This is a collection of a few of my favourite natural-light portraits from recent shoots. I love people’s faces, and I love to go in for extremely close, intimate portraits. Whenever possible—whether it’s a wedding, engagement, or family shoot—I’ll try to find a time to grab a few of these super close-ups. My one rule is to never ask for a smile (or have ’em “say cheese”)… instead, I have to illicit a natural reaction. The technical aspects are important, but not nearly as important as an honest expression.
It was a brisk November afternoon in Waterloo Park but at least the sun was out. We shot fast and had tons of fun climbing all over the trains. I really dig all the colours and straight lines as backgrounds. Kathy (second from left) and I had worked together in the past and we always talked about doing a photo shoot together. This was a rare day where all the members of her family were in town and available. She contacted me the day before and we set it up!
Paige (second from the left) contacted me to photograph her family, and said they’d like it to be near water. I was surprised when they agreed to hop right into the creek! The Killick family was super fun to work with, and totally game for any crazy idea I might have had. Photos taken on the hot hot spring afternoon of May 31, 2011.
