The MacDonalds – Ontario Casual Family Portraits
So, there’s a funny story about this blog post. I published it a couple weeks ago, apparently without text. Whaaaaaat?! Anyone who reads my posts regularly will know that I place great value on the words that accompany the photos. Apparently the text I put with it didn’t save. Now I’m trying again – re-releasing, if you will – because this one was a special one.
When Kristin first asked if I would be interested in doing a documentary shoot to mark her parents’ 30th anniversary, I answered with an immediate and unequivocal “yes.” I first met her family when she and Steve got married a year and a half ago, and have adored Gary and Margaret ever since, so I was happy to do whatever I could to help them celebrate this landmark anniversary. Kristin and I chatted about the project because she was unsure of what to do with a group of six adults and no children. We settled on coffee and hot chocolate on the back deck of her parents’ beautiful log home. Drinks are a great way of encouraging a group to gather together, and with gathering comes sharing stories – and that’s where the magic happens.
I listened and laughed heartily as her family shared tales of childhood, pets, wedding antics, and all sorts in between. As I worked, I couldn’t help but notice how much this gang really enjoys one another’s company. The teasing, the easy laughter…. It’s so reminiscent of my own family and so easy to feel at home amongst it.
After coffee and a few casual family portraits at the house, we decided we’d head to Quinn’s Inn in time to do a few portraits in St Andrews. Gary broke out his pristine muscle car (a Datsun, maybe? I’m afraid I’m not a car enthusiast, but it was shiny! :P) and the two of them set off down the road like a couple of teenagers. During their portraits, Margaret told me of the first time she saw Gary, which was in front of the church in St Andrews. The memory of that day was so clear that I could see the sparkle in her eye and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to add a little nostalgia to their portraits. As we worked, it was such a comfort to see the ease with which they held one another. When a couple has been around one another long enough, they just fit. There’s an effortlessness to the way they touch. These two had that in spades – even if they claimed to not be much of the cuddly sort any more. Gary stood a little taller, Margaret laughed a little more; they each looked a little more proud to be standing next to each other. I swear I could see their younger selves.
Laughter filled this session. Laughter at each other, at themselves – I can see how that is likely the norm for this family when they get together.
Gary, Margaret, Kristin, Steve, Shawn, and Ally, thanks for letting me be there. Here’s a selection of my favourites from your session:
I’m Ang. I’m a Cornwall, Ontario-based photographer offering maternity, child and family portraiture in and around SD&G. Visual storytelling is what I do best; weddings and documentary family sessions are available worldwide. I’m an avid traveler and my passport is always up-to-date. I have dual citizenship with the UK and I’m ALWAYS ready for an adventure. Laughter is important in my life and in my work. My clients experience informal, interesting shoots that make them feel connected to one another and full of life. Please explore more of Moment.us Photography‘s site to see more examples of my take on storytelling family photography.
