A Warm Smile for a Chilly Day

© Robert Harris Photography

Cameron was so excited to have his portrait made, he didn't even mind that the weather was chilly the day we created his portrait. Even a few drizzles of rain couldn't dampen his spirit! We used several scrims and reflectors to shape the light around him and to keep him dry as the portraits were made. We even had time to make a few images of Cameron hugging his mother toward the end of the session. My favorite memory of this six year old, is how well mannered he is. On his way out, Cameron left us with hugs and thanked us for "taking his picture."

Thank you, Cameron. I know your Mom and Dad are very proud of you.

Farmer's Market at Sunset

Image © Robert Harris Photography

When I was a child growing up in South Hill, VA., I remember a farmer who would bring fresh vegetables from his garden into town to sell to local residents. We called him "Butterbean" Jones. It was a good name, because I can remember it after all these years. Some 40ish years later, the town now has a new pavilion for farmers to sell their produce.

I was reminded of this story as the sun settled over the new Farmer's Market pavilion while making photographs of the new structure, nestled in the center of this vibrant town in Southside Virginia.

As nice as the structure is, it was a challenge to photograph. A combination of five exposures were captured as the sun set in the western sky to achieve the desired results. Passing clouds overhead produced a nice contrast to complete the composition. Now all we need is fresh vegetables this summer; Mr. Jones would have been proud.

The Artist's Date

Image © Robert Harris Photography
Image made w/ Leica d-lux 3 camera

I have found through the years that to maintain a "creative spirit", an artist must "replenish the well". Those who create know the challenge of maintaining a fresh approach to their work and remaining enthusiastic for each project. If we spend all of our time creating, we can become artistically exhausted.

Several years ago, I was encouraged to read "The Artist's Way". One of the main goals of the study was to take the time as an artist to replenish our creativity. Many times, I will take a walk with a camera to "see"; not for a client but for myself. Some of my favorite photographs have come during these times of "just for fun" and enjoying the beauty of creation and the handywork of our Creator.

I also take the time to appreciate work by other photographers, painters, the visual arts and music. One of our favorite Sunday afternoon diversions is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: VMFA. What a wonderful resource for the arts. We will grab lunch in the cafe within the museum and then visit an exhibit on a regular basis. We have recently taken in works by Picasso, Tiffany's, and most recently a wonderful exhibit of photography by Alfred Wertheimer, featuring beautiful black/white photographs of Elvis before he was a household name. Wertheimer's eye and technical ability are evident in the many photographs taken over a very brief period of time leading up to Elvis's growing fame.

We were first introduce to the museum when we were children by my Great Aunt Frances Harris. I remember my sisters and I spending the week with her in the summer. During our visit, our first stop was the library to pick up a couple of books to read. We then spent the rest of our time seeing the many sites around Richmond, including the capital and the museum and of course the Fire Museum on Churchill (I'm sure that was for my benefit and not my sisters)

Frances would be proud to know we are now members of the museum she first introduced us to when we were children and the roll it plays in helping to maintain our creative energy.

Robert


Reference
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: VMFA

Noah at Five

Image © Robert Harris Photography


December is the month Noah turned 5 years old. It is also the time we made this lasting portrait of Noah for his parent's home. The morning of the camera study was unusually warm for this time of year and the sun's rays brightened our spirits as we created a composition around the lake on the family farm. The sun also created a few lighting challenges we overcame with scrims to shape the light as well as strobes to create the pleasing light Noah's face. The 24x30 canvas will now hang near his sister's portrait we created almost two years ago when she was five.
Great memories, and more to come.

Happy New Year!!

Robert