Cheyenne and Alicia (Part 1)

When I showed up at the barn at 5:05, Alicia was confused -- "Were we supposed to meet at 5? Or 5:30?"

I like to be on time. Maybe even early. This time, I was 30 minutes early, thanks to my GPS and its inability to let me waste time getting lost. I wasn't sure how long it would take me to get to the farm, so I added extra minutes to explore the area. No need. My trusty GPS got me right there, no problem.

But I was actually glad I was early.

Alicia didn't have Cheyenne brushed, saddled, or ready for her closeup when I got there. But that meant I got to watch the process from beautiful horse to beautiful horse! Beautiful, I tell you! =) Plus, watching them interact during that process proved to me that a horse isn't just a horse -- their friendship was almost more palpable than my sister with her dog. And no matter how much I can't comprehend that relationship between human and animal, I can most definitely appreciate it.

The Browning Family

Best idea EVER: get all the adult children in one place, coordinate outfits, take pictures. On initiative of the children. Without Mom nagging. Or Dad forcing. Or photographer waving squeaky toys. No tears. No bribes. No temper tantrums. I'm not saying everyone was always cooperative, but its the principle of the matter.

So when Rachel emailed me, wanting to do this for her parents, I was excited. Very. Very. Very excited. (And if I have any insight into parents-of-adults, I'm assuming their excitement matched - or exceeded - mine!)

And here are the pictures. Proof of what happens when kids grow up, stop whining, and start smiling.

The Christmas Crew: Greensboro Family Portrait

Moral of the story: the more time, energy, and effort put into the visualization of and preparation for a photoshoot, the better a photoshoot it will be. =) Over the two months we were in discussions for this shoot, the concept morphed from 'vintage' to 'high fashion' to 'antique car' to 'vintage fashion.' Then, the location changed at the last minute - but it all worked out fabulously in the end!

Maybe I'm biased, the pictures are some of the best I've ever taken. (But that's just my opinion.)

Attempting Self Portrait

I have a confession: I don't usually like being on the other side of the lens.

I much prefer "my" side behind the camera. I like taking the pictures, not being in the pictures.

But, see, if I don't like pictures of me, how can I make other people believe that I will be able to take good pictures of them? So, my personal challenge: self-portraits. Pictures of me, taken by me.

Enter a snowy evening and a photographic muse. A Jennifer with extra time on her hands. A camera and a tripod. Lighting experiments. (Just FYI: its hard doing self portraits with a DSLR and a tripod.)

Matthew and Jane

What do you get when you combine a Computer Science major with an Engineer (who specializes in a type of engineering that I didn't even know existed)?

Waaaay too many brain cells.

=)

Despite their intense amounts of smartness and my obvious lack of mathematical knowledge, I like them. A lot.






There should be more smart geeks in the world. Or, no, maybe not. We wouldn't want them to outnumber the rest of us normal people. ;-)

The J Family

Three boys. Such energy. Wow.

I cannot imagine three brothers. Or, for that matter, three sons. But somehow Mrs. J does it - and does it fabulously, I might add. :-)

And as proof, I present the beautiful mother as she looks at the handsome father.



And now for their family. A dapper clan, don't you think? And so camera-friendly!



My buddy Austyn, you see, wasn't too thrilled with the whole picture-taking concept. But he was a trooper. I tried to make it as fun as possible for him, but no matter what I did, he just wouldn't admit that he was having fun. Not even when he got to hang out by a banana plant or walk in the middle of the road or jump up and down.

By the end, though, as his smile got bigger...I knew he was just being stubborn. Hanging out at Old Salem *is* fun even if he won't admit it.



Now, I'm pretty sure that this is my favorite picture from the shoot (if you don't count the jumping shot and the full-family setup). Justyn was in the right place at the right time and the sun cooperated with me so perfectly and I love the backlighting and the vivid colors and the picket fence. (And, yes, I do fully realize that Justyn probably will never fully appreciate the picket fence. I can live with that.)



I'm not going to embarrass Brandon with any sort of comments about how wonderful and cooperative he was with my antics. But just know that it was true. :-)



And, finally, one more image of the whole clan. :-)

My Grandma Is Cooler Than Your Grandma (Part 2)

As you found out a few weeks ago, my Grandma is 84 years old and a motorcycle rider.

But what you didn't know is that she can mimic a serious football playing lineman...



She is an absolute model....



She has an amazing smile...



And she kisses an invisible Santa Claus...



But now you know (even if you didn't know that an invisible Santa Claus even exists!).

The McA Family

If there is one thing that would seem to encapsulate this family, its their music. Not only did they bring their family prim and proper to meet me for a photo shoot, but they brought musical instruments. All of them. (And when I say "all" -- I mean... a lot!)

Granted, we were specifically taking pictures of the instruments and with the instruments in preparation for their soon-to-be released CD. But that's another post and another story and another shoot.




"Have you ever seen Anne of Green Gables?" I asked her almost immediately.
She nodded. "Mom and I watched them."
I sighed with delight.
"That is one of my favorite movies - ever! Has anyone ever told you that you look like Anne?"
She shook her head.

Doesn't she, though? The green eyes. The spattering of freckles. The adorable red hair. And one amazing smile.




I refrained from telling him so -- wouldn't want to embarrass him, you know? -- but big brother's red hair is pretty cool, too. As is his ability to pose with a saxaphone, pretend [convincingly] to play it, but not actually squeak out a note. His skill at playing the bass, though, was obvious; his serenade while I snapped the shutter made me want to keep on snapping, just so he'd keep on playing.

The A Family

When I spent time with these peoples, I was told three things: "You are not funny" and "I am not beautiful" and "I don't like pictures of just me."

I almost decided to join the circus as the not-funny-and-always-crying clown. And then I thought about needing months and months of rehab after that damage to my psyche. But then I realized something very important: They are beautiful.

And, if they're beautiful, then they don't tell the truth. And, if they don't tell the truth, then I don't need to worry about my lack of funniness. And, therefore, I can avoid the sob story.

Therefore, they are liars. Therefore, I am funny. Therefore, I will not cry over my lack of humor.

:-P

Oh! And I am pleased to admit that the "I don't like pictures of just me" chorus ended rather abruptly when I delivered the sneak peak of images. Apparently that's another reason I don't need to worry about their opinion on my humor.



(And, besides, if I'm not funny...why are they all laughing?)


And who in their right mind can say that ANY of these people aren't good-looking and, um, beautiful!


Moral of the story? Don't doubt my ability to take a photo you will like. :-)



And, for complete honesty's sake, I was finally told that I am funny. A hesitant confession, but a confession nonetheless. I'll take it!

See?? I am funny.

(The peanut gallery need not refute that. I prefer to live in my blissful little humorous world.)

Singing in the Rain

I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain




Just singin',
Singin' in the rain