I am going to be blogging some of the personal moments of my life. What is a photographer besides a story teller and there are some personal stories to share from my own family. I don’t have my own kids but I do have nieces and nephews as so far I like all of them.
We gathered to celebrate Eve’s third birthday. She was born on Utah’s holiday Pioneer Day. It is the day we recognize the original Mormon Pioneers arrival into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Typically it means there is a parade, BBQs, and fireworks.
Eve is ready for her birthday
So our families gather to celebrate Eve and Pioneer Day with a BBQ and Fireworks. I was there documenting the family’s celebration with my camera. I would say I am not happy if I am not photographing.
Eve and Henry eating the birthday dinner
I think most photographers use their own families for experiments and practice. I have shot a number of formal photo shoots for the Bush kids and dozens of family events. Practice makes perfect. It is also a chance to practice some natural light photography and not rest on my laurels.
Eve and Julianne play with the irrigation system
Eve celebrates with swing time
I don’t really cook but my sisters do! So it is a chance for some guerrilla food photography. Using available light to make everyday food look tasty.
Pink cupcakes for the birthday
Eve blows out the birthday candles
Kids have some natural expressions that you just have to watch for. They will react and act for the camera sometimes. Other times they forget the camera is there and they just become themselves that is when the true magic of photography comes out.
Eve’s classic expression as she gets new toy jewelry
When I took this photograph I knew I had photography gold, woo hoo! She was so surprised and happy to have a new kitty toy.
Eve is surprised with a stuffed cat
And what kid doesn’t want 5 bucks? I want 5 bucks!
Eve gets 5 bucks—she’s rich
After the cake and ice cream we started the fireworks. I always have a tripod in my car so I am ready for opportunities to photograph fireworks or anything that requires long exposures.
Joe prepares the fireworks
The one thing I didn’t bring was a flash for the camera. That is my one mistake for the night.
Celebrating with sparklers
The fireworks before they blow up
We started to launch fireworks during the sunset. So finding a location where the fireworks would be surrounded by a sunset meant amazing photographs. Woo hoo!
Fireworks during sunset
The family watches the fireworks from a safe distance
Fireworks in the night sky
Best firework photos I’ve created due to the sunset involved
And this is a great chance to practice some lifestyle photography. Regular portraits usually have people pose for the camera and look good. Lifestyle photography has models doing something like maybe a picnic and Frisbee, or a mountain bike ride. Sometimes this photo shoots are more personal than a portrait session in the park.
