Oh, man. Where to start with this post…. First of all let me just give you warning that this one is enormous. But I have a good excuse. It was one of those shoots that had been a few months in the making, and when we decided to go for it the stars lined up for us. And if you’re a photographer – and especially one who shoots kids – you know exactly what I mean. Hence, the name we decided to call it even before it was born … The Shoot of Awesomeness. Our ideas initially were a little widespread and all over the board, but when it came down to pulling together location, a few personal props and styling we were all in with no turning back. After scouting out a multitude of locations, we eventually decided to shoot downtown at one of the most well known and oldest spots in The Motor City. I’d never been inside before, and let me tell you we all had to pick our jaws up off the floor.
And as you know, I’m just now getting back into Kids Portraiture and these guys are one of the reasons I’m doing so! This is the third year I’ve shot my great friend, Sarah of Sarah Kossuch Photography and her quite awesome little family. I have fallen completely head over heels in love with each of these kids, and I almost feel like I’ve watched them grow up (especially Tyler) in the past 4 years that I’ve known them. But this time around, they each stole a piece of my heart and kept if for themselves. There wasn’t a lot of silliness going on. No crazy songs, stuffed animals, games of chase just to get these kids to smile. I like to be silly but that’s not really my approach. I gave each one their own piece of the shoot and spent time individually with them just capturing who they are. It was all they needed. And made for an amazing shoot.
I have to admit, little Aidan stole the show this time around and I love shooting him with his board and skating gear against this luscious urban backdrop. Such an inquisitive one, a protective big brother and I never found him far from my camera. And then there was Tyler. Who brought a guitar that has a story all of it’s own to tell. I spent some time with him, strumming his favorite notes and wondering what was going on inside this young man’s mind. He’s such a thinker, and I’m pretty smitten with his gentleness and cool vibe. We let Ella dance in the sunlight as little girls do. she showed me some of her favorite princess/ballerina/dance star moves as we all watched and drank it in. Tyler joined her with his guitar after a few minutes and my heart exploded into a million little pieces when he (naturally) brought her close and showed her a few strums on his guitar. And then there was Ms. Lola! Who not only deserves an explanation mark each time her name is said. I met Lola – and Sarah & Ryan – when she was only 3-4 weeks old. What a little firecracker she’s turned into. And don’t let that sweet face fool you, she is really the one who runs the show in this household! But Lola is happiest when she’s near mommy, so we spent some time there dancing in the sunlight as little girls do.
Ryan, Sarah, Aidan, Tyler, Ella & Lola – It makes me so happy to have each of you in front of my camera each year. You – all of you – have stolen my heart and I feel pretty darn lucky to call you my friends. And Sarah, you already know how much I cherish our friendship. And that you’re incredibly beautiful both inside and out. And that I admire you as a mother, a wife, a photographer and a friend. You’re quite amazing. Your work ethic is unparalleled and your fire is contagious. You;re pretty much my hero.
Ok, I’m done rambling. Here’s a peek at their shoot.
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