Amy, Philip's mom, and I always ran into each other when I dropped my kids off at the day care center. When Amy expressed an interest in commissioning me to create some portraits of Philip, I was coincidentally launching Phases & Faces: The Kids of Connecticut. So, I invited Amy to participate and she willingly donated $100 to nominate Philip for the coffee-table book I will be publishing towards the end of the year.
When I arrived, Philip was still waking up so I adapted to his schedule. It took him a little bit of time to warm up to the idea of being photographed. Never one to be pushy, I wanted him to go through whatever ritual he wished to become more comfortable with my presence. Initially, I didn't even take my cameras out. Photography gear does tend to naturally create these walls between photographer and subject, so I chose to simply hang out for a bit. Soon, I found myself playing with Philip and his train-set.
At one point, Philip decided he wanted to run around and around from the living room to the kitchen and back. Allowing a child to settle down into her/his own groove is so important to me. I knew that if I was just a little patient, Philip would cooperate and allow me to do what I came to do. When Amy disappeared to make a cup of coffee for me, Philip began to take the pillows off of the couch and jump from one of the couch to the other, calling himself "Superman." With a similar aged child at home (who likens himself to being "Spiderman"), I totally understood Philip. Again, instead of corralling him and making him smile, I chose to give him the freedom to express and be himself. I think the images are richer because of this approach.
What do you think? Check the images out below and please leave me your comments. And if you know of children in Connecticut who you think should be nominated for Phases & Faces: The Kids of Connecticut, please help me spread the word. Thank you! |
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