Met the Skinner family while in San Francisco at Chrissy Field. Fell in love, head over heels, for all of them. Like, really. Like, really really.
I have met many children in my life, and I can tell you – this little lady here? She is probably going to be in charge of the whole entire world someday. Her spirit just overflowed – sparkled! Even at the tender age of two, you just wanted to be around her. She had me from hello. Not to leave the boys in the dust – they were wonderful – and sweet – and kind – and gentle hearted – and funny. But she absolutely captivated me. I could photograph her every single day. I wish I could!
This next shot is the something new that happened to me. As I was photographing her on the picnic table, I saw something new – something I haven’t paid attention to before. I saw the photo before I pressed the shutter, before it went into focus. And I gasped. My heart swelled. My throat closed up, tears were imminent. That happens sometimes, and it happened over and over with them. I felt like I saw what was in between us – what was really her. This out of focus, dreamy, water-color like photo energized me and excited me. I wanted to do it again. I wanted to play with this new idea right away.
And so, when I saw my next chance, I took it. And my heart sang once again. They looked painted into the scene! They looked magic. I am still not sure what it is about these ethereal out of focus photos that gets me right in the gut – but it is for the simple fact that they do – that I am taking notice. I have stumbled on something new that just clicked, and I am so grateful for it.
And then the sun set in a beautiful demonstration of pinks and purples, and it was time to say goodbye.
xo
Tara
P.S. Isn’t Mom just absolutely radiant in every photo? Pure love.
I LOVE the chances you took with those new photos you fell in love with. HOORAY for new discoveries. There’s just something about this field that keeps you going, keeps you discovering new things, keeps the ARTIST in you alive. right? The 90-10 rule… 90% tried and true, and 10% new stuff to try out. And even if the client isn’t captivated in the same way that you are, you are still being true to yourself and your art and vision with those new images you turn out. (but I think they’re beautiful, too…)
this is why you are the best. real people. real photos. real good.
T: I LOVE these. They are resplendent.
i wish we were related. you know, so i could call you on the phone and we could just chat. and it wouldn’t be weird in that whole “a stranger calling” kind of way.
you are BRILLIANT.
Breathtaking! You are amazing! What a beautiful family!
Amazing! Had to leave my reader and come over here to comment. These take my breath away. Thank you for sharing.
I can’t decide if the picture of little girlie walking towards her family or the last one is my fave. The last one with the purple sky and wonderful composition made me gasp outloud! Fantastic!
oh tara. that photo of mom and daughter made my eyes well up and vanished all the stress of having a baby making me want to have another, so i could have a little girl. maybe. and I LOVE the last photo. as always, amazing work. xxoo
You are brilliant, Tara…your heart & all. I especially knew it for real when meeting you in Seattle (at the sec. wkshp). I can feel them as well…& look at how sweet her little outfit is…& right, mom just glows…super sweet love the guys have for them too.
You know how to capture “genuine” spot on.
I adore you.. like really.
You’re awesome. That’s all.
And the water color-y shot of the whole family walking is AWESOME. They do look like a painting. And the last purple/pink shot… Gorgeous. :)
sometimes i look at your pictures and think “i have a picture strikingly similar to this one.. but this one is so much better”…. because it really is;)
I love your work..it’s never over-processed, it’s pure bliss..It’s always refreshing..
They r all beautiful. I especially like the blurry on of them all on the hilltop. Who would of thought blurry could be amazing!
This might be one of my favorite sessions of your yet. What a beautiful and joyful family. I can see why you were brought to tears…..these are the kinds of images this family will beam with pride over for the rest of their lives. Just gorgeous.
Tara, I love the blur, I love the emotional connections, I love this family! What a glorious session!
love all these. and I am so happy that you joined the formspring family.. i’ve sat there and smiled at the computer just reading all your answers. i love how sincere you are. :)
Sighhhh…what an awesome session. And beautiful words to go with it! I fully expect her to run for Pres someday! :) xoxo
the last shot is my FAVE!
what a cool looking family!
and that little girl looks like a BLAST!
tara
these are out of this world tara! you have one sick gift:)
any chance “mom” could share where she got that delicious dress????
so many of these photos just melted me with “awww”, was it the amazing family or just your amazing skills? I don’t know but that last picture took me over the edge!
ahh Tara, the moments you’ve captured here brings a tear to MY eye, so i can imagine how these folks feel about them !! You ARE awesome girl !
You are BRILLIANT! It’s like the equivalet of special effects in cineamatography. Yea, for going with your gut!
OMG Tara, there is something so inspired about this session! It’s so awesome when it just clicks, and it shows. :)
wow… these are absolutely incredible. you have such a gift! beautiful, beautiful work.
Your photography is my favorite. so real, so Tara Whitney. Love it!
fav session of yours, love the blurry ones, especially the family one.
i love everything about this shoot. can’t explain. too good for words. :)
so inspiring to watch your style evolve!
simply incredible!
Gorgeous – I have one of my girls and their daddy on the beach like that – where you can see and feel the connection that’s there, without “seeing” it – bliss…
You are completely completely amazing!
these are incredible. you never cease to inspire me. wow. wow. wow.
So beautiful! Love the story of your new discovery!
Dayum, those are fantastic!!!
So joyful, Tara.
delightful children.
loving parents.
lots of heart here
tara: so glad you got to photograph my friends, the skinners! the pictures are glorious, as are they, and as are you! best, johanna
these are just amazing…love the one of her little back as she’s facing her family – wow!
These are wonderful Sweet Tara.. just wonderful I love that last shot.. and the blurred shot where they are walking along the horizon line
these are incredible. I love the emotion in all your sessions, but this one really stands out.
Hi Tara, I have never met you but I can say with certainty that I can see your heart in these images, even if you had not written your thoughts down for us to read, you share your heart and soul in your work, and it is beautiful!!
These are all absolutely breathtaking! Mom has such a gorgeous smile:)
Ohmygosh, what a gorgeous family!! Those children are so cute, and with those gorgeous slate blue eyes.
Your shots are amazing!! I love checking back to find new and wonderful new photographs :)
Thank you so much for sharing!
Ya make my heart sing!!
Do you suppose it’s because our lives can so easily get out of focus….and when it does we do not take the time to appreciate the view from there? Whatever the reason, I agree…out of focus is awesome.
These are completely surreal. Your work is so inspiring + a true gift to everyone.
You’re amazing. :) And mom and dads eyes… WOWWWW! GORGEOUS!!!!!
Love love that first image. Well they are all great. Real people doing real things and captured in such a beautiful way.
Oh so sweet!! the happy flows from these photos!! Awesome Job Tara.. You Rock!!