The Hess family gathered in Freeport Maine to celebrate their parents 50th wedding anniversary and they needed a (local) Maine Photographer to capture family portraits. 50th anniversaries seem to be a theme for me this summer! On a beautiful summer evening in the Flying Point area of Freeport the Hess family and I got together and got some great shots. Everyone was a good sport about it all, even helping out holding the reflector. Ava has photo experience and we discussed our mutual philosophy that portraits can be great without a smile because it can be more natural and telling of a person.

Because I have years of photographing families and hearing their responses after I want to share the positive side of doing a family shoot. This may help the camera shy and hesitant person.

There are 5 things that pull people through on the shoot and let me tell you what they are:

• The act of taking pictures is actually enjoyable because we are all together and having a good time.
• When in a big group and you can watch others getting their pictures taken, and there is something fun about watching a picture being made. It is kind of like watching someone else work but not having to do it and also seeing it come together.
• There is also something bonding about doing a shoot because for those that don't want to have their family photo you get to watch and see other do it too, sort of like suffering together is bonding and makes for fun as well.
• Everyone is always excited about seeing the photos after and that is a good feeling!

And the fourth thing that people may not fully realize but feel when the shoot is all done...

• You have the satisfaction of knowing you made an investment into the future of those you love. Let me explain. A picture of ourselves we personally may or may not love, but we know it means something to someone, maybe a few someones. And we just gave them a gift for the future, and that always feels good. We know we are special to this group we are with and know that we set aside time to get a professional shoot done of us all, we get to look back and remember this time. Think about it, imagine 2 years from now looking at these photos on your mantle, not only will it remind you of a happy time but you can look back and say "Wow, look how young I was", or "Wow look who much thinner I am now than then"... or whatever the case maybe. Knowing you are done with a shoot you know you can look forward to revisiting special memories and faces over and over. 
  
  

Doing is believing, so perhaps you can bring out the best side of your family like we did the Hess family featured here. Even if you are hesitant contact me to discuss a shoot!