Digging the Present

The Now.

For some odd reason it is easier to live in the past, or the future, than the present. The present, though right in front of you, can be so elusive. Meditation is one way to become more present, but how? How do you turn off the chatter that keeps looping in your mind? How to silence the worry and anxiety that keep pulling you into the past or future?

Stop trying to achieve a clear mind. Stop trying to do it right. There is no goal. There is no purpose. In today's fast paced, and goal oriented world, this is a hard thing to accept. To let go and accept that you are carving out time to achieve nothing, just to be.

"It's a kind of digging the present. It's a kind of grooving with the eternal now. And brings us into a state of peace, where we can understand that the point of life, the place where it's at, is simply here, and now." — Alan Watts

Meditation isn't done to create a benefit, to become "more" or "better" in someway than someone else, or even a "more" or "better" version of you, but to simply connect to life.

Whether meditation, as a way to be present interests you or not, be sure to slow down long enough to enjoy your present, and the people around you right now. The past, or future, version of people in your life, is only something that exists in your head. How they are right now, in the present, is all that is real. Do not be so stuck in your head, that you miss what you actually have.

If you are interested, here is an old Alan Watts recording that teaches meditation.

How does this pertain to portraits? Being present, and in the now, is the most important element in the creation of a portrait. Celebrating the most important thing in your life, your relationships, by visualizing and creating art, is a wonderful way to be present. 

A Family Portrait

New Video Coming This Spring

Why Portraits?

Why would you have a portrait made for display your home?

Is there anything more worth exploring and celebrating than your relationships? Our sense of belonging and family are a source of pride and strength. Children love knowing their family's story, traditions, quirks, anything that makes them unique, special, and more importantly, anything that shows them they belong to something larger than themselves.

While this is especially wonderful for children, who are discovering and solidifying their identity, it is also valuable for adults. Slowing down from your busy schedule, to think about your family, and what artwork would celebrate them, is a wonderful exercise in gratitude.

The end result is artwork that does so much more than complement your décor. It's a family bonding experience, that also happens to create art.

Additionally, there is a very practical reason.

Images have power.

Everywhere we look we are surrounded by images that are chosen by marketers. We are fed a steady diet of what others want us to see about ourselves, and our world. These visuals are well thought out and effective — as well done visuals always are.

We shut out as much of this bombardment as we can, but have you ever thought of countering the noise with your own message? Do you realize you hold the most valuable visual real estate there is, your walls?

How many people take the time to create their own positive imagery?

While you cannot control what is in a magazine or on a billboard, you can control what is on the walls of your home. Your walls are a prime location, because you see them, and take in what you see, both consciously and subconsciously, every day.

The Best Place to Display Portraits

Where would I display portraits?

Somewhere very visible! Your portraits are part of your family story and celebrate what is unique and special about you and the people you love. You want to display them somewhere you can enjoy them every day.

During the Portrait Consultation, we'll go over locations and style ideas.

How to "Pose" Children — Something to Consider

How best to photograph children? Let it be...

I shared these photos with a photographer friend the other day. I respect her opinion immensely and was happy to seek her feedback. Something she said got me thinking. Along with some nice compliments on the lighting and style, she said she really liked the poses.

"Pose" can be a bit of a technical word, and here she meant the naturalness of each child's body language, yet still, the word "pose" got me thinking.

Kids will give you something so much more interesting if you don't try to "pose" them. Too much directing, and it's like overworked dough. Things get tough and the final result is flat. Children will give you a more honest photo on their own, than what you can ask for.

Basically, if you try to pose a child in the traditional sense, you're never going to get anything compelling. Photographing a child is much more like photographing an animal out in the wild. You let it be, and take a picture of what happens. Sure, you can coax children here and there, to get what you are looking for, but it's a fine line. And if you're going to err on one side of that line, go with the let-it-be side.

There is some room to nudge. If you're looking for high energy, create a high energy environment. Add sugar if you need to. More than one kid in the room will lead to more rowdiness. They'll show off more for their peers — and goof off more too. When it appears to be out of control, you'll get some nice stuff. Links to some high energy shoots of mine where kids were running wild, here, here and here.

Looking for something more serene? If you want a more "well behaved" picture, try to take the photo soon after they arrive. Before they become too comfortable with you, and the shyness has worn off.

Basically, the environment you create is the best tool you have to nudge children into the style of photo you are after.

That being said, my hands down favorite way to photograph any child is exactly how they are. I find that going with their mood leads everyone to a better place, and to a more natural photo. I have yet to meet a mood I can't get a nice picture from, and part of this is letting go of the expectation of who — or how — a child should be.


Styling: Courtney Franzese
Hair and Makeup: Susan Donoghue
Images seen on:
Babykins
MeatMarket