Sometimes we wait for "the event" to start. However, one of the secrets that wedding, birth, and concert photographers know is that often the most intimate "moments" happen when nobody is supposed to be looking.

As photographers we are often looking for the best light. As the light in the flour caught the eyes of the kids, it was fun to notice that this trait is already there for most of us... we just need to train ourselves to press the shutter button.

Having already adjusted my settings for the previous shot, I stayed put to keep the exact same lighting and camera settings. We don't always have this luxury, but when you can, try to notice if the lighting situation is similar and reduce the amount of time you spend fiddling with (worrying about) your camera.

This wasn't a planned photoshoot, but I couldn't help but notice the complimentary colors and sloping character of the kitchen crew. The height difference leads your eyes from the top left to the action in the center. 

As mentioned above, sometimes the real intimate interactions happen before the actual event. Think of Michael Phelps' floppy arms, a mother in labor, or the nervous parents walking their child down the aisle... this all happens before the "event."

As a photographer I don't very much like posed photos. I take them and they are a very necessary part of capturing most special events. However, my preference is for documentary style. As a parent, I really want to remember what they looked like when they were focused, intentional, or purposeful. I love my kids profiles and when they become so focused that they don't even notice I'm there.

There are so many people that pour into the lives of my kiddos. Some are as close to us as "Aunt Heather" who is featured in the background and others we only get to see occasionally like Ms. Theresa (helping the girls make stained glass). In addition to these, I also took a posed picture of Theresa, her husband Ed, and Aunt Heather... but that didn't make this post.

Somewhere along the way, our family picked up the phrase, "Teamwork makes the dream work." What is the dream? A loving home with friends and family always welcome. So far, so good.

I haven't talked much about actual photography in this post... sorry. As it relates to photograph, I wanted to give an sense of openness, so I put the subject on the left side of the frame (rule of thirds) and left plenty of room for movement from left to right. This reduces the "tension" we might perceive from a tight crop. The hope for this image is to leave a light impression of openness to the activity as well as to the artistic vision of the subject.

I just love how attentive our littles can be. I hoped that this photo could communicate a sense of direction and interest as opposed to the wonder and excitement that their faces would communicate.