He's My Brother

We created this image on a lark. We'd just finished photographing the family and the boys were getting anxious. Usually I'd have them run down the beach to blow off some steam but I turned my gaze away from the lake and noticed that the light and scene were perfect. The idea went from thought to action in a few seconds. And, the boys didn't need much coaxing. I had them walk a few paces, while I knocked off a couple frames. I didn't much of the image until we opened it back at the studio.

Notice how the tree at the far left holds such a dynamic almost mystical strength. It offers a visual counterweight to the boys. And, the boys themselves appear to be treading into the golden sunset and towards the tree. There seems to be a deeper meaning--a metaphor if you will.

Five Alive

Although these kids were easy to work with and we created some stunning portraits around their home, I actually took this picture on their driveway. Imagine what their mother must have been thinking: "That silly photographer is making them lay down on the driveway--in their new outfits."

I loved the concentric rings of the brick. And, with their arms and legs out, these children make a kind of human snowflake. I couldn't pass it up.

Grandpa's Vineyard

Last summer I got a call from an older couple asking me if I could photograph their family in the studio. The oldest son was flying in from California and wouldn't it be nice. . . After visiting with them for a little while I asked them if they had ever thought about shooting outside. They mentioned that they did have this vineyard that the father was particularly fond of. That had me excited. I knew we had to do it.

When I arrived at the farm, the actual vineyard was a bit petite. There was no particular geography or vista that lent itself to a stunning image. Finally I came up with the idea of climbing up on the shed, wheeling out the old tractor and taking advantage of some golden sunshine.

Arc of a Boy

This is perhaps my favorite image of all time. It started out as a photo that I have since embellished and repainted. I think it sums up all that is wonderful and magical about being a child: exhilaration, unencumbered freedom, total innocence and soaring imagination. I look at that photo wistfully wishing I were leaping across the sky without a care.