What’s it like to do a photo shoot with your toddlers by a professional? Exciting, chaotic, spontaneous and exhausting!
The girls and I had an opportunity to do a photo shoot with the wonderful Anne Drager, photographer and artist who resides in Montauk, NY. Anne invited us to be part of a photo essay she has been working on called “Women in White and Men in Black”. This was the first time two little girls would join as subject. Of course anything new and different could be a little daunting to a toddler but both girls warmed up to the idea of playing with fabrics, linens and their favorite stuff animals in front of a camera pretty quickly. Anne was smart enough to also employ bubbles, toys and sweets as props and treats. We were working within the confines of a private in house studio. I’m not sure who was worried more about breaking down the set prematurely, Anne or myself. It was a challenge for me to find my natural expressions to be fit for a camera when I was worried about Nina knocking over the lighting set up but Anne guided us through gracefully and calmly. Before we knew it, like most things, the whirl wind of activity was over and we were strapped into our car seats headed back home. Just the next day, I received pictures that came from what seemed like a disaster at times that were not only beautiful but storytelling, fantastic and fun as only children could be.
If you don’t know Ann or havn’t seen any of her work please visit her site: http://www.annedrager.com/. Ann focuses her art on her photography, jewelry, fashion and textiles. As you can see, Ann enjoys working in multiple mediums in her creations. Anne also runs “The Drager House” a nature and art lover’s paradise on Navy Road in Montauk, NY.
I have unique photos that I will cherish forever almost as much as I treasure my girls. Thank you to Anne and thank you for reading.
Do you have any photos or photo stories you’d like to share? Comment to this blog or e-mail heather@kidmontauk.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
