The sunset was heavenly at Mickler’s Beach. Watching the darkness set in it made me think about the light. The next day the sun would again over power the night. I was reading this article from The Shine Project. She said in day where darkness is rampant that we must be a light. We have a choice to be happy. I believe happiness and goodness is contagious and that we should share it to uplift others. Darkness dispels when there is light and in my little corner of the internet I want to share love, hope and goodness. I know there are so many good things out there and I know it begins with family.
We had a nice evening at Mickler’s beach. This was actually our first time to this beach (supposedly it’s a good one to find shark teeth at but we didn’t find any). My husband said he wants to visit ALL of the beaches in Florida. I don’t know if that will happen but we can certainly try. The sky started out overcast but then the clouds began to part and it revealed a beautiful blue sky. As the sun set there was a show of blues, pinks and purples. I loved watching how every image was a little different depending how far into the sunset we were. My daughter and I both love to swim. I loved being able to run along side of her to catch the waves and photograph her in her element. I was amazed at how strong the little waves can be. For every step I took to get closer to her, I was pushed two steps back. I love how invigorating it is to be in the ocean jumping the waves and I also appreciate the calming sound of the tides going in and out. I know the ocean and the beach are quite therapeutic and so grateful it’s close enough that I can partake of nature’s therapy. Do you stay at the beach till sunset? Have you found a shark tooth at Mickler’s Beach?
Freedom was one of the adjectives the grandmother used to describe what she wanted this extended family photo session to demonstrate. My own grandparents were a huge part of my life. So, it really thrilled me to take some extended family beach pictures for this beautiful family. I love the pre-planning stage to a photography session. I know when you get your picture taken you are planning on your outfits, what you are going to do and look like in a session. I am planning too. I asked the grandmother some questions about what she wanted in the pictures. She gave me a wonderful description of the props she was bringing, the names and ages of those being photographed. She used phrases like “intimate glimpse of family life,” and “casual” to describe how she wanted the pictures to look like.
The grandparents were celebrating their anniversary and instead of just pictures of them they wanted pictures which showcased their life. Their life is their family. They told me being a grandparent “really is the best thing”. You can tell that these grandparents are very involved with the day to day lives of their children and grandchildren and that they love it! You can tell by how effortlessly the grand-kids played, curled up to snuggle and freely they gave kisses to the grandparents. These grandchildren have an extra set of cheerleaders to reinforce their confidence- how lucky they are.
Home is where the heart is. Granny arranged for this extended family lifestyle session at their home. She told me she wanted lots of candid photographs. I did sneak in a couple of formal portraits because I wanted to see all nine people’s face’s in one frame. She wanted pictures of them playing because that’s “who we are.” She did such a great job to have a few different activities to do that the family would love. A photography session isn’t just about getting pictures, it’s about an experience and making memories that will strengthen familial bonds. Some of the family was from out of town (England actually). The oldest two grand kids were so helpful. The young man was so respectful and polite. He carried my step stool around the yard for me and helped me find the best light to take some of the group shots. This first photograph is of a game the youngest two grand kids are familiar with “Angel, Angel, Fly.” A comment on Facebook said, “looks like hurling small children into the sun.” Everyone loved it.
I was talking to one of the daughters about how she felt about taking pictures in their yard. She said it was lovely because if they needed anything they were at home and could run inside to get it. She also said that more importantly the photos have more meaning because they were taken at their home. They see the photos of the house and it’s not just a house it’s a home.
I loved watching the cousin love that was going on. The older two took care of the youngest too. They looked up to them- they wanted to be just like them and do everything they were doing. This family also did a beach session on a separate date that will be coming to the blog shortly.
Would you get your photo taken in your home or yard?
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