like my father, have the same mannerisms and kindness as my father, and a respect for people… just like dad. If I could only have one of those, it would be the respect. To this day, people genuinely entertain me. I think dad got a kick out of the antics of some people, too. There were always moments growing up where dad seemed to chuckle at the silly things that people would do. So do I. In private, I laugh uncontrollably… and usually with Diana, who enjoys laughter just as much and almost as often.
To be fair, dad wasn’t the only great influence on my life. But he was a significant contributor.
He’s been gone two years today. I’ve made other blog posts about the days leading up to his death. I don’t need to recount those here. This is a celebration, after all.
I’d like to propose a toast… lift your glasses, be they adult spirits, juice boxes, or a tall drink of ice cold water… to the man who is truly a hero to me. Rest In Peace, dad. 🙂
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We’re flexible enough to offer portraits in formal, traditional or casual attire. We photograph people, dogs, horses, cows and even iguanas. We have been up and down the coast, and in our own studio and the portrait park out back. And nothing strikes me as more fun than a family who enjoys being together. It showed today. 🙂
Oh the babies we’ve seen!
I shouldn’t have to keep repeating this, but I will. I love babies!
This little guy is 7 months old. He had some wobble problems, both sitting and standing. But he was quite the trooper and made his mom happy with several fun and adorable images.
Once in awhile a family comes along who has a spectacular dynamic… fun, enjoy each others company, and has really cool kids. This is just such a family!
And there’s practically no way I could truly give you an idea how much fun this family was without showing you this image. Grandpa was holding the girls, and the older one decides to give him a kiss. Goodness knows what the younger girl is thinking.
