Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog tails...

Last week, my good friend asked me to take some family pictures for her.  We found a morning this week that suited her family and my schedule, and I drove to their farm.  I was really excited by the opportunity, but a little nervous.  I enjoy photography and I know I've captured some great pictures, but there is a certain amount of pressure when I feel "expected" to get great pictures.  I love photography for the experience, the moment, the art of seeing the picture and then snapping the shutter to save that picture.  I was a little worried about being able to create the moments.  The impromptu pictures are always my favorites.  Fortunately, Amy's two little boys know me and we were at their home, so I knew I could count on them to playful and relaxed.  

I had a rough morning, and I ended up being late and in a mood when I pulled into their driveway.  But my heart melted when two boys came screaming out the door, shouting, "Hope's here, Hope's here, Hope's here!"  It's awesome when someone is that excited to see you! :)  Ron and Amy corralled the boys, I grabbed my camera and lenses and we started shooting.  I've pulled out a few of my favorites, and I noticed that most of them aren't the planned ones.  I have better ones, where everyone (or 3 out of 4!) are looking at the camera and smiling, but I like the ones with the movement, the craziness of life with two little boys evident.  

Amy wanted to get some pictures with some of the farm equipment, and we tried to get some on the combine.  (I only know the name because they called it that!)  But I loved the idea of having the boys in the tires.  Colin wasn't so thrilled, but Gavin loved it.  

These boys are farm boys, and they love love love being outdoors and running around.  It is doubtful that photoshoots are high on their fun list, so keeping them from running away took considerable effort!  I started snapping pictures while two boys wriggled and giggled.  This is one that I really love but there are others that also looked great!

The boys also climbed into their play-house.  I love this picture.  It is impossible not to smile when Colin turns his grin towards you.  Those dimples get me every time, and Amy says they are his saving grace when he's been naughty!  I also really liked the shadows of the play house because it just makes his smile that much brighter.

Of course, the day before family pictures, Gavin got bonked in the head with a toy truck.  Here he is showing me his battle scars from playing with his cousin.  

I love the colors in this picture, but more than that, I love the fierce look on Colin's face!  He wasn't angry or upset, just very very focused.  

What a great family.  It warms my heart to see my lifelong friend so happy.  While she may not be a vet for a huge game reserve in Africa, or a number of other things she thought about as a kid, she loves her life.  

At the end of the morning, my concerns had been proven pointless.  There were no forced smiles.  (Maybe some forced stillness, but no forced smiles!)  I took over 500 pictures, and while not all are fantastic, I have a number of  great ones and many good ones.  The entire time, it was very plain that these two kids were just thrilled to be outdoors with their parents and just having fun.  I'll be more than happy to do this again :)