I feel like I’m an honorary member of the Cox family. I’ve photographed them every year for the past five years and this year it was to celebrate their fourth child. They are positively enthusiastic about getting their pictures taken and they make me feel like a superstar! The second I walk through the door I hear at least one little voice shout, “Jenn’s here!!!” and then I’m greeted with a round of hugs and high-fives. That’s a pretty good way to start a photo session!
It seems like we’ve developed a pattern, too. For the last three family life sessions, we’ve started with crazy kids yelling and jumping, paused for a few portraits, gone back to the yelling and running, settle down for a moment to get a family picture, and then it’s dashing off outside. And repeat. I tell ya, I adore every. single. minute.
Top right: I LOVE this picture of their oldest daughter. I remember everyone was jumping around and having a ball, but then she bounced too high and almost hurt her brother. I took this picture as she was being told to settle down by her mama… at least I think she was being told to settle down… it was a lot of loud, fast Spanish. (One of the many things I enjoy about this family!)
Jumping on the bed seems to be a favorite past time for many of my families, but these guys take it to a whole new level. I swear that ceiling is the only thing keeping them down!
I have to remind my families that pictures don’t have sound, so they don’t need to worry what’s being said or done. I just want them to enjoy their family and soak up all the love that is around them. Which is probably why I love the picture in the center. Dad is surrounded by his family and loving every minute. It makes my heart smile! I think you can find serenity in chaos. You just have to slow down enough to realize it.
Bottom center: This picture is very special to me. I remember his big brother wearing that belt and shorts two years ago when he was just a newborn. I was so happy his mama remembered, too. To see it, click here: Newborn Family Session.
Can’t you just feel the crazy love? Ahhh… this is the good life. It really is.
Vicky Eydelberg - Hi Jennifer,
Amazing pictures as always, thank you for the inspiration!!
Do you mind if I ask a techy question, just out of curiosity to see how another photographer does it? I tend to have to bump up my ISO to my camera’s limit for indoor shoots of moving children, to make sure the shutter speed is fast enough. But I don’t love the noise this produces. And flash is just too slow to keep up with all the little moments. Do you just use a combination of high ISO and wide aperture in these situations, or have you found anything else that helps?
Thanks so much in advance.
Vicky
Jennifer Chaney - Hi Vicky! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! Yes, I use high ISO and wide aperture, if there isn’t much available light. But for this session there was plenty of light because of the large windows. :)
Barbara Hurst - Now that is a family that knows how to have fun and so nice that you captured it.
Marisa Cox - AWEsome. You are amazing, incredible, every single time better than the last Chaney!!! Tell me when you can come over- maybe Friday AM? to chat and so that I can order my book/pictures from you!!! These are the best yet!! I am so happy I met you!! xoxo
Jennifer Chaney - @Barabara, They do, don’t they? So much fun to photograph!
@Marisa, I’m so happy you guys love them! I’ll email you shortly!
Sylvia Borgo - GAH! The energy! I love it! Is it possible to want to BECOME part of a family based on images captured? I do! And I can already speak Spanish!
Jennifer Chaney - @Sylvia, YES! I totally agree… they are so awesome. And since you speak Spanish, I’m sure they’d welcome you with open arms!
Dana - lovely my friend :) such joyful, fresh, clean images :)
Jennifer Chaney - Dana, you’re so kind! Love that you used words that I can relate, too… words that I strive for when I shoot and edit. XOXOXO!!!!!
tamara - Love these!! You have a gift!!