“The details, that’s what the world is made of. Those are the paints.” -Wes Anderson
I read this in an article interviewing Wes Anderson about Moonrise Kingdom. It really hit home for me. If you have seen his films, you know of his attention to detail and the way that he creates a world for the viewers to become totally immersed in. I have thought so many times that I want to style my home/life the way Wes Anderson styles his movies. But today his words made me think more about how I photograph people. Unlike Wes, I don’t style anyone or create the details – the families that I photograph come with them, often unknowingly.
I just pay attention, pull them from the scene in front of me. Details are my FA – VOR – ITE thing to press the shutter for.
I know that, perhaps, no one would enlarge a photo of their daughter’s hair resting on a plastic chair, or a photo of them hazy behind a window screen. My hope is that they see the beauty in those small simple details because I did, and can be a tiny bit surprised about what I paid attention to.
My intention is to show my clients what kind of impact they have on the world around them. To turn what they look like inside out and show them what they ARE.
The details are what can do that, I believe it with all of my heart.
-Tara
PS : This session (and the necessary trip to CA from VA) was a Christmas present from Andrea’s husband. I was flattered and thrilled beyond belief to follow them around for the evening. I was putty in their hands, and they … were paint.
Trying on sunglasses at the Balboa Fun Zone.
(More from this session soon…)
-Tara
On my last day, I woke up and packed up my things, checked out of the hotel, and started saying my goodbyes to Texas as I drove to downtown Dallas. These awesome Houston-ites had traveled to Dallas, booked a night at the W hotel, AND booked a trolley ride for the session. Our very own trolley ride. I was SO impressed with Wendi’s planning and so excited to photograph them in their room. The W hotel always has something amazing up it’s sleeve.
Side note : Wendi had emailed me as soon as I announced that I was heading to Dallas, and told me that she had just shaved her head for St. Baldricks (breast cancer awareness). We decided she could rock a shaved head – and SHE SO DID. I am so impressed with her for this reason.
As soon as I met them I knew we would have a high energy, high personality session, and I jumped right into it. They were still very snuggly in their pajamas and had ordered room service pancakes which had arrived just before me. After I photographed them in their room it was time for a quick change and drive over to the trolley car for a tour around the city. I have been obsessed with trolley’s since my youth, when I fell in love with them in San Francisco. So this was an extra special treat for me.
It was really just a great way for me to end the trip, on a relaxing trolley ride with a really cool and funny group of people to get to know.
This weekend was so good for me in so many ways, and I look forward to doing more.
-Tara
Planning a San Francisco trip mid July, email me for details!
