Studio J

Can you imagine being 2?   . . . and feeling joy and belonging?  . . . with parents that understand play and exploration matter more than getting some dirt on your dress?    Who delight in what a funny, strange person you are?

You live in a place where two talented, thoughtful people have invested their personalities, their smarts, their creativity and their attitudes into making your world rich, fun, safe and loving.   Being 2 is amazing.    This is how remarkable people are made . . .

This is what it looks like to love, laugh, learn and develop your unique talents.   I frequently get this front row seat for an ongoing workshop series on how to be incredible parents.

No staged studio sets,  no “smile for the camera”,  no stereotyped image of what some marketer has defined as a happy family.   These are the real, quirky, natural photos I most love to capture.   When I look at them 5 years from now, I won’t say, “That’s so 2010″   –>  I’ll say,  “That’s so them”.

. . . and a slideshow video, showing part of the session:

This family’s closeness and their visible care and interest in each other are compelling and moving to me.  Janelle called me to arrange a family session as a gift for her dad.   A high school student, paying for and organizing a professional family lifestyle session because she knew it would be a meaningful gift for her dad and her family.   Wow.

At every turn, there were more happy surprises like that.   From the shared family inside jokes to their sense of fun, the undercurrent that each child is valued for their unique selves; to the open-hearted welcome and inclusiveness for the newest family member, Tracey.   This is Belonging.

What strikes me 1st is that they are both comfortable in their own skin.   . . . at ease being themselves with others.

Everyone should have a friend like Mike.   Someone who is open and honest and has your best interests at heart.  He’ll tell you what you need to hear, which is often different from what you want to hear.   . . . . and when you look back on it, you’re glad he did.   Som’s first experience of Mike was like that.   Those qualities that raised caution in her early on became the things she loved about him.   Truthful and open.  Caring.  Doing what’s right (vs what’s comfortable).

I watched Som greeting her patients one afternoon (Som and Mike are Naturapathic Doctors).   She radiated welcome, caring, friendliness and familiarity.   I’d seen all of that in our previous conversation but being an observer was like seeing her turned up 2 notches!

That’s the excitement of engagement and wedding photography for me.   2 people I admire joining and making each person better, stronger, healthier.   The power of mutual appreciation, support and inspiration.    . . .  and a soul mate epitomizes that power of relationships for all of us.

Som’s idea – silhouettes – I love it! :

The slideshow video of their session: