I really love my job. I love giving people a moment of their life to look back on for years to come. I love meeting so many different people and getting a glimpse into their family life. I love being creative and different at each session. I love working with other creative people and brainstorming ways to make each session special. I love the challenge, the trust I am given, and the rewarding feedback at the end result.
In reality, families put on their best look and attitude for shoot day. Kids are threatened or bribed. Haircuts take place. Noses are wiped and cleaned with fury. In reality, kids are not perfect. They will not always be sweet with their siblings. They might be too young to realize the investment and time that has gone into their shoot, or they might be a teenager who just doesn’t care.
I love it all. I love the side ways glances, the look on a 12 year old’s face when I ask her to sit next to her older brother. I like the “bored” looks I get from kids that keep me on my toes. I like the silliness, the reality, the stuff that happens when kiddos don’t think I am shooting.
Real life is not smiling, facing the light source, cuddling on each other. I know that the families I work with are wonderful and loving and gorgeous. But sometimes, kiddos let the truth come out. I love and embrace the real moments. Here are a few…
“Okay wait. I have to sit by him AND act like I like him?”
Yes, little brother is stealing your M&Ms…
There is one at every wedding. Thanks Tor!
How about the moment when snuggling turns into WWF?
Or a fun and relaxed couple is asked to hit a serious pose for the camera…
Sweet dog playing with the girls turns into “GIMME MY FRISBEE!”
(Gentle pup did not hurt anyone here, but it sure was a ferocious face…)
Or this little guy who really made me earn my money. This shoot was just after a holiday, and little one was not in the mood to smile. I got some, but this was his “natural” look.
Or a studio shoot where I turn around for a second and little one is headed outside, naked, to play a little baseball.
I promise to get you your sweet moments. But I also promise to document the truth. The love, the boredom, the giggles, the wrestling.
Be sure to check out the new “Modern Family” gallery on www.jillheupel.com.
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