I Heart Faces Photo Challenge: "Innocent Wonder" - Denton Area Photographer

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "Innocent Wonder".

I had a really hard time picking this one, as I have photographed so many beautiful children over the years (mine included).  Being such a broad theme, so many of my photos could qualify.

I picked this one because it reminds me so much of what it felt like when you are little and trying to imagine what you will be when you "grow up."  I had a crazy series of potential careers as a child, most of them creative in nature, so it's no wonder Photography called to me once I was in college.  I wanted to be a fashion designer, a "Solid Gold" dancer, a writer, a poet, an actress, an artist, a journalist, and so many others... the list goes on an on.

This little boy was fascinated with firemen and firetrucks, so when we were allowed to jump into one at the end of a session one day, I wasn't prepared technically (no flash or strobes), but I was prepared to capture the joy of pretending, just for a moment, that he was a fireman.  And the wonder and awe that overtook him as he had that hat on and sat in the seat was touching to witness.

So the portrait isn't my technical best, but it's still one of my favorites.  Innocent Wonder.  Yep, perfectly describes what I see here.

Be sure to head over to I Heart Faces and see all the other awesome entries.  Thanks for looking.

Winter Wonderland - I Heart Faces Challenge Submission

Winter Wonderland

I Heart Faces Challenge Submission

I've been taking a hiatus from photo blogging during the holidays, as I prepared for upcoming mini-sessions and a Photoshop class at the end of the month.  January is the time most photographers either struggle to find work, or sit back and enjoy the quiet time and review what they have done in the past year.

2010 was a success for me.  I watched my business grow and take off in a way that surprised me.  I went through 3 different camera bodies and improved my technical skills and stretched my creative outlets.  I am proud of the work I did last year.  And I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for me.

While trying to go through pictures from last year, I came across this one from a snow day in February.  I love it so much, as it encompasses the pure abandon that a child can have.  As I look at this picture of my son, I can actually remember what it feels like to tilt your head back as far as it goes, squeezing your eyes tight and sticking your tongue out tentatively, hoping that you can feel the tiny snowflake as it drops into your mouth... and melts.  The joy that catching one snowflake on your tongue is greater than a whole bowl of ice cream. 

So as half the country sees yet another snow storm rip through, go re-live that abandon for one moment.  Step outside and catch a snow flake on your tongue.  Less calories than ice cream and more fulfilling than you can imagine.





Then go check out the rest of the challenge submissions over at I Heart Faces to see the rest of the Winter Wonderland photos.