Bakers on Parade

We have previously done a few photo sessions for another "Baker Family", and now it was time to get big bro in on the action.  When he contacted us we sent out our usual information package in which it explains that we enjoy (especially with children) props or things that have a special meaning that might add a touch of reality to a photograph.  He had a great idea, his hobby was to skateboard!

We were just barely ready to start the session when he jumps up on the ramp, throws his helmet on his beautiful daughter's head, and poses as if they were about to drop in the half pipe.  It all came together so well.  This is what we mean by props and interactivity...a moment that will last forever!

(**PLUS** it proves that dad was cool at one point in his life)

 Capturing the whole family in an otherwise non-traditional place is a great way to stand out and tell a story without words!

7 months old and already accustomed to deck tape!

And of course we are there we do plenty of "traditional" portraits...and how could you not with a cutie like this?

 It's easy to catch a beautiful moment with a family with so much love for one another!

I love the Yin and Yang of the warm, soft and beautiful little person against the cold rusted metal and rock bed

Leigh snuck the baby away and I gave Jonathan and Christina their time to shine in front of the lens!

 They worked it!!

Beautiful Momma and Daughter

After it was all said and done, we headed back to the skate park to tag it with some good 'ol sidewalk chalk to remind everyone that not all family photos have to be set with a perfect background or in a studio, but should tell the story of you and your family!

The Krisingha's adventure in the woods

I played soccer a long time ago with Chris at Titusville Soccer Club and then against him as he went to Titusville High School and I Astronaut High.  Who ever would have thought that I would be photographing his family years later!  We met the Krisinghas in a patch of some of our favorite woods where at the right time of day the sun peeps through the trees and gives us that perfect ethereal glow.

Owen is a little ham, I mean look at those eyebrows and dimples, he was diggin' the attention!

Ryan also seemed to have a great time!  For an obviously energetic four year old, he was ready to cheese it up for the camera and shined magnificently.

Although we like to start our sessions with simple "ice-breaker" posed photos....

...we quickly move onto suggestions like this...

 ...and eventually end up here!  If you don't have fun at one of our family sessions we have failed.  The fun keeps the kids going and keeps everyone's spirits fresh and light!

Forget fake backdrops at common photo studios....we leave it up to mother nature...and can you ask for anything more than this?

Chris and Mandy were workin' it as well.  Leigh and I believe that married couples should get photos taken of just themselves more often.  Too many times the last "good" photos of a married couple are of their wedding.

Thank you Krisinghas for the opportunity to photograph your great family!  We look forward to seeing you in front of our camera as your boys grow!!     -Mark Thor

Pretty in Pink boots

This little girl is very special to us and we are very fortunate to have captured all of her big milestones with our cameras! She is an incredible little girl! So smart, so beautiful, and so full of personality! She and our little guy are 2nd cousins and best buddies! The only thing more fun than one 2 year old is two and these guys ALWAYS give us a big laugh when they are together! Happy Birthday sweet girl!! You are loved more than you know!! We have been so blessed to have you in our lives!! <3

Making good 9/11 Memories

9/11 with a two year old makes it difficult to have all of the memorial programs on TV.  He is very observant and can tell when someone is in pain just by facial expression and tone.  That being said, I still wanted to do something to observe and possibly make new and happy memories of this day....so i broke out some red, white and blue paints.  I originally started with one sheet but he quickly reminded me that art isn't a "thing" it's the conceptualization, the act, the self-criticism, and the final decision that your finished.   Sure to most, art is something you hang on your wall, but to an artist it's what you do not what you get.  So back to the story, after 4 sheets of splatter, hand/finger prints, and brushwork he was done.  But I wasn't.

As I began to coneptualize my thoughts about the piece, I layed out the 4 sheets of his wonderful work and thought of how i was going to honor all those involved with the cowardly attack.  I thought about doing an abstract portrait of the buildings, maybe a I <3 NY poster, FDNY, NYPD....they all drove across my mind.  And then I realized what I had to do.  I needed to stay true to my original thought of making a positive image of strength and perseverance.  So after he added a little blue wax to one of the pages, I got my spray paint and headed outside.  He had to watch from inside, I had way too many fumes flying.

 After just a few minutes to dry it was onto phase 2, pen.  I posted up on the couch along with my coloring buddy and we went to town.  Thoughts of how it must of been going through what so many people did and are still going through today quickly changed to happy thoughts of a unwavering, still free America where my son and I can wake up and create un-oppressed art for the sake of creation.  My thought gradually drew away from tragedy and towards hope and happiness that my son will enjoy the same freedoms that I have and have the some happy memories of, to him, a regular Sunday morning.

And here's the final piece.  My concept: America will rise to any cause for the betterment of not just it's citizens but all mankind.  We have problems sure, but I'll take the ones we have over so many of the ones our brothers and sisters overseas experience as just their normal way of life.  The eagle is a strong and opportunistic and I was happy that I got the opportunity to share what I love with my son!

In memorium of all those effected by 9/11

-MarkTHOR!

Orlando City are the Champions! PART 2

Like promised I have more "photos" from the game.  Like I said in my previous post (CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS POST AND PANORAMIC PHOTO) I was in the stands for this game rather than down on the field so I didn't bring a telephoto.

What a game it was.  Enjoy the photos and an extra bonus, a 720p video!

Lovely Nouns

When taking photos, I always look for the beauty in something.  Whether its an obvious flower or a busted up and forgotten shed in the middle of an open field, my shutter is always looking for the positives and not the negatives.

The world around us is so creative.  The colors and patterns are too many to number.  As humans, we've found our identity in clothing and make-up.  Imagine how similar we would look to one another if we ran around naked!

Sometimes it's the act that is more beautiful than the image.  On the left are state magnets (all fifty) that used to be on my grandmother's refrigerator.  Atticus has recently discovered them on our fridge and has been pulling them off an playing with them just as I did when I was little.  Coincidently, or maybe not, her orchids bloomed this week. They remind me of her whenever I look outside at them.

What's prettier than a margarita with organic Passion Vine friut preserves from Hawaii? (Thanks Laine!)

Food is almost always georgous, especially when it's homemade banana pancakes or pizza

Ok, so not so beautiful, but I liked this photo so deal with it!

 We began as "photographers" when this dude was born.  We bought a decent camera and it was all uphill from their.  Whenever we do sessions with clients it's for three reasons" 1) The love of photography, 2) The ability to make lasting images that our clients will treasure forever, and 3) To continue to upgrade our equipment so we can photograph our own family.  In the last two years we've filled a 500GB hardrive just with photos of our own family.

Leigh recently had the opportunity to photograph a Very Special person in her life...her Granny.  The two photos in the background are of her from earlier decades and although the red hair is gone, the smile and love are ever-present.

While Leigh took her Granny's photos she also snapped a few of her Mom.  I'd say Leigh has a lot to look forward to!

Orlando City are the Champions!

Wanted to post this tonight, I will have a few more tomorrow.  Usually im down on the field shooting on assignment but i got to enjoy this one from the stands!  GO CITY!