The first summer the M&M were here, I wanted a picture of all of the girls together. I cannot recall exactly how I thought of this idea, but I sure am thanking my brain for thinking of it. The kids were wearing whatever, I contained the twins in their walkers, lined everyone up, and let them have some “fun.” I loved how their personalities shown through. I loved it. I loved it so much, I had it printed large. Like 3 feet x 4 feet large and hung in over their play kitchen in our hallway room.
Last year, I wanted to update that picture, so the last Saturday before school started, I said “Hey, we’re taking another picture like the one on the wall. Wear whatever and come to the garage!” I might of had some pushback. I bet you can’t tell who gave it to me. She was also a little upset that I printed it and hung it in our house. I kindly responded, “Well, when I ask to take your picture, just know that it might end up printed. So be careful of how you’re acting because it will show through.” Fast forward to this year, that daughter looks a lot more pleasant.
I loved that Tutu grabbed her crown and has that little cock of the shoulder. That’s so her. And Leah…that tom-boy, middle child. M&M have no clue what is happening but Maggie has her little cow baby doll. She carried that doll for a good few months and that was the one way my brother Jerry could tell her apart from Molly. If it was on the floor beside them, he would pick it up and ask, “Whose is this?” Maggie would naturally take it, he would give it to her and say “Awe, there ya go, Maggie.” When she ditched the doll, he was back at square one.
Another year has gone by, so I decided it was time to update the “personality portrait.” Once again the girls were wearing whatever, grabbed their bikes (as an ode to the first portrait perhaps?) and lined up at the edge of the garage. M&M, once again, having no clue what was going on, only wanted to sit in the Power Wheel with a dead battery. Perfect. I’ll just move that Gator to the edge of the garage and they can just sit in it. Would I rather of had them standing or sitting or on their own little trikes? Yes, but they are happy and they are in the picture and that is what matters.
As a photographer, I have learned to work with kids, not against them. Go with the flow. Sometimes they will give me exactly what I ask. Sometimes they will not, but surprise me and give me something better. And yet, sometimes that will not give me anything. I am thankful for these girls and all that they give me…including the lessons on patience.
Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!