Family Portrait at the Beach

Headed out to the beach recently for a family portrait session.  We were a little concerned since the entire day had been overcast, but it ended up working out.  We didn't see the sun but it turned enough of the sky orange to give me plenty to work with.

Loosening things up with a little family stroll down the beach. 

As they get farther away, people tend to relax and the photo becomes a little more realistic.

Took some time to split into some pairs.

This lagoon tends to get all of its photographic attention from bird shooters, but I like bringing people down here as well.  I think it's nice to have some water and land in the background to mix up the standard beach/ocean shots.

Couldn't help playing around with the lifeguard stand.  Given how dark it was getting, I knew the bright red would pop from the image and give some nice contrast.

 We even managed to squeeze the moon in there for a few shots.

Remember everyone, it's never to early to start coordinating those family photos so you're not caught off guard when the holidays start rolling around!  Thanks to Dawn and her family for sacrificing some sandy toes for what I think turned out to be some great family portraits.

90th Birthday Party

I had the distinct opportunity to photograph a 90th birthday party recently.  It was quite an affair that gathered family from all over.  The above photo is probably my favorite from the evening.  Toward the end of the party, the 5 sons put on a video slideshow of keepsake historic photos.  It was great to see how much this family values photos and it would be an honor for one of my photos to appear in a slideshow 90 years from now.  This photo was taken as the birthday girl happily viewed the video.  The actual light from the TV was usually an odd color cast so I actually used a flash to mimic the TV light in a controllable manner.

A granddaughter helps secure the tiara as guests arrive.

Everyone had a blast snapping photos of the birthday diva.

The evening was a good mix of posed photos and captured moments.  With so many family members gathered together we made sure to get lots of different group combinations.

Lots of great moments to capture.

We took advantage of a cool dusk sky to fit in some more groups out on the balcony.

We managed to corral everyone outside for one large group photo.

This has nothing to do with the party, but most of you know I'm a sucker for moody sky shots.

Squeezing out some photos in the last bit of usable light.

The young generation views photos of parents, grandparents and other family members from years past.

I had such a blast covering this birthday party.  With so many real moments and connections between family members, it really felt like no work at all.  Happy 90th!