Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Crew

Speaking of sessions that inspire me, this one did just that.  There is something about spending time with this extraordinary family, just being around them makes me want to be better, at capturing life and living it.

We kicked the session off with desserts in a field because it seemed like a good way to get everyone to relax and be themselves and what I quickly discovered was- they don't need any help with being themselves. 

Their smiles and affection flowed with ease; my shutter only stopped clicking so that I could hold the camera down and get glimpses not limited by my lens. And speaking of smiles, this boy- stole my heart, goodness what a light he is. 

And goodness words fall short really, what love there is in this image. 

And the girls... I don't know that I have ever run across thirteen and fifteen year old girls with such joy, confidence and grace.

Generally I go for faces, usually I am drawn to closeups and headshots, this afternoon though, called for illustration of relationships.  The bonds here are touching to say the least. 

And where I would generally find myself referring to the parents as "Mom and Dad" I say instead "Alan and Nancy" because well... they are all kinds of in love and it calls for more than generic labelling.

It was absolutely a privilege to spend the afternoon with you Smith family.  Thank you for being yourselves.