trishmennellphotography

05.04.12

Y'know, it hadn't occurred to  me to include a 'Keep your child away from Sharpies' instruction in my pre-shoot consultation.  Lesson learned.

04.20.12

I love it when the weatherman is wrong!  Today I had planned for a rainy day shoot.  This means an extra case of lights, discussions of cute umbrellas and rain slickers and, in my case, bad, wet hair.  I'm enough of a mess during a session with all of the running around, rolling on the ground, singing out of key...the last thing I need is wet hair and my mascara running down my face.  I can't imagine being able to coax a shy child into believing that I'm the World's Most Fun Photographer when I've got black streaks running down my cheeks.  Not likely.  So,  when I checked this morning and saw that the weatherman totally blew the forecast, I actually high five-d my laptop screen.                                                           Ryan is the smartest kid, like, ever.  He was reciting baseball stats and explaining the life cycle and migratory patterns of butterflies to me all while giving me the best shots.  All this at only six years old!  As Nate would say, "Seriously!??!".  (By the way, thank you Zoe for teaching him that one.  It's charming.  Especially when he uses it after I've poured the maple syrup on his oatmeal.  "Come on, Mom.  I mean, seriously??!  Can't I have more than that??  Seriously!?!?"                                                               Then there was sweet, sweet Adam with his big brown eyes and incredibly long eyelashes.  I found myself 'awwww-ing' as I flipped through the shots as I backed them up.  He was so painfully shy.  Fortunately, my knowledge of all things Backyardigans brought him out of his shell for a few moments at a time.  Just long enough to capture those soulful eyes and a genuine smile. These brothers were so wonderful with each other and were so much fun to shoot with all of their energy, personality and range of expressions.  Mom, I LOVE what we've got and can't wait to share!  

03.22.12

When shooting kids, I always tell the parents that we can plan location, wardrobe, time and even some specific shots, but when it comes time for the session, the child is ultimately in charge.  It's hard to predict if on that particular day at that particular time if little Johnny or Suzie is going to be feeling silly, shy, naughty, scared or like a superstar.  So, I tell parents, you just gotta go with the flow.  In this instance, Jackson had some ideas that he wanted me to shoot.  Really good ones like all the different poses he could do with his tongue sticking out and his awesome finger-in-the-nose pose.  We shot them all and all the time I'm saying, 'Fantastic, Jackson!  You're a natural!  What shall we do now?'  Which lead to the best one of the session.  The 'Cluck like a Chicken' pose.  Check it out...        

03.14.12

Before a session I spend a lot of time going over in my mind the shots I hope to make.  Often it's a cacophony of images that swim around in my head for a day or two before the session, changing constantly until the moment I pick up the camera and we begin.  And then there was this session with Roxy.  I've been shooting Roxy since she was just crawling and I absolutely love her.  Somehow we manage to make some of the most special images I've ever taken.  Roxy was the lead image on my former website, is the big canvas in my studio, and has graced my business cards, brochures and guides.   There is something about her beautiful eyes that connect with the lens with a wisdom and a soulful look that is well beyond her young age.  When I was preparing for this session,  I didn't have my usual mind full of images in my head.  I only had one.  I knew exactly the one shot I wanted to achieve, and here it is.  Frame #4.  Of course, there are many more that I love, but I'm artistically satisfied at frame #4.  Roxy, once again you make me one very happy photographer.  Thank you, kiddo. xo      

03.01.12

I'm loving every minute of shooting teenage girls - particularly when they rock it like Paige!  She's always open to my suggestions, is never shy and truly brings it to every shoot.  As a bonus, her family has the best music in their playlists.  We were bopping to Carly Rae Jepsen (remember her from Canadian Idol!?) followed by The Scorpians.  Very cool and lots of fun!  Paige, you look amazing, as usual!