I really love…
It’s her sense of color that is extraordinary, I think. She also manages to do this while being the mother of ten, which is quite a job in itself.
The New Neo
A blog about political change, among other things
It’s her sense of color that is extraordinary, I think. She also manages to do this while being the mother of ten, which is quite a job in itself.
Wow – gorgeous photographs, gorgeous family.
The radiance and loveliness of the photographs pale to the radiance and loveliness of this woman’s spirit.
I’ve changed my mind about cloning. Clone this woman; clone this family; do it, for for God’s sake!, for the sake of civilization.
It’s more of a hierarchy, a well ordered structure. The older brothers and sisters have authority and power, in return they protect, guide, and look out for the younger, weaker members of the pack.
It becomes very difficult to run a family of 10, of such nature, when using a dual monarchy that is merely a dictatorship. Far better for it to be a feudal system where loyalty is rewarded with protection. It removes a lot of the burden of the top echelon leaders to micromanage and stress out.
I briefly majored in photography in college, so I’m somewhat knowledgeable. Her use of color is exquisite but her lighting and exposure are of the highest quality. She also captures ‘the moment’ extraordinarily well. A huge talent for portraiture.
In contrast to Geoffrey Britain, I never majored in photography. 🙂
Beautiful photos. Amateurs and professionals can agree.
100% with Geoffrey Britain. The subjects are intense looking, somewhat a contrast to the scenery. A personal thing, but I like kids looking a bit less intense. Maybe it’s the times we live in, but I feel like kids are not kids anymore and adults act like children, it all seems a bit wrong to me.
Beautiful photos.
Beth, in my family children are “intense” simply because at an early age one is expected to assume a level of reponsibility that I consider sadly lacking in the age of selfies. Children crave structure and they want, if parents teach them well, to be members contributing to the harmony of the family. IMO, children shine when given responsibilities at an early age.. 5, no later than 7. And with age comes increasing levels of responsibility. There is joy and satisfaction to be found in chores.
Beth,
Go to this page for a fuller perusal of her work. Clearly, she avoids the standard, “say cheese” smiles but there are more than a few spontaneous, joyful pictures there. Truly, a remarkable talent in portraiture.
parker,
When I was 14 my youngest sister was born. When she was about 6, my aunt was visiting and after dinner my Stepmom was washing some dishes, my sister wanted to help and my Mom shooed her away. My aunt said, “Miriam, she just wants to help” and my mom said, “I know but she’s too young, she can help when she’s older”. My aunt, not unkindly replied, “by then, she won’t want to help”. My Mom shrugged it off and nothing more was said. I didn’t say anything, as I knew it wasn’t ‘my place’ but I also knew my aunt was right.
Children need both, to be allowed to be kids and to be given responsibilities. Loving discipline that inculcates self-discipline is the key.
Stunning photos !
She truly is gifted.
How great of her to share it with lots of people.
Her work put me in mind of that of Elena Shumilova, a Russian who also does children in nature settings.
Beth,
The photos are staged, like old-timey studio portraits.
I assume (but don’t know, of course) that she has candid photos of her family that are less than professional, less than art, and more relaxed. Those photos wouldn’t be on her storefront display page, but might be on a private facebook page or some such.
Or maybe she is that obsessive about creating a hyper-reality with every photo of her family.
Geoffrey Britain,
Are your aunt and mom sisters who grew up together or are they from different sides of your family?
If they’re sisters, I thought 2 sisters would react with similar philosophies to a child-rearing – specifically, a girl-rearing – scenario, carrying forward from their own girlhood upbringing.
As a kid I was allowed to be a rough and tumble farm boy, but it was also expected that I contributed by assuming the responsibility of doing chores at age 6. I was responsible for gathering eggs and later feeding chickens and large mammalian livestock, and using a 22LR to shoot rats around the corn crib at age 8, and helping grow and preserve vegetables. Work put food on the table. Food is good, that is all anyone needs to learn; life is work and work is life.
Eric,
My aunt and stepmom are not related. My aunt is my father’s youngest sister. My aunt and mom have always gotten along great.
Lovely photos and lovely comments.
Another talented woman photographer is Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/