Ah, photography! How I love you! You energize and enliven me, you challenge me, you delight me. But you also intimidate me. Someday I'll feel more confident when dealing with you; but for now, I often feel insecure when you come around. They say, however, that the way to learn more about you and get better at you is to just do it. So I did.
When our friends from California were planning their trip, Liberty said, "Maybe you could take some family pictures of us while we're there." Gulp...ummm...yeah...maybe I could. It's not that I don't want to; it's just that I think I'm not good enough. But I've chickened out a few times in the past when asked to photograph something--or someone--in particular and have regretted those fear-motivated decisions, so I resolved to set my nervousness aside and just do it.
While the kids were playing outside here one day, I got out my camera and started clicking. I got basketball pics...
in-a-maple-tree pics...
on-a-swing pics...
with-a-pretty-leaf pics...
And then it was time to go to a park for some family pics. Be still, my shaky knees. But really, with a family this photogenic, how could you mess it up?
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Beautiful mama, beautiful girls...
A handsome son...
The daddy's turn for individual shots with each child...
This next picture is one of my favorites from the shoot. I have lots of favorites, as a matter of fact; but this is one of my very most absolute favorites. :) Can't you tell in a glance that this girl KNOWS she is LOVED? She doesn't doubt for a moment that her daddy delights in her and thinks she is beautiful; and as a result, she's full of confidence and joy and love in return.
This couple is so special to Jeff and I. We knew them when they were both single, and we watched their relationship grow and blossom. We had the honor of being with them the evening they got engaged, Jeff performed their marriage ceremony, and I was Liberty's personal assistant on their wedding day. After we moved to Israel and then to Virginia, we made sure they were on our must-see list every time we got the chance to go back to California. I remember seeing Liberty when she was pregnant for the first time, and we had the privilege of hosting them here in our home back in 2006 when their firstborn was just a baby. Oh, so many good memories through the years! We have the utmost respect and affection for them!
After the official picture-taking was over, their kids and mine ran excitedly to the playground equipment at the park: the long-awaited reward at the end of the photo shoot. Even though the shoot was over, I couldn't stop clicking...
...and looking so adorable.
She needed to have her picture taken, don't you think? :)
Shortly before we left, I spotted Robert holding his baby girl and watching the ducks. Liberty watched them...
...and I watched them all.
What a wonderful experience this was. Thanks so much, Liberty, for giving me the opportunity to do this shoot; and thanks for coming through our area, staying with us, and sharing your beautiful family with me!!
12 comments:
Davene, these are really, really good! Congratulations on a job fantastically done!
Seriously? I think after looking at this you should be much less fearful (if at all). They are GREAT! I loved looking at each and every one of them. They make me want to grab my camera right now and start taking pictures of our family...other than the fact it's night and the kids are in bed, of course. ;)
I hope you'll do more pictures like this and share again.
Wow! Amazing job Davene! I really like the family shots. They are all great!
You are truly a skilled photographer! You have talent! Keep it up!
You truly did an AMAZING job! Can we be next? They're really blessed, you captured some great family moments that they can hold on to. Several of those photos look like they could go in a magazine. Glad you have a hobby that you enjoy and are good at.
Home Instead,
Sure, you can be next! Maybe after you've moved and had your baby and your life has settled down, you'll have some free time to zip over here, and we'll do a photo shoot. Or if we ever come to your neck of the woods again (the boys regularly ask, "When are we going to the children's museum with the bus in it?"), we can meet up at a park or something and take some pics. Does that sound good? ;-)
Davene,
GREAT pics, BEAUTIFUL family, BEAUTIFUL kids.
And, I love to see God's love displayed through interracial marriage (I'm a little biased!). It's one of the greatest gifts He's given our fallen world...the beauty of love despite what the world says is "right"!
Love,
Christie
You're working it my friend! Sooo good! ;-) The most important thing you did here — something that is hard to do in photography — you captured their spirits and personalities. A+!
Christie, I didn't think about it, but yes, you would notice the interracial marriage. :) When Jeff and I served in the ministry in San Diego working with a singles group, it seemed like all the couples that got married from that group were interracial; I can think of a half a dozen off the top of my head. One of the strengths of that church was definitely its ability to be colorblind, so to speak. :)
Thank you, everyone, for your very kind comments. I'm so grateful for your encouragement!!
awesome job - beautiful subjects help, too! ;)
They are a beautiful family and you've taken some beautiful photographs! Wonderful job!!
Awwwww, thank you so much Davene. I'm so honored to have you as a friend. I rarely get a chance to read your blog, and when I do, I get sooooo emotional. We miss you all so much! The kids keep talking about "The Fishers!" We can't wait to see you again.
As for the photos, I get TONS of compliments on them all the time. I have them scrolling on the digital photo frame displayed on my desk at work. Everyone loves them, ESPECIALLY US!
I still need to send you a web album of the shots I took when we were there. Sorry I haven't gotten to it yet :(
Ohh, I'm making Italian Sausage & Veggie Pasta tonight!!
Love you!!
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