Angela, a social worker from Department of Family & Children’s Services called a mere 4 days ago. “Will you be willing to donate your family & children photography services to two foster care children who are separating? The sister who turned 18 and her little brother. The sister’s parting gift are photographs of she and her brother together”, she explained somberly.

I was left speechless for a few seconds and replied, “God, yes, of course!!!”

You see, most of my unsolicited calls are from so-called SEO-experts who wants my money to “put my website on the front page of Google” and ones that tells me I’ll receive a big fat check from Nigeria. So, this came in an unexpected (but pleasant) manner.

The photoshoot was quick but the energy in the room was boundless and fun. Jack & Jaylyn were shy but not for long. Jumps, screams and laughter filled the room. It felt like a normal photoshoot but significantly better. The very fact that I know these photos will be great memories for these kids now and forever. Not much different than a worn old photograph that was kept in the wallet of my 70 year old uncle, that reminds him of his lost brother…

Gave the kids a super big hug after the session. I felt sad, but very contented.

18 year old Reilly is leaving Atherton, California for college in Texas. Everyone is excited for him, but at the same time, sad. As fine art photographers and cinematographers, our imagery and video/cinema speaks about the family we photograph. Even more so when each family members have so much love and fun with each other.

We almost felt like close relatives, being there, absorbing the love and resonating and reflecting the TLC back into our photographs and cinema. This was photographed in the backyard of their home during our family portraiture session in Atherton, CA (next to Menlo Park and Palo Alto). Enjoy Texas, Reilly!

(Notice Georgia whispering “I love you” to Reilly when she was leaning on his shoulder? )