Summer Backyard Family Session in Portland, Maine
Last summer I went to Fiona and and Sarah’s home with a few cameras, some rolls of experimental film, and no clear plan. It had been a hot day that was quickly turning to a beautiful summer evening in Maine. In the depths of winter it’s a little hard to imagine, but the hydrangeas were in full bloom, sun was giving way to a few dreamy clouds, and the humid air had us all feeling a little sticky. We went right to the backyard, letting the kids and the feel of summer lead the way.
Maine family photography that feels like you
We started with bubbles and time on the swing set. Nothing forced, just seeing what the kids wanted to do. I am a documentary photographer, meaning I do not want to interfere with the natural flow of your life. I'd much rather meet you where you are take perfectly imperfect photographs.
There were a few moments I prompted everyone to gather together, but it is more about creating space for intimacy and real magic to happen, rather than forcing it to happen. In doing so, we can create photos that are true to you and your relationships. Having activities help (bubbles, swings, sprinklers). But also the freedom in knowing that you can do no wrong is critical. Being at home helps create a safe space to do this.
The joys of photographs at home
There are so many things to love about this session. The bubbles floating through the swingset, the cat making an appearance, the ripening tomatoes ready for picking, the backyard games, and sprinkler runs to end all summer nights. These activities would not be possible without having family sessions at home. It’s where everyone feels the most comfortable. It provides a space to be oneself, to do a quick bathing suit change, to have the cats involved.
Experimental film photography magic
The sun and energy of this session natural lent itself to playful experimentation. I used psych blue film to create these colorful scenes. While I often create similar images using intentional light leaks, I like the controlled nature of having a film already bursting with color.
With the surge in AI, I return to these photographs - made by imperfect human hands, with people, using experimental and magical chemical reactions. The thing about AI is that it can never replace the feeling of being seen by another person. AI removes the element of a messy, complex, chaotic human seeing another messy, complex, chaotic human and pressing the shutter to freeze a moment in time.
I’ve seen in business and within creative space this notion that if you’re not using AI, your business is going to fall behind. This push towards efficiency. And don’t get me wrong, more and more I understand conversations around AI as being really nuanced. I see the potential advantages. However, I don’t think what we need in this moment of time as businesses and as humans is more AI. What we need is more human connection, love, art, and creativity. What we need is to be seen - to find our people in this world of joy and sorrow.
I believe AI is an opportunity for a cultural shift towards real world connections. In response to AI I am personally craving all things analog. And when it comes to photography, there’s an unexpected messiness to film. It’s unpredictable and messy. And in that way, incredibly human.
If you are interested in creating messy, imperfect, HUMAN photographs together I’d love to hear from you.