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

 

 

Today, I was excited to participate in a Career Day at a local middle school, Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie, Maryland. Made up of 6th through 8th graders, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I stood up to present, would the kids all give me blank stares? Would they ask me ridiculous questions? Do they give a crap about photography? Would they give me the silent treatment and not ask anything at all?

First, I had to follow up the career day presentation of NBC News4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell. Marvelous.

Then, it was my turn to present to a room of 7th graders.

All my fears vanished as I set up my easels to show some of my photos. I could hear the kids whispering that I must be some sort of artist, because, with easels, I must be a painter, right?

I took out my camera and heard a collective, “Whoa!” because the kids thought it was huge. They all wanted to hold it to feel how heavy it was, and I explained that I work out to prepare myself for long shoots, for squatting and running around.

It was kind of great that they figured I was an artist, because I explained that I am an artist, and what I do requires a lot of artistry, just not in the traditional sense like a painter or a sculptor. Instead, we paint with light and have to be so creative with photography, that when done well, is indeed an art. The kids asked me questions about smiling, locations, shutter speed–yes, they knew about shutter speed!–focal points…the whole nine yards. I was amazed!

I told them about my journalism degree from the University of Maryland, because, at heart, I’m a storyteller. I told them about how I have to coach people to look good, to keep their energy up, and that I tell them what to wear to a shoot. I talked to them about how my camera is just one piece of equipment that I bring to a shoot, that I bring lighting, props, backdrops, and that I take extra photos to teach to other photographers. They admitted that they had no idea so much was involved.

I was so nervous at first, but now, I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you to mom Jasmine Smith for the opportunity! Until next time,

Insana