Hola, everyone!

Oh how I just adore the family I’m blogging about today. I’m lucky enough to say I’ve been photographing Shinavia’s family for eight years now! I truly can’t believe how much her son, Logan, has grown and changed since I first met him, especially since I’ve known Shinavia for over 20 years.

Today, Logan is 9 years old and on his way to the 4th grade.  And, it goes without saying, his mom Shinavia and I have become even better friends over the time we’ve worked together. It’s hard to not become friends with someone like Shinavia, frankly; she’s such a peach!

When Shinavia called me to take their photos again, I immediately began counting down the days to our session! And as for the day of the shoot, I had a blast! They had a pretty great time, too, posing between running around the playground and making funny faces.

About our shoot, Shinavia said, “I liked that [our session] was very spontaneous and free. We didn’t have to pose a lot because with kids, they don’t focus for long so ask them to keep posing isn’t going to work but capturing those cute moments are key.”

• Location: Watkins Park
• Shinavia’s Wardrobe: Marshall’s
• Logan’s Wardrobe: Children’s Place

Once Shinavia saw her photos, she said, “I love the photos because I think they capture our personalities. They show how loving and playful we are towards each other. You can tell he’s my only child and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Okay, enough text. Check out the awesome mother/son duo, Shinavia and Logan.

 

 

 

I’ll be scheduling another family session like this in August. If you’re interested in your own individual or family portraits, shoot me an email at insana@insanacollins.com or a text to 202-738-9007 to book. Until next time!

Insana

 

 

I began my career in photography the way many others have. First, I started taking pictures as a hobby, so much so, that people requested that I take their event photos. Then I learned more about photography and purchased the best camera. More people requested photos. Then I wanted to get better, so I read books, took classes, attended conferences and studied on YouTube. Even more people requested photos. Then I practiced, practiced, and practiced. Got better equipment. Upgraded my camera and lenses. And just like many photographers before me, my easiest subjects were none other than my family members, out of sheer availability.

It’s been eight years since I’ve decided to dedicate my time and energy to professional photography, but my family photography experience hasn’t changed one bit. This means that when we have special events like family reunions, I’m the first in line to capture the day. This summer’s Collins Family Reunion was no different.

I’m honored that I can take professional photos of my family. It requires the right equipment, of course, the skill to make people smile, stand up straight, look thinner, and above all, corral large groups of people who are constantly distracted by one another. This is a family reunion after all!

The reunion went off without a hitch and I can’t wait until next time! The smiles of aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and cousins made it all worthwhile. I hope you cherish your family the way that I cherish mine,

Insana

Nana and her two younger siblings, Morgan and Ethan, said their mother has never had photos of her three children together. This Christmas, they provided their mother with a full album of images which, I heard, brought her to tears. Here are a few of those images that I shot on a cold winter day in December, 2011.

Bonus photo of Nana and Andre together