A Kindred Spirit

Images © Robert Harris Photography
As I photographed Jarrett for his Senior Portraits, I found that there are alot of similarities in our lives. As with Jarrett, I grew up with two older sisters, played outfield for the same high school and volunteered for our local emergency services. To top it off, we have both spent time working on a tobacco farm. Even though I am a few years older than Jarrett and live in Richmond, I found myself reliving a few memories of growing up in my hometown.

For Jarrett's Senior portraits, we stood in left field at the local high school (the turf was in great shape!), he also donned his turn out gear and shared a moment with his sisters who he obviously adores. Thanks again Jarrett; a kindred spirit, it was good to stand in the outfield with you!

Wedding in the Garden

Images © Robert Harris Photography
The Japanese Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond was the backdrop for Darryl and Kanae's wedding and celebration. The garden was a beautiful setting as music and vows filled the air on a warm summer evening. Kanae's family made the trip from Japan to be with their daughter on her wedding day. Darryl's mother also celebrated her birthday during the dinner reception at the Tea House within the garden.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Foreman. May your marriage be richly blessed.

Emily at Five

Photograph © Robert Harris Photography

Emily is a very mature and beautiful five year old child. The setting was on the family's sprawling property just outside of Richmond. We chose an area by the lake on the far end of the property to create the portrait. It was a fitting location, however the lighting needed a little help to create modeling and depth on her face and curls. Light was added by using strobes and reflectors to help define Emily's features while retaining the rim of light around her hair and shoulders. Being a hot day, we had a conversation about her favorite ice cream. This raw image will now be enhanced and canvassed to 24"x30" before being framed and installed in her parent's new home. Happy Birthday, Emily...now....who's ready for ice cream!

Gayle and JW

Gayle and JW were married on a warm summer evening in the heart of Southern Virginia near the village of Blackridge. Hundreds packed the church to share in their exchange of vows. It was nice to be a witness and share in their memories of the day. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Gee!
Images © Robert Harris Photography

A River Runs Through It

Image © Robert Harris Photography

The James River is a natural resource that many families in the Richmond area make a part of their lives. With a vast array of activities, a family can kayak, hike, mountain bike, fish or just relax while enjoying the wildlife that lives along the river. With the daily stress of work in a metropolitan area, the river is just a stones throw away for the majority of families living in Metro Richmond.

In this portrait, Mom and Dad are both lawyers who enjoy the benefits of the James River's activities. For this reason, we chose to photograph them along the river bank. Although the morning was very warm, a breeze coming off the water created a refreshing moment as the image was made. Today a portrait was made; tomorrow we paddle the river!

Down on the Farm

Image © Robert Harris Photography

Growing up on the farm can be a daily adventure. With tractors, open fields and plenty of fresh air, what's not to like being a kid in the country. We recently photographed formal portraits of the Jones children and to end the session, we played a little. The two older sisters frame their younger brother in a metaphor of their bond as siblings. With a few pieces of farm equipment in the background, the image creates a wonderful moment that their parents will enjoy in addition to the formals which were also made in various locations around the property.

As the children grow older and remember this slice of life, they will feel the grass crunch under their bare feet...just as they did when the portrait was created.

A Trip Around Richmond

Images © Robert Harris Photography
To illustrate a personal engagement album for Mary and Andy, we had the pleasure of making brief visits to several areas around Richmond. The city is steeped in history, which was Mary's major in college. She asked if we would consider illustrating a book by visiting several historic areas as well as personal favorites and we gladly accepted. On our whirlwind excursion we visited the Jefferson Hotel where Andy had proposed to Mary during dinner. We also stopped by a few historic areas around the city such as the Valentine Museum, Monument Ave., Byrd Theater and Libbie Hill Park. Our final stop was on the couples front porch. There's no place like home!!