According to photographer Chris Orwig in his book, “People Pictures,” turning to language as inspiration can help the photographer move beyond “one-dimensional ideas” to create “more interesting and story-filled pictures.” This is the idea behind today’s post. It’s part of a group I’m participating in that’s currently going through Orwig’s book as an exercise in creating more authentic portraits.

For this assignment, Orwig suggested we generate portrait ideas based on creative descriptions or words. We should choose words that describe the types of portraits we’d like to make. For me, “whimsical, dreamy, artsy” are some of my favorites. I love images that make you smile, with colors that are warm and cheery, in settings that are architecturally interesting. And with any session involving children, I can guarantee they’ll be pooped by the time we’re done. I love having them run, laugh, twirl, whatever it takes to bring out their little personalities.

In the case of this little model, it brought out her very big and adorable personality. This is the 5-year-old daughter of one of my dearest friends. And she is a hoot! I really came into the session thinking I’d get a few sweet poses of her but when we started, out came the little actress. She skipped, twirled, posed, posed again, and posed some more! It was hilarious! She’s beautiful and a very confident 5-year-old “mother hen” who unsuccessfully tried to discipline my very stubborn 6-year-old son. I’m convinced they’ll be married one day.

But I hope I captured her independence, her confidence and her playful personality. What a cutie!

 

Please continue in the circle and check on my friend Melanie’s beautiful portrait at

Melanie Kay Photography ~ http://wp.me/pZE8n-Gy