It is hard to explain but I really do try to understand the thoughts and emotions of the children I photograph. I shot Monica's Christening portraits when she was a baby and here we were as she was preparing for her First Holy Communion. This was very interesting to me and I am happy to share this story. For a Communion portrait session, I take anywhere from 30-40 images for the family to select from. There is a range of portraits from a beautiful girl in her beautiful dress to those that have a religious tone. I never created a portrait before with a girl with her back towards the camera as if looking toward the heavens but for some reason, I felt Monica would love being in a portrait this way. When I asked her, she was very happy and completely understood the feeling and meaning of the portrait. I explained at the time that this was a bit "artistic" and it might not end up being her parent's favorite. When the proof viewing appointment took place, Mary (Monica's mom) ended up selecting a pose that was beautiful and traditional. Not this one. Our goal for the wall portrait was to find something that was similar to the older children's portraits that are in their home from their First Communions years ago. As we finalized the order, I knew Monica was a little disappointed. Young Monica had let me know that this was one of her favorites portraits out of 39 images. I just knew this felt right to her and I sensed that this child had a strong connection to the meaning of her First Communion. Of course, I had to make sure she had this special portrait and I was happy to surprise her with a copy of her own. Blessings....
It is hard to explain but I really do try to understand the thoughts and emotions of the children I photograph. I shot Monica's Christening portraits when she was a baby and here we were as she was preparing for her First Holy Communion. This was very interesting to me and I am happy to share this story. For a Communion portrait session, I take anywhere from 30-40 images for the family to select from. There is a range of portraits from a beautiful girl in her beautiful dress to those that have a religious tone. I never created a portrait before with a girl with her back towards the camera as if looking toward the heavens but for some reason, I felt Monica would love being in a portrait this way. When I asked her, she was very happy and completely understood the feeling and meaning of the portrait. I explained at the time that this was a bit "artistic" and it might not end up being her parent's favorite. When the proof viewing appointment took place, Mary (Monica's mom) ended up selecting a pose that was beautiful and traditional. Not this one. Our goal for the wall portrait was to find something that was similar to the older children's portraits that are in their home from their First Communions years ago. As we finalized the order, I knew Monica was a little disappointed. Young Monica had let me know that this was one of her favorites portraits out of 39 images. I just knew this felt right to her and I sensed that this child had a strong connection to the meaning of her First Communion. Of course, I had to make sure she had this special portrait and I was happy to surprise her with a copy of her own. Blessings....
