Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Perfect Model

Ever since she was born, I've been hell-bent on taking pictures of Samantha.  Like, lots of pictures.  I know I'm not alone in this, as everyone wants to take lots of pictures of their children.  Children are beautiful.  But I think my motives were bred from the disconnect between my pre-natal vision of the daughter I would bear and the post-natal reality of having a child with a disability that, frankly, there were not very flattering images of in my mind.  Granted, those images were based on dated, institutional photos of the distant past, glimpses of those shuttered away, hidden from view, never spoken of.  I was determined to capture the beauty of Down syndrome, to show the world that our kids are just perfect as they are. 

Not to mention, I really enjoy taking her picture.  She's fun!  She's a perfect subject, full of poise and grace and (usually) patience (especially when bribed with the promise of getting to see the photo immediately afterwards).  Recently she's been getting into the concept of posing for pictures.  Not sure what prompted it, but I'm sure it has something to do with me jumping up and down the positive reinforcement she gets when she follows my instructions and I can get a good shot.  And, let's face it, a little bit of vanity never hurt, either...

When I was a little girl, I suffered through the watchful eye of my father's camera lens, as well.  He had a darkroom in the basement where he developed some of the most stunning black and whites, photos I didn't appreciate so much at the time, but now have a whole new perspective on.  I did come to a point where I would beg him not to take my picture, but that's because self-consciousness and social awkwardness had begun to creep onto the scene.  I'm hoping to bypass that with Sammi, hoping she'll be my willing model for a long time to come.  So far so good.  :-)

 
 
 
 
 

 

 



16 comments:

Sharon Edwards said...

Love your pictures and really relate to your post! I take pics of my kids all the time -- and sometimes they do try to hide from me.

Erin said...

She is stunning. Such a beautiful little model you have. I love taking photos of my kids too. My daughter has to be bribed most of the time, the boys are pretty easy, if I can catch them!

Nan said...

Love the photos!

Unknown said...

Sammi is beautiful! Keep posting lots of pics'!!

Unknown said...

I love how hip Sammi always is!

JC said...

Always love seeing Pictures of Sammi, she is the perfect little model :)

Anna Theurer said...

Beautiful photos of a beautiful girl! I love Sammi's posing :)

Cindy said...

Your photos - and your model - are stunning!

Jess said...

What fun pictures.

Lisa Morguess said...

She's a beauty - and so cooperative, too! I'm totally jealous. You take gorgeous photos.

Unknown said...

Love the pix! And those pants are to cute! Gotta love a little posing! Smiles

Wren said...

She is the perfect model and so pretty!

Heather said...

Darling girl. Beautiful pictures.

Mailing a little something out tomorrow for the little love. Let me know when it arrives!

Lisa said...

beautiful as usual - I found a big difference between our girls, Cate hates it when I get out the camera! I have to use the bribe of "I'll let you take some pictures" to get even a little cooperation.

wendy said...

Beautiful pictures!

Melissa said...

I *mean* to take lots of pictures, but I just never get it done. :) I still need to post outtakes from our Christmas pictures....I didn't have such willing models. :)