Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Session: Young Cowboys

We met at Myakka State Park on Sunday.  The weather was beautiful, the boys were in good spirits, and I was crossing my fingers that just a few shots would turn out.  It's been six months since I played photographer, and six months since I've done a mock session. 

Nov_2011_0129-1

We enthusiastically headed over to a tree to climb.  The boys hopped up and I snapped a few shots, but then decided I should be up on the limb too.  I attempted to jump up on the giant limb multiple times before requiring assistance.  It made the boys laugh, I got my shot, and also got some motivation to get back to the gym.

After hiking down a trail, and around a swamp, we changed location.  I knew there was this rustic "cabin" not too far down the road.  So, we drove there, climbed out and then discovered it's a bathroom.  Didn't matter...I just wanted the background.  I wanted the texture of the wood. 
Nov_2011_0223-1


It turned out to be a great spot for these young cowboys.
Nov_2011_0227-1

This hobby of mine is still relatively new to me.  I'm still trying to figure out what my "style" is.  I'm trying to figure out what I like and what I don't.  I know I'm not good at posing subjects.  Photos of forced smiles don't really speak to me....not the way that this one does, anyway.

Nov_2011_0232-1

If these were my children, I'd hang this one.  It's unscripted, it tells a story.  A story of a little brother who is looking up at his big brother for his next step.  In the photo, he's trying to figure out what big brother is doing with his hat, but in life, he's learning how to grow up by watching his big brother. 

Nov_2011_0233-1

And I think they'll figure it out together, side by side.

Nov_2011_0235-1

And I love this one too.  It's life with more than one child; kids going in different directions, momma trying to pull it all together, while keeping herself together.  It's one of those moments that just IS.
Nov_2011_0239-1


And it all comes together eventually, doesn't it.  That's the way life works.
Nov_2011_0242-1

So, we ventured down a trail to a real log cabin.  The boys had renewed energy to explore while I tried to keep up.

Nov_2011_0277-1


They broke my camera with their goofy faces and cuteness and then Big Brother tried on his somber face.  He's a stone-faced cowboy and he's mad that his horse ran off.  That's what we pretended anyway. 
Nov_2011_0281-1


Then, Little Brother did some rock climbing.  He seems so small compared to the big giant rock.  And I had the chance to nail my focus. 
Nov_2011_0300-1



Nov_2011_0304-1


As the sun was fading and the mosquitoes started biting, we decided to try one more location.  Down the road we drove to a wooden fence covering the entrance to a trail.  It was a good decision.  I think I took my best photos of the day in that spot.
Nov_2011_0338-1


Nov_2011_0361-1


Nov_2011_0363-1


Nov_2011_0364-1


Nov_2011_0358-1


I still don't know what my style is.  Different photos speak to me in different ways, I just can't pinpoint it, and that's okay.  Maybe my style is that I don't have one.  Regardless, I had a great time, and I hope that their momma got a Christmas card shot out of here somewhere.

10 comments:

Ashley Sisk said...

Wow girl - these are all so great. Love your processing.

Rochelle@AFamilyofLooneys said...

You did a wonderful job Carol!! I know their momma love these shots.

Alisia said...

awesome job Carol!

Unknown said...

GREAT photo shoot! Good job Carol!
So sorry to hear about your pup. That just stinks and it's one of the reasons I haven't gotten a dog yet...

The Ludwigs said...

What amazing shots! If I were their mother, I'd have a hard time choosing among them for my cards!

Moments and Impressions said...

Oh my... I bet she wall papered her house in these photos!! Love your color treatment. The one with little brother looking at big brother is my all time favorite.

Jennifer said...

Well, I love your 'style' whatever it is. I am with you, photos that tell a story and that are unscripted are just more meaningful. We all know when we try to pose, it never works...lol! You got some awesome shots and I know their momma loves all of them. I just hope you continue your love for photography...and maybe someday make it a business :)

Warren Baldwin said...

Good photography is a gift (and a lot of work, I know). Looks like you have it. Good pics.

Hope you guys had a good Thanksgiving.

Caterina said...

Wow. I don't know you or the boys you photographed, yet this made me tear up *for real*

What great shots! Awesome kids! And great location :) What I wouldn't give to have you as our photographer.

Colleen (Shibley Smiles) said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the cowboy theme and what total cuties!

Great job!