Front Yard Portraits
These portraits were shot in my Father’s front yard last Saturday. He had a few empty frames and asked if I would fill them. The image of my daughters above was very difficult. (above) Their 9 year old instinct told them that they could go on playing as soon as they heard the shutter click. I had to beg them to remain still after each shot. Eventually they got the hint, but only after my tone became threatening. Here is a snapshot of our struggle. (below)
In contrast to the kids, my wife was the perfect angel while I adjusted and readjusted both composition and exposure. (below) Perhaps she did not want to cross me after seeing my wrath toward the girls. I learned it is quite difficult to find a background that isn’t distracting in the suburbs. I enjoy making photographs of people but formal portraits just aren’t my thing. I would have much rather incorporated the surroundings in some way, but this was an assignment of sorts after all.
I think they came out alright. The one of my wife and I has some obvious undesirables. For one, I would have had her remove the camera from her shoulder. I would have also picked out a shirt without a donkey on it. As I look back I think maybe we should have set the background much farther away so it blurred out even more. Maybe I could have composed us against the green grasses that extend out from my Father’s yard across the suburban landscape. Shoot and learn. It’s why I maintain this blog.
