I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a photographer successful.  Aside from having technical skills and an artistic eye, I believe it’s all about the ability to make connections with your subjects.  And in the process of making connections, we become connected.  Photography is an intimate force like that.  I’ve had clients share with me stories of a husband’s post-war PTSD, tales of their children’s births, the challenges of raising a child with a disability, the heartbreak of infertility, the ecstasy of beating the odds, and the simple ups and downs of life that everyone can relate to.  Knowing their stories helps me capture their stories.  And that makes for honest, beautiful photography you not only see – you feel.  

There is no questions that I felt immediately connected to this family upon meeting them at our first session a little over a year ago.  Maybe it was because their children are the exact ages and genders of my children, or maybe it is something more.  The connection Susan and Chanda have with their children and with each other is magnetic.  Capturing this family’s love is organic and authentic because it does not need to be staged.  It is just present.  Connected. The following are some favorite images from my most recent session with Susan, Chanda, Sofie and Lawton.

In closing, I’d like to thank Miss Sofie for introducing me to a lovely book that I want to share with you all.  My mom happened to be visiting last night and we read it together with my kids.  It takes a lot to make my mom cry, and even she was tearing up at the end.  It a touching, true story about an unexpected family.  I am excited to give away a copy of Sofie’s special book to one lucky family.

To enter GIVEAWAY: Please leave a comment here or on my Facebook page and share a book from your childhood that you felt connected to.  You will automatically be entered to win a copy of “And Tango Makes Three!”  The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, Feb 3rd.

And sweet Sofie, I hope you always know how special your family is.  May we all be lucky enough to meet Tango in person some day.  I know it’s on my wish list the next time I visit NYC!