Washington Island Adventure [family portrait photographer on location]
JULY 7, 2012
Who would have thought that I would have the opportunity to travel to Washington Island, WI to do a family portrait shoot. It was just a casual conversation that I was having with a fellow photog friend of mine who was leaving for a family vacation. She was in charge of ‘the family picture’….already had the whole gang packing their jeans and white t-shirts. She was just looking for a few pointers to make sure she got the shot.
Long story short, I just mentioned that I had the two days available that her whole family would actually be up there, and if she’d rather have someone else do it, I was willing to travel. :) Next thing I know, I’m packing my gear, my daughter and my mom, kissing our ‘honeys’ goodbye and heading 5 hours north. We spent the night at some very good friends’ place (that was a lovely evening) and then the next morning I left my mom and daughter to hang while I took a ferry over to the island to meet up with the family. As I took that ferry ride, it was crazy to think that this was actually working.
I had seen the weather report – said high would be 80. Neglected to see that it would be near 100% humidity! :) So, despite the sweating and trying to get the shoot in before the 10 month old had to take a nap, it was such a blast to photograph this family. They are such a high quality group of people. :) What was extra special to think about is that my friend no longer had to be behind the camera and running back to get in the shot. She could just relax, enjoy her family, and know that these were memories that she’d have for a lifetime. She told me as we headed back to the ferry that afternoon, that she is knew how important it was to actually make something like this happen – and not just think of all the reasons to do it later…(waiting for a kid get a little older, for someone else to get married, whatever). You just never know. It’s always a privilege to capture ‘the now’ of a family. A slice of life never to be repeated….
As much as I loved the large group shots (and all the others I’m not showing you!)….this one, below, was my favorite….
If you have a time where your whole family is together this summer – why not capture that slice of life. Find me on my website and let’s get a date on the calendar to have some fun and create some memories.