By Scott Shephard

I received a call last week from a gentleman who wanted to book a family portrait session. Rather than say, “Are you kidding???” I politely said that I was “retired.” He responded by saying, “But your website says you have a photography business.” I said, (again very politely), “I guess I need to update my web site.” He apologized and we ended the conversation.

So I’m left wondering how I should make it clear on my website that there is only one family that I will photograph, pictured here in the last photo of an hour-long session. Maggie’s meltdown, followed shortly by Ibby’s (who is seen seeking refuge behind her father) signaled the end of this appointment. Both Katie and Brian, who have had years of experience with their children, kept cool during the whole event. I was impressed.

If you ask me, there are way too many moving parts in a formal group portrait. And while I am honored to be asked to photograph Brian and Katie’s beautiful family once or twice a year, after an hour I was feeling a little like Maggie and Ibby.

Canon R5 f/7 1/100 sec 100 ISO