Julian and Londyn, along with their mother Cassie, met me and my sister-in-law/assistant, Jennifer, at Lakeview Park for their portrait session. Julian was instantly friendly and quite the little chatter box, asking me about my equipment and other things. Londyn, however, was glued to her mother's side and seemed very shy. I wondered how long it would take me to coax her out of her shyness................ not long at all as it turned out. After the first couple of photos, we were having quite a lot of fun! Running along the beach, playing peek-a-boo, and only stopping long enough for Cassie to wipe some very runny noses. I think they had had their photo taken a few times before. Every time they knew I was about to take their picture, what do you think they yelled? "Cheese!" I've heard from many other seasoned photographers to never have your subject say "cheese", but I'm inclined to let my subjects just be themselves. But I have to admit, after hearing "cheese" for about the hundredth time, I convinced Julian and Londyn to say some other foods that they like to eat. "Rice cakes!" "PISTACCHIOS!"
We ended the session on the playground (the part that Julian had been anxiously awaiting) and I got to be a passenger on the toy train. Julian was the conductor and Londyn blew the whistle. It was a great way to end the photo shoot. Here are some of my favorites from our fun filled day:
This beautiful family was truly an inspiration to me.
To Cassie: You have an amazing story and I know that your testimony will bless many lives. It blessed mine. Thank you for being a model for what it means to truly have faith in God. I pray the Lord continues to bless you and your family.
