Some families move around a lot, for military, job promotions, or whatever various reasons. Not us. I lived in the same home from the time I was born until I was 17. And then we moved. Across the street.
I consider myself really lucky. To live in the same town and grow up with the same neighbors and friends is comforting... is safe... is familiar. I have a certain bond and connection to these people that has never been matched by anyone I have met later in life. Whenever I see anyone from the neighborhood I feel instantly warm... happy... like no time has passed at all. These friends and neighbors truly are like family.
The Millers are part of my neighborhood family. For 17 years, I grew up right next door to them, and at age 17, we moved right across the street from them. Their two sons, Trevor and Todd are close to the same ages as my sister and I, so our parents are close as well. My sister, Shelley, even still has a mark on her face from a snowball fight with them when we were kids :) Ah, the memories! Though all of us have since married and moved out, my parents and Judy & Leroy (the joyful grandparents shown here) still live in those homes.
I was so honored when Judy said that the whole family would be together, and asked if I would take some family photos. Joined by 3 grandchildren now, I knew this would be an adventurous shoot. We only had a day to get this done, and after days and days of sun, a storm decided to roll right on in and threaten our sunset shoot. Luckily, we were able to move the shoot to earlier in the day, and everything worked out perfectly. I just love myself a little bit of stormy textured sky too :)
I consider myself really lucky. To live in the same town and grow up with the same neighbors and friends is comforting... is safe... is familiar. I have a certain bond and connection to these people that has never been matched by anyone I have met later in life. Whenever I see anyone from the neighborhood I feel instantly warm... happy... like no time has passed at all. These friends and neighbors truly are like family.
The Millers are part of my neighborhood family. For 17 years, I grew up right next door to them, and at age 17, we moved right across the street from them. Their two sons, Trevor and Todd are close to the same ages as my sister and I, so our parents are close as well. My sister, Shelley, even still has a mark on her face from a snowball fight with them when we were kids :) Ah, the memories! Though all of us have since married and moved out, my parents and Judy & Leroy (the joyful grandparents shown here) still live in those homes.
I was so honored when Judy said that the whole family would be together, and asked if I would take some family photos. Joined by 3 grandchildren now, I knew this would be an adventurous shoot. We only had a day to get this done, and after days and days of sun, a storm decided to roll right on in and threaten our sunset shoot. Luckily, we were able to move the shoot to earlier in the day, and everything worked out perfectly. I just love myself a little bit of stormy textured sky too :)
............
When working with families with young children, I never guarantee a family shot with everyone facing the camera. I just refuse to force it. What fun is that? This first image is an example of a shot that *almost* didn't happen, but help from all the right people, we got it. Grandparents and grandkids. And it's imperfect-yet-perfect. And I love it.
Little Miss Ashley said, "Are we DONE taking photos yet?" and then posed like this. So, ummm.... no Miss Ashley, if you're going to keep looking so cute, I am nowhere near done taking photos...
Little Reagan, age 2, and curious about me which worked out great
Grandparents holding hands. Does it get any sweeter than this??
I guess it does... happy grandparents holding hands!
How old are you, Ashley? That's right, 4!
Nothing is more fun that letting dad carry you around the park on his leg :)
Just precious.
Again, I never guarantee a shot like this, but soooooo love when it does work out!
Ahh! I can't decide who's cuter... the kids, or the grandparents. :) I also love how kids get so used to telling people their ages that sometimes, when you meet them, they tell you their name and then just go right into their age. "Hewwo, my name is Ashwey and I'm fouw yeaws owd." It always makes me want to say my name/age back, but it just isn't the same when you're in the double-digits.
(08.14.09 @ 12:22 PM)