one family of five, a couch, a front yard, a dog, and me
i am still on a Self Imposed Hermit Mode Internet Break, but i had to share these. this is my friend kristina, and her family. as we were planning this shoot, we were trying to decide on what we could do. i have wanted to get someone on their couch outside for ages. at least a year. and kristina was up for it. so i went for it.
and they were perfect.
that is my favorite family shot that we got, but i also love this one:
the hint of a child's leg to the right of the photo, with kristina, in the center of it all. it is so her life. little girls running in the background.
i loved doing this. it was a close call, with rain and late airplanes attempting to thwart our plans of perfect lighting. but we made it. it was so rushed and crazy but oh so fun.
perfect in its imperfection. so glad i captured what i did.
I can't even tell you how much I love these shots. Such a great idea, really creative poses, but not just that. You use the elements of design so well in your photos that when you capture the expressions it just makes it that much better because the photo feels whole. It's not just artsy, and not just emotional, but a great combination of both. Thanks so much for sharing these!
Posted by: Amber Lee | August 21, 2005 at 12:48 AM
Hey Tara! those shots are amazing! The White-Family is so dang BEAUTIFUL, and I love the couch outside, you are so clever. what a GOOD idea!!!! you amaze me, woman. :)
Posted by: amber | August 21, 2005 at 12:53 AM
oh tara these are wonderful--such a beautiful pea family !!!
**NOTE TO SELF** hire tara to come to my house!!!
(hey, I'm only an hour away!)
Posted by: karen | August 21, 2005 at 12:54 AM
I am so glad you came out of "hermit mode" to share these. What a fabulous idea. Who would have ever thought of a couch outside? Well our Tara of course! Thanks for sharing these!
Posted by: Rhonda | August 21, 2005 at 02:20 AM
these rock!!!!
Posted by: marie cox | August 21, 2005 at 05:07 AM
AWESOME job, Tara.
Posted by: april | August 21, 2005 at 05:32 AM
Ansel Adams ain't got nothin' on you, Tara Whitney! These are GORGEOUS! Absolutely freakin' GORGEOUS! I am going to a family event later today, and am now totally inspired to photograph the event... I love the way you look at the world through that viewfinder... you have a gift, girl... thank you so much for sharing that with all of us!
Posted by: Lynne | August 21, 2005 at 05:43 AM
man, your photography just never ceases to amaze me!! I love the idea of the couch on the front lawn!! I may have to try this, if I can convince the hubby!! LOL!
Posted by: jen | August 21, 2005 at 06:32 AM
simply AMAZING!! you are my biggest inspiration ever!!! these are beyond fabulous!!!!!!!! wow!
Posted by: Tricia | August 21, 2005 at 06:45 AM
Well Miss T, next time you are in Chicago I will pay you bucketloads of money to take photos of my family. I can't believe how awesome those are! Seriously...Chicago...Janet...email me. :)
Posted by: Janet O | August 21, 2005 at 06:50 AM
All I can say is WOW! You are so inspiring and talented! Thanks for sharing your gift. Keep it up girl, you're the cat's pajamas of photographers in my book.
Posted by: Cara | August 21, 2005 at 07:18 AM
My god, what a natural talent you have. I'm in awe.
Posted by: V | August 21, 2005 at 07:28 AM
breathtaking! Love them ALL!
Posted by: Kim | August 21, 2005 at 07:41 AM
absolutely beautiful! they are such a beautiful and loving family. love the couch outdoors!!
Posted by: shell | August 21, 2005 at 07:44 AM
LOVE those photos on the couch!!! Terrific!!
Posted by: Joanna | August 21, 2005 at 07:47 AM
very cool! and her husband is SO CUTE!
-amy
Posted by: amy climie | August 21, 2005 at 08:17 AM
Soooo awesome! You never cease to amaze me. :-)
Posted by: Susan | August 21, 2005 at 08:56 AM
I've been visiting for a few months now and am just in love with your work. I'm compelled to say so today, having gone through this latest set. I love how natural you are with your subjects. Something for me to strive for... :)
Posted by: *AGK* | August 21, 2005 at 09:09 AM
oh my GOSH are these photos gorgeous! thanks so much for sharing them Tara...they are all absolutely beautiful! love how you put the couch outside! :)
Posted by: christina | August 21, 2005 at 09:19 AM
total eye candy for a Sunday morning. beautiful family and gorgeous photography.
Posted by: sheri | August 21, 2005 at 09:22 AM
TARA!!!!!
Okay those photos are totally amazing! I love the couch idea and those kids are stunning. That little tiny boy "pea" looks like his big daddy man "pea"!!!! hahahahahah so funny. I totally adore that photo spread! Thanks for sharing! That was great fun looking at that!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Sigler | August 21, 2005 at 10:32 AM
soooo stinkin jealous...that is what I am...I want photos like this of my family. Wow....I know K is loving these. YOu capture people so well...their personality beams from the photo. YOu are amazing...truly amazing. I love it when you share your work!! Keep it up girl!!
:)
Posted by: candi | August 21, 2005 at 10:42 AM
holy cats T! these are rad! when are you coming to my house to take pictures!?!! I will drag any sort of large furniture where ever you want girl!
Posted by: Nisa | August 21, 2005 at 10:59 AM
tara, these are phenomenal! you are brilliant at capturing spirit and love in a photograph.
i wish i'd had a rested mind last weekend so i could pick your brain a bit, but i'll do it here instead. what lens and settings do you use to get shots like this? do you convert to b&w or shoot in b/w mode? do you play with curves to get that glow in the eyes and skin? i'm in awe, but i'm also in minnesota, so i'm gonna have to learn to do this myself because i don't have a tara next door!! lol
Posted by: Michele | August 21, 2005 at 11:21 AM
Wow...just wow...you NEVER stop amazing me with your talent...
Posted by: Nora | August 21, 2005 at 12:07 PM